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Hamptons Happenings

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Photo: Kurt. H. Leggard

Why Art & Soul Hamptons draws visitors to Southampton for a full weekend of Black art, culture, community and the Hamptons experience.

The Hamptons summer calendar is packed with galas, openings, dinners, concerts and parties, butΒ Art & Soul Hamptons continues to find a way to stand out.Β 2025 was incredible, and founder Yaya Reyes continues to give us something different every year. For 2026, she did it again.Β While most Hamptons events last a few hours, Art & Soul invites you to experience something more. You arrive, but you do not simply mingle, take a few pictures and go home.Β Art & Soul Hamptons asks you to stay.

Photo: Kurt H. Leggard

That may be one of the reasonsΒ Art & Soul HamptonsΒ continues to resonate with people who are willing to travel from across the country for an entire weekend in Southampton. FounderΒ Yaya ReyesΒ created a curated Hamptons experience where art, food, history, music, film, wellness and community unfold over three days. She also intentionally caps the guest list, giving attendees enough space and time to fully experience what has been planned.

We have become accustomed to events being measured by how many people can fit into a room. Art & Soul Hamptons takes a different approach. Limiting attendance changes the experience. You begin recognizing people you met the night before. A quick introduction on Friday may turn into a longer conversation on Saturday. By Sunday, you could find yourself having brunch with someone who was a complete stranger when the weekend started.

Photo: Kurt H. Leggard

The word “curated” is important when describing Art & Soul Hamptons. The festival is not simply curating art. It is curating an experience. This year’s festival moved guests throughout Southampton, including the Southampton Arts Center, Southampton African American Museum, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, 75 Main and Southampton Inn. Each stop offered something different while remaining connected to the larger weekend.

Come for the Weekend, Not Just the Party

Friday night could easily stand on its own as a great summer event, but that would miss the point. Come for the weekend, not just the party. The experience is designed to unfold over three days, giving guests a reason to stay in Southampton, explore the community and experience more of what the Hamptons has to offer.

Photo: Kurt. H. Leggard

Opening night at the newly reimagined Southampton Arts Center set the tone for Art & Soul Hamptons. The outdoor grounds created a relaxed atmosphere where guests could move around, experience ARTBOii’s exhibition, enjoy food and drinks, listen to music and actually have conversations.

The culinary tasting was definitely a highlight, featuring Chef Cheryl Grigg, Chef Sakari Smithwick, Chef Leighton Murdock, Chef Doug Gee and the Long Island Shucking Truck. I had a few favorites. The pulled pork and grits were delicious, the tacos from Armona Culinary were another standout, and Chef Doug Gee’s carrot cake was memorable.

The experience continued with a Wine Stylings tasting presented by certified sommelier, wine educator and author Charles Springfield, assisted by Lea Williams of Let’s Talk Wine. New England Sweetwater sponsored the sipping experience. Wellness and beverage activations included a juice bar from The Nourish Spot, a Bloody Mary Mix Bar from K Bloody Mary Mix, non-dairy Thai iced tea from PAIJA Tea Co. and a seamoss bar from Love You More Seamoss.

photo Kurt H. Leggard

Music also helped set the mood. Flutist Dwayne Kerr performed live, while Kurt Leggard photographed the red carpet experience. Guests later gathered for a screening of Crossroads, followed by a film talkback. The evening shifted back to music with Hamptons local favorite Rum Punch Mafia.

photo: Kurt H. Leggard

Even the swag bags became part of the Art & Soul Hamptons experience. There was a lot happening throughout the night, but it never felt like too much. Guests could explore at their own pace, stop for a conversation and decide what they wanted to experience next. That balance is exactly what made opening night work.

Hamptons Gift bags, Photo Kurt H. Leggard

Nothing Was Stopping This Party

Saturday gave Art & Soul Hamptons a completely different challenge. It rained all day, and plans had to change. Anyone who attends or produces summer events in the Hamptons knows that weather can quickly change everything. The rain changed the logistics, but nothing was stopping this party. The pivot actually led to one of my favorite experiences of the weekend.

photo: Kurt H. Leggard

Saturday evening brought Art & Soul Hamptons inside the Southampton African American Museum, where we experienced artist Damien Davis’ exhibition, Hedges and Edges. Davis took us into the history and cultural importance of the Black barbershop, not simply as a place to get a haircut, but as a place where people gathered, exchanged information, talked politics, built relationships and found community. The location made the experience even more powerful because the Southampton African American Museum occupies a building that was once a Black barbershop.

