Your Hamptons Summer Guide 2026
By Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group
This Summer the atmosphere in the Hamptons is all about celebrations with America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence this July. Whilst there are probably more than 250 ways to enjoy the Hamptons this summer season, here are among the most exclusive guest lists to be on, where you can go and where you can make the most difference helping to raise money for worthwhile causes, enjoy summer dinners and cocktails, see spectacular performances, and dance the night away.
The Lists to Be On
Enjoy a summer of Cabaret produced by Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone – Hamptons Summer Songbook by The Sea - live at LTV Studios. Among the Broadway Greats that the line-up this season includes are Norm Lewis (June 28th), Ann Hampton Callaway (July 11th), Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch (July 18th), Eric Yves Garcia & Maria Abous (July 25th), Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano (August 1st), KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi & Stephanie Pope (August 22nd) and Donna McKecknie (August 29th).
For tickets and further details please visit bit.ly/3PYmNz2
For those looking to add a dose of heritage to the summer season, the Southampton History Museum offers an engaging window into the architecture, culture, and stories that shaped the village. Its annual Halsey House Gala returns on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the historic Halsey House & Garden, with Jean Shafiroff and Mary Slattery serving as gala co-chairs. The museum’s mission of preservation and education makes it an essential cultural stop for visitors who want to experience the Hamptons beyond the beach.
The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, better known as SOFO, remains one of the Hamptons’ most meaningful destinations for families, nature lovers, and supporters of environmental education with celebrity supporters including Liev Schreiber, Jeff Corwin, Susan & David Rockefeller, Dick Grasso, Ronald Lauder, Jill Zarin, and Alex Guarnaschelli. Based in Bridgehampton, the museum offers programming that connects visitors to the natural world of the East End, while its 37th Annual Summer Gala on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 once again promises to be one of the season’s important philanthropic gatherings, with VIP reception and dinner programming extending through the evening. This year’s honorees will include Bernadette Castro, Fabien Cousteau, Louise & Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff.
One Art Space, Tribeca will be one of the featured galleries with works by Shepard Fairey at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, taking place July 9th – 12th, 2026, at the Southampton Fairgrounds. Known internationally for his bold graphic language, and street art roots, Fairey brings a dynamic contemporary edge to One Art Space’s fair presentation connects the gallery’s downtown New York perspective with the Hamptons’ summer art audience.
ACE Programs for the Homeless will host its 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament in Southampton on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, benefiting the Charity and its programs. The event will take place at 155 Hill Street in Southampton, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and tournament play from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a limited field of 24 players. Tickets may be purchased for the tournament and cocktail/dinner party, or for the cocktail/dinner party only. The evening celebration will follow from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with cocktails, dinner, live music and valet service.
Tickets may be purchased at AceNewYork.org
Bradford Rand and his team at RAND Luxury will be hosting their invitation-only Annual Hamptons Concours D’Elegance event on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 bringing together over $100m of classic and contemporary cars with a special emphasis on the Ferrari and Porsche marques at the estate of Kenneth and Maria Fishel in Bridgehampton, benefiting Southampton’s Animal Shelter and SOFO. Some of the event sponsors include Morgan Stanley, Ferrari of Long Island, Louis XIII by Rémy Martin, Rendezvous Films, Manhattan Motorcars, Barnes Yachting, Apollo Jets, Aston Martin of Long Island, Augustine Jewels, and Ryan Friedman Motorcars.
NYC Second Chance Rescue will host its 5th Annual Hamptons Benefit on Friday, August 7th, 2026 at a private estate in Bridgehampton. This year’s benefit supports NYC Second Chance Rescue’s mission to save the most vulnerable animals, particularly large breed dogs and those in urgent need of life-saving medical care. Last year’s event honored animal advocate Christine Evangelista and a special musical performance by Robin Thicke.
Northwell Health’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health is holding its Summer Hamptons Evening on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 in Water Mill, NY. The event will be hosted by presenting sponsors Victoria Moran-Furman, Eric Moran, Iris and Saul Katz, and Larry Scott, with Good Day New York’s Rosanna Scotto serving as emcee. Funds raised will support the Institute. The evening celebration will include dinner under the tent by Lawrence Scott Events, an impactful program and a special musical performance.
The Hamptons’ most anticipated literary traditions returns on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, when the East Hampton Library presents its 22nd Annual Authors Night Fundraiser. Widely regarded as one of the most popular and celebrity-studded events of the summer calendar, Authors Night brings together 100 authors across genres for an evening of book signings, conversation, and private dinners held in their honor including Mom’s Book of Wisdom by Norah Lawlor. Beginning with the Authors cocktail party reception under a grand tent at Herrick Park, it remains a perennial highlight for book lovers and social season regulars alike.
Where to Dine
Southampton Social Club returns for its 16th summer in the Hamptons with a renewed “Be More Social” vision while remaining at the heart of the East End’s social scene. Led by restaurateur Ian Duke, its celebrated Supper Club continues to evolve with experiential dining, live music, and dynamic entertainment. A new kitchen team and chef bring a refreshed menu, paired with a cutting-edge cocktail program featuring refined classics and highly Instagrammable non-alcoholic creations. Nightly Happy Hour at the outdoor bar, al fresco dining, private cabanas, and exclusive private event opportunities, complete the summer appeal.
