Come mid-May, the social scene in New York quiets down, and the see-and-be-seen crowd decamps to the Hamptons. The pandemic may have put a damper on the buzzy events in the East End last summer, but thankfully, that’s not the case this year: the May to September season promises a packed calendar of parties, fundraisers and more.
The following list is by no means comprehensive, but it does give a snapshot of some of the gatherings happening out East in 2021.
The kick off is on May 17 at the 33rd Annual Geraldo Rivera Golf Classic at Old Westbury Golf & Country Club. Powerhouse broadcaster Sean Hannity will ring in the festivities to honor and raise funds for Life’s WORC, commemorating fifty years of making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Teeing off at noon, Hannity joins charity founder Vicki Schneps and the event’s host, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Geraldo Rivera.
Southampton village will hold two events on May 28. Author Leesa Rowland will have a signing party at T-Bar Southampton for her new motivational book published by Hatherleigh Press, “The Charisma Factor: Unlock the Secrets of Magnetic Charm and Personal Influence in Your Life.” Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served at the event.
Then later in the day, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation honorary board member, Jean Shafiroff, also a prominent author and philanthropist, will host a private celebration to honor the community’s animal shelter in town.
For late night outings, Southampton Social Club will be a place to mingle. Memorial Day Weekend means dancing sessions under the stars with DJ Loki on May 28 and DJ Lomo the following night.
The Fourth of July holiday weekend will start off with a bang when Southampton Inn hosts a poolside BBQ featuring dishes from Claude’s Restaurant on the premises.
On July 10, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will hold its 17th Annual Hamptons Happening. Tickets are on sale now for the fundraiser that helps support cancer research. Celebrate health and wellness throughout a memorable night full of food and music, as well as congratulatory moments for participants in the first ever Global Walk to Flatten the Cancer Curve. Event committee members Maria Fishel and Kenneth Fishel will host the fundraiser on their estate in Bridgehampton.
Celebrate Bastille Day in the North Fork at Demarchelier Bistro on July 14. The restaurant’s annual holiday bash will highlight café classics Steak Tartare, Duck Confit, Salad Nicoise Classic, Pomme Dauphine, and the Quiche of the Day.
Polo is also making a comeback this summer. Matches will be held on a private Bridgehampton field. Expect fashionable guests at the invitation only event to sip chilled rosé and champagne as they cheer on their favorite players.
On July 24, Dan’s Taste hosts Chefs of the Hamptons: A Celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Guild Hall. The sit-down dinner at the new luxury EHP Resort & Marina will feature an fine dining and one-of-a-kind culinary feast with tastings from Chef Scott Kampf of Union Sushi Steak.
Later in the month, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Collaborating for a Cure Luncheon will take place at TBar Southampton. Guests who attend the August 20 event will enjoy talks with featured guest fashion designer Kobi Halperin.
On August 7, BELLA Magazine honors the season with its annual summer issue party at Southampton Social Club. This year guests will be serenaded by songs from Boyz II Men while seated in decked out cabanas on the lawn.
Parrish Art Museum will hold its Midsummer Party 50th Anniversary Celebration over two nights. Tickets will soon be on sale for August 13 and 14.
On the morning of August 15, the 26th Annual Ellen’s Run: Hybrid 5K Race will take place in Southampton. The event helps the Ellen Hermanson Foundation provide access to breast cancer screenings, especially for the uninsured, and free psycho-social support services for patients and their families.
Then on August 28, the Prostate Cancer Foundation will hold its annual Hamptons gala to fund the next groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research. Founder Michael Milken will host the event at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill. Past galas have brought to the stage performances by Bryan Adams and John Fogerty.
And there you have it: socializing in the Hamptons is back, and given the dearth of events last year, this summer is bound to be that much more unforgettable.