Photo: Kurt H. Leggard

Black Culture Is Already Part of Hamptons History

Before viewing Davis’ work, guests heard Brenda Simmons, co-founder of the Southampton African American Museum, share stories about Black families and businesses that helped shape the East End. She spoke about families who came from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for work and opportunity. They worked on farms and in local industries, opened businesses, raised families and created communities.

Photo: Kurt H. Leggard

Brenda also shared the story of her father, Noah T. Simmons, and the Cottage Inn in East Hampton. Her family history opened another window into the Black social and entertainment scene that existed here decades ago. Hearing those stories before seeing Davis’ work gave the exhibition even more meaning and reinforced something that Art & Soul Hamptons illustrates so well. Black culture is not being brought to the Hamptons as though it has never existed here. Black culture is already part of Hamptons history.

Photo: Kurt H. Leggard

They Are Purchasing an Experience

People traveled from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Florida, Seattle and other parts of the country for Art & Soul Hamptons this year. They are not simply purchasing admission to an event. They are purchasing an experience. For someone visiting the Hamptons for the first time, Art & Soul offers an entry point that looks different from the version of the Hamptons often seen on television or social media.

  • The Hamptons lifestyle, with beautiful spaces, great food, cocktails, music and summer parties.
  • The Shinnecock Indian Reservation, through a private visit to Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio.
  • The Southampton African American Museum, connecting visitors to Black history on the East End.
  • Black artists and entrepreneurs, whose work and businesses are intentionally centered throughout the weekend.
  • Local history, including stories that many visitors, and even some residents, may not know.
  • Real conversations and connections, made possible by a smaller, intentionally capped guest list.
  • Community, which ultimately ties the entire Art & Soul Hamptons weekend together.

The vendors, sponsors and gift bags were also part of theΒ Art & Soul HamptonsΒ experience. Throughout the weekend, guests were introduced to businesses across food, wine, spirits, beauty, wellness and lifestyle, including New England Sweetwater, The Nourish Spot, PAIJA Tea Co., Love You More Seamoss and K Bloody Mary Mix. The VIP gift bags extended that experience beyond the weekend with products from brands including Miss Jessie’s, Stanley 1913 x NEST, Tea FortΓ©, Cambridge Chemists, Purpose Jewelry, Brownkind, Bespoke Flowers and many others.

What I appreciated was that these partnerships did not feel separate from the event. They were incorporated into theΒ Art & Soul Hamptons experience, giving attendees an opportunity to discover new products and businesses while giving participating brands direct access to an engaged audience. That is another part of the curation that works. You leave with more than a gift bag. You leave having discovered businesses, artists, food and experiences that you may continue supporting long after the weekend is over.

That combination gives Art & Soul Hamptons visitors a fuller picture of Southampton. Guests are also staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, visiting local businesses and spending several days discovering the East End. The cultural experience becomes an economic one as well, something Southampton African American Museum co-founder Brenda Simmons has also highlighted when discussing the festival’s impact on the village.

A Different Kind of Luxury

Art & Soul Hamptons also made me think about what luxury really means. In the Hamptons, luxury is often associated with exclusivity. Maybe luxury is also having enough space to enjoy where you are, meeting an artist and having time to hear the story behind the work, sitting down for brunch with people you met the night before, or spending three days discovering a community instead of racing from one event to another.

The capped guest list is an important part of the experience. There is a difference between being exclusive simply for the sake of exclusivity and intentionally limiting attendance so people can participate. Yaya has created an environment where guests are not simply standing in a crowd watching an experience happen around them. They become part of it.

By Sunday, Something Has Changed

A three-day Art & Soul Hamptons experience creates something a single event cannot. It creates time. Friday is about meeting people. Saturday gives you an opportunity to reconnect. By Sunday, relationships have started to form. The weekend concluded with the Bubble & Bloom Brunch benefiting the Southampton African American Museum, bringing the experience back to culture, history and community.