256 Elm Street, Southampton, New York
Union Burger Bar, led by Ian Duke, continues to redefine American comfort food in the Hamptons with a modern take on classic favorites. Known for its gourmet burgers—led by the Double Truffle Smash Burger, The Mac Attack, and the CBD—the restaurant pairs premium ingredients with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Standout offerings also include its signature shakes, from indulgent boozy creations like the Sweet Kentucky Caramel to over-the-top classics like the Cookie Monster.
Guests can enjoy weekly programming such as Taco Tuesdays, Trivia Nights, and Bingo, along with outdoor dining on the patio and lawn. Featuring a private event space accommodating up to 200 guests and a prime location at Bowden Square at the entrance to the Village of Southampton, Union Burger Bar remains a go-to destination for dining, gatherings, and summer nights in the Hamptons.
40 Bowden Square, Southampton NY 11968
ZErdem Restaurant in Greenport offers a lively Mediterranean dining experience rooted in fresh flavors, grilled meats, seafood, vibrant dips and shareable plates. Located on Main Street, the restaurant brings together casual dining, warm service and a transportive menu inspired by the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, with lunch, dinner, late-night dining, cocktails, outdoor seating and weekend brunch. ZErdem adds a destination restaurant element to Greenport’s summer hospitality scene, making it a natural stop for visitors seeking before or after exploring the charming village.
314 Main Street, Greenport NY 11944
Where to Sleep
For those seeking one of the East End’s most refined, award-winning properties to stay this summer, The Baker House 1650 remains the standout Hamptons address. An historic East Hampton property pairs old world charm with an elevated boutique experience, offering private grounds, distinctive guest rooms, one-of-a-kind spa facility in the Hamptons, and a coveted village location that makes it ideal for a summer escape. The Baker House delivers the sort of intimacy, privacy, and elegance that continues to attract guests looking for a more polished alternative to the larger resort scene. For those looking for a refined hostess gift, a stylish keepsake, or a little piece of East Hampton luxury to take home, the Baker House boutique offers a thoughtfully edited shopping experience.
ZEY Hotel, created by restaurateur Zach Erdem, brings a stylish boutique stay to the heart of Greenport, offering an intimate North Fork escape with eight rooms and two luxury suites. Located on Main Street, the property pairs village charm with polished hospitality, featuring sumptuous bedding, indulgent minibars, 100% Egyptian cotton bathrobes and complimentary wireless internet. ZEY Hotel offers guests a relaxed but design-conscious home base for exploring Greenport’s restaurants, shops, waterfront, wineries and summer cultural scene.
Life’s Little Luxuries
Mariebelle Chocolates – The Perfect Hosting Gift
Woman-owned MarieBelle New York is a world-renowned luxury chocolate company celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The fine art edibles are hand-made at their factory in Brooklyn NY with retail locations throughout New York City and Japan. The flagship store in New York’s Soho District offers chocolate lovers a sumptuous shopping experience. Whether it is the Signature artisanal ganache, lavish truffles and bars, or their custom chocolates with personalized art – the name MarieBelle is synonymous with everything that is refined, beautifully designed and decadent.
Marina St. Barth – Get the Look for Summer Chic
Marina St. Barth infuses the Hamptons with the relaxed elegance of Saint Barthélemy, and this year are celebrating their 20th Anniversary. The brand is now nestled in a new store in Southampton, alongside their Palm Beach and Naples, Florida locations. Available online and at boutiques across these destinations, the brand offers a carefully curated selection of resort wear from global designers alongside its own label. Each piece blends effortless style with quiet luxury, perfect for sun-drenched days and coastal evenings.
Top Secret Spa
At the Baker House 1650, The Baker Spa feels like one of the Hamptons’ best kept wellness secrets: an intimate, award-winning retreat designed for just two people at a time, where privacy and calm take center stage. Guests can reserve the entire spa for a deeply personal escape and unwind with access to a heated counter-current pool, hydra Jacuzzi soaking tub, eucalyptus steam shower, private changing room, and treatment services including massage and facials, all within a serene, design-forward setting that blends historic character with modern luxury. Adding to its distinct appeal, the spa also features Luzern Labs skincare, bringing a clean, high-potency Swiss alpine element to the experience and reinforcing its reputation as a discreet oasis for restoration in East Hampton.
Summer Reads
Mom’s Book of Wisdom: Timeless Advice from My Mother & Yours
By Norah Lawlor
There is a familiar moment that arrives with age, sometimes quietly, sometimes mid-sentence: you hear your mother’s voice coming out of your own mouth. The book gathers essential lessons passed down through generations, the kind that shape how people handle disappointment, choose resilience, show up for family and keep moving forward when life becomes complicated and captures that universal experience and turns it into a warm, practical collection of guidance meant to be returned to again and again.
The hardcover release will be available April 28, 2026, published by Hatherleigh Press and distributed by Penguin Random House is currently available for pre-order on amazon.
Successful Philanthropy: How to Make A Life by What You Give
By Jean Shafiroff
This inspirational book by philanthropist, TV host, author, human rights and animal advocate, Jean Shafiroff encourages aspiring philanthropists to build the fulfillment of giving into their lives. Drawing from her experiences in philanthropy, the volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson authored the practical guide to modern giving, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make A Life by What You Give to empower all individuals to get involved in the act of charitable giving. Now in its second printing, the book is available in select bookstores and from Barnes & Noble and Amazon in hardcover and paperback.