By Aislinn MacArthur
AUGUST 17
Southampton Arts Center Summerfest
This magical evening features dinner and music on the grounds of the Arts Center. The beloved cultural institution depends on its annual gala to maintain its family-centric community offerings and world-class programming all year long. Tickets from $1,000. The Southampton Arts Center, Southampton; southamptonartscenter.org
AUGUST 19
Moonlit Plunge
Spend a night under the stars at the third annual Moonlit Plunge in Southampton. Games, face painting, drinks, s’mores and music will abound as Coopers Beach lights up to support Heart of the Hamptons, a local food pantry and assistance program. Tickets from $60; free for kids 16 and under. Coopers Beach, Southampton; heartofthehamptons.org
AUGUST 24
East End Hospice Box Art Auction
Revel in the beauty of great art for a worthy cause this summer at the Hamptons’ Box Art Auction to support East End Hospice as it works to provide care for terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones living on the North and South Forks of Long Island. Leading up to the benefit, the boxes can be viewed at Hoie Hall on August 21 and 22. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Hoie Hall, 18 James Lane, East Hampton; eeh.org
AUGUST 22, 28 & 29
LongHouse Talks
Tune in to several thought-provoking events this August at the LongHouse Reserve. Multimedia artist Maryam Eisler is hosting a two-part talk series, Confined Artists—Free Spirits, where she and other creatives (Shirin Neshat and Mickalene Thomas on August 22; Eric Fischl and more on August 28) will discuss her work and its ability to capture what makes us human. Following the series, LongHouse wellness expert Jason Amis is hosting a conversation on August 29 with Ross Rayburn, author of Turning Inward: The Practice of Introversion for a Calm, Joyful, Authentic Life. Tickets $35. 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton; longhouse.org
AUGUST 25-SEPTEMBER 1
The Hampton Classic
As summer comes to a close, attend any day of the weeklong event to experience one of the most iconic Hamptons summer events, The Hampton Classic Horse Show. Experience the six show rings and enjoy activities for the whole family, including pony rides for children. Ticket prices vary by day, and go on sale August 1. 240 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton; hamptonclassic.com
SEPTEMBER 1
Rufus Wainwright in Concert
End your summer on a high note this year with a performance by the evocative Rufus Wainwright. A celebrated male vocalist praised for his “genuine originality” by The New York Times, he is taking the stage at Guild Hall. The performance will also feature a visual component by artist Gioele Amaro. Tickets from $50. Guild Hall, East Hampton; guildhall.org
SEPTEMBER 26-29
Sag Harbor American Music Festival
Step into fall this year at the Sag Harbor American Music Festival, with three days of free outdoor music in the village, from jazz and rock to pop. On the second day, English rock and folk musician Teddy Thompson headlines the event. Free. Sag Harbor; sagharbormusic.org