Five years into Art & Soul Hamptons, Yaya Reyes seems to understand what many people are looking for when they travel. They still want beautiful spaces, great food, music and fun, but they also want experiences that feel worth their time. They want to discover something, meet people, learn something and leave with stories they can take home.

That is why Art & Soul Hamptons works. It gives people a reason to come to the Hamptons for more than a party. It invites them to stay for the weekend, experience Southampton, discover Black history, support artists and businesses, make connections and enjoy themselves along the way.

Art & Soul Hamptons is not simply selling an event. It is curating a Hamptons experience that people want to come back to.

Real Talk. Real People. Real Experiences.

Where Harlem Meets the Hamptons: SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 –APOLLO IN THE HAMPTONS 2026!

What do Harlem and Sag Harbor have in common? At first glance, not much. One is known for its iconic brownstones, jazz clubs, and the legendary Apollo Theater. The other is celebrated for its waterfront charm, beautiful beaches, and small-town character. Take a closer look, however, and you’ll discover a rich history that has connected these two communities for generations. For decades, Black families from Harlem spent their summers in Sag Harbor, helping establish one of America’s oldest historic Black beachfront communities. That connection is still alive today, making Apollo in the Hamptons feel less like a fundraiser and more like a homecoming.

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Apollo Theater Foundation returns to EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton for its premier summer fundraiser. The evening promises world-class entertainment, exceptional dining, and an opportunity to support one of the most important cultural institutions in American history.

Apollo in the Hamptons is much more than an elegant evening on the East End.

Every ticket purchased helps support the Apollo Theater Foundation’s year-round artistic programming, arts education, emerging artist development, and community engagement. Those programs continue the Apollo’s mission of creating opportunities for future generations of performers while preserving the theater’s remarkable legacy.

The event also supports the Apollo’s historic restoration, ensuring that one of America’s most celebrated stages continues inspiring audiences for decades to come.

This year’s entertainment lineup celebrates both legendary artists and unforgettable live performances.

Guests will enjoy performances from the iconic R&B trio Brownstone, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Estelle, and DJ Aktive. The evening concludes with the return of DJ Cassidy’s legendary Pass the Mic, an experience that has become one of the most talked-about live performances anywhere in the world.

Pass the Mic is never just another concert. It is an interactive celebration that brings together generations of artists in one unforgettable performance. Every appearance creates moments audiences remember long after the music ends.

Waterfront views, exceptional cuisine, dancing, and Harlem’s unmistakable energy promise another memorable evening.

The Apollo Theater is much more than a building on 125th Street.

It represents dreams.

It represents opportunity.

It represents Black excellence.

The Apollo introduced the world to artists including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, and countless others who forever changed American music and culture.

Preserving the Apollo means protecting those stories while creating space for future artists to write their own.

Apollo in the HamptonsΒ is part ofΒ On Our Toes in the Hamptons: A Weekend of Cultural Elevation, at Guild Hall is a collaborative initiative that brings together organizations whose work spans music, theater, dance, visual arts, and community engagement. As part of the weekend’s celebration of Black artistic excellence, theΒ Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational CenterΒ will host twoΒ free community master classesΒ onΒ Saturday, August 1. TheΒ Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA)Β will lead a community dance class, while internationally acclaimed choreographerΒ Ronald K. BrownΒ and his renownedΒ Evidence, A Dance Company, will offer a free dance workshop. Together, these programs provide a unique opportunity for local residents, aspiring performers, and dance enthusiasts of all ages to learn from some of the nation’s most respected artists while experiencing the rich traditions that continue to connect Harlem and the Hamptons. Events like Apollo in the Hamptons and these free community workshops remind us that preserving culture isn’t only about honoring the past. It’s also about investing in the next generation of artists, storytellers, and creative voices. The partnership demonstrates the power of cultural collaboration while celebrating Black artistic excellence across generations.

Growing up in Harlem, the Apollo was never simply another theater. It was the heartbeat of 125th Street. Walking past those famous marquee lights meant something. Every Amateur Night offered someone the opportunity to become the next household name. Every standing ovation became part of Harlem’s story.

Seeing that same spirit celebrated in the Hamptons feels especially meaningful. Sag Harbor has always shared a unique relationship with Harlem. Families built memories there. Friendships were formed there. Traditions continue there today.Apollo in the Hamptons honors that connection beautifully.

  • Music brings everyone together.
  • History reminds us why it matters.
  • Culture ensures the story continues.
  • That is why preserving the Apollo matters.
  • That is why events like this deserve our support.

Apollo in the Hamptons
Saturday, August 1, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
EHP Resort & Marina (Si Si Restaurant)
295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road
East Hampton, NY 11937

Guests will enjoy exceptional dining, live entertainment, and performances by Brownstone, Estelle, DJ Aktive, and DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic, all while supporting the Apollo Theater Foundation. For tickets and additional information, visit apollotheater.org

Photo courtesy of The Apollo Theater Foundation.

2025 https://hamptonsmouthpiece.com/apollo-in-the-hamptons-is-back/

Jean Shafiroff, Andy Sabin, photo Kurt, Leggard

Bridgehampton, NY: SOFO’s 37th Annual Summer Gala Some summer evenings remind you exactly why people fall in love with the East End; Saturday night, July 11th 2026 at the South Fork Natural History Museum was one of them.

Golden Pear CafΓ© stole my heart with an incredibly rich lobster mac and cheese that disappeared almost as quickly as it hit the serving tray. Page served tender duck on buttery croissants that practically melted in your mouth. Sen delivered beautifully prepared sushi that looked almost too good to eat, while LDV at The Maidstone impressed with a fresh, perfectly balanced tuna tartare.

Then there was Lunch. Their lobster rolls were overflowing with sweet lobster meat. If you’ve followed me long enough, you already know I’m a lobster purist. Personally, I could have done without the celery. The lobster deserved to be the star of every bite.

One surprise of the evening came from Events by Peter Ambrose. His seafood stew was comforting, flavorful, and one of those dishes that had guests asking, “Who made this?”

Events by Peter Ambros, Photo Vanessa Leggard

As cocktails flowed courtesy of WΓΆlffer Estate Vineyard, Kidd Squid Brewing Company, Channing Daughters Winery, LALO Tequila, Hampton Coffee Company, Amagansett Wines & Spirits, and other local beverage partners, guests wandered through the museum grounds, catching up with old friends and making new connections.

Bradford Rand, Toranosuke Matsuoka, photo Vanessa Leggard

SOFO honored Bernadette Castro, Fabien Cousteau, Jean Shafiroff, and Stephen and Louise Pesce, recognizing their commitment to conservation, philanthropy, education, and community service.

Louise Pesce, Stephen Pesce, photo Kurt Leggard

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from Fabien Cousteau, grandson of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, whose words perfectly captured why organizations like SOFO matter.

Fabien Cousteau, Andy Sabin, Photo Kurt Leggard

SOFO’s 37th Annual Summer Gala was made possible through the generosity of sponsors including the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, Wells Fargo, HSBC, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, RAND Luxury’s Hamptons Concours d’Elegance, Carl Safina & The Safina Center, Whitmores, Summerhill Landscapes, Something Different Party Rental, Dylan’s Candy Bar, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, and many others. Local restaurants, wineries, breweries, chefs, volunteers, and donors all played a role in creating an evening that celebrated both the East End and the mission of protecting it.

Susan Rockefeller, Annabel Schultz, photo, Kurt Leggard
Ulrika Parash, Ronan Brady, Jack Blackmore, Declan Blackmore, Ann Blackmore, Audrey Sanchez, William Blackmore, Andrea Marro, Torro Marro, Tatsiana Corcoran, Edward Corcoran, photo Kurt Leggard

Looking for more East End events? Explore our latest coverage of charity galas, community events, restaurants, and things to do across the Hamptons.

hamptonsmouthpiece.com/category/featured-events/fundraiser-for-a-cause

Fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market

Fresh-picked produce, local flowers, artisan foods, baked goods, seafood, and family-owned farms are part of what makes summer on the East End so special. Whether you’re shopping for just-picked tomatoes, sweet corn, fresh herbs, or handmade jams, these Hamptons farmers markets and farm stands offer some of the best local products on Long Island.

July 2026. Market dates and hours may change throughout the season. We recommend checking each market’s social media or website before visiting.

Hamptons Farmers Markets

πŸ“ Herrick Park, East Hampton (seasonal location may vary)

  • Fridays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • May through September

πŸ“ 367 Main Street, Amagansett

  • Open Daily
  • 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

A local favorite featuring organic vegetables, prepared foods, flowers, baked goods, and products from Amber Waves Farm.

πŸ“ Ashawagh Hall
780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton

  • Saturdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • May through September

πŸ“ Corner of Second Street & South Street, Greenport

  • Fridays:Β 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays:Β 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • June through October

πŸ“ St. Mary’s Church
165 Ponquogue Avenue

  • Saturdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • May through September

πŸ“ Montauk Village Green

  • Thursdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • June through October

πŸ“ 117 East Main Street
(Across from the Suffolk Theater)

  • Saturdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • May through October

πŸ“ Bay & Burke Streets
(In front of Breakwater Yacht Club)

  • Saturdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • May through October

πŸ“ Havens House
16 South Ferry Road

  • Saturdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – Noon
  • May through September

πŸ“ 25 Jobs Lane
West Side of Southampton Cultural Center

  • Sundays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • May – September 13th

πŸ“ Village Green
85 Mill Road

  • Saturdays
  • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • May – November

Hamptons Farm Stands

πŸ“ 715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck

πŸ“ 4414 Sound Avenue, Riverhead

Famous for homemade pies, seasonal fruit, and fresh produce. This Raspberry Cream is Heavenly.

Briermere Farms, raspberry cream pie
All Rights Reserved

πŸ“ 25180 County Road 48, Peconic

Certified organic farm offering vegetables, prepared foods, flowers, and locally sourced products.

πŸ“ 166 Montauk Highway

πŸ“ 76 Montauk Highway

πŸ“ 436 Montauk Highway

Nurel’s Farmers Market

πŸ“ 226 East Montauk Highway

πŸ“ County Road 39

πŸ“ 160 Newlight Lane

  • Daily
  • 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • June through October

πŸ“ 829 Montauk Highway

πŸ“ 513 Deerfield Road

Fresh vegetables, flowers, fruit, baked goods, and juices.

πŸ“ 1346 Montauk Highway

πŸ“ 65 Seven Ponds Road

  • Daily
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hamptons Farmers Market fresh vegetables

πŸ“ 69 Horsemill Lane

Family-friendly farm featuring seasonal produce and activities.

πŸ“ 97 School Street

Known for prepared foods, baked goods, produce, and specialty groceries.

πŸ“ 720 Butter Lane

  • Daily
  • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

πŸ“ 3980 Noyac Road

Offers:

  • Local seafood from Montauk and Shinnecock
  • Fresh produce
  • Mecox Bay Dairy cheeses
  • Catapano goat cheese
  • Fresh mozzarella
  • Homemade breads
  • Cookies
  • Pies
  • Pound cakes
  • Seasonal baked goods

πŸ“ 87 North Ferry Road (Route 114)

Located next to Bob’s Fish Market.

Seasonal hours:

  • Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Late June through Labor Day Weekend.

πŸ“ 92 Spring Close Highway

Fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, ostrich eggs, chicken eggs, baked goods, and seasonal pony rides.

πŸ“ 42 Oak View Highway

Organic and conventionally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

πŸ“ 184 Three Mile Harbor Road

πŸ“ 367 Main Street

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

πŸ“ 82 Sagg Main Street

Daily
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, and baked goods.

Montauk’s first organic farm.

πŸ“ 71 South Elmwood Avenue

Known for fresh produce, prepared foods, and local favorites.

Why Shop Local?

Shopping at Hamptons farmers markets and farm stands supports East End farmers, fishermen, bakers, and small businesses while giving you access to food that’s often harvested just hours before it reaches your table. Whether you’re planning a beach picnic, stocking your summer kitchen, or simply looking for the freshest produce available, these markets showcase the best of Long Island’s agricultural community.

If you own or operate a farmers market or farm stand on the East End, email Hamptons Mouthpiece with your updated information and we’ll gladly add it to this guide.

Real Talk, Real People, Real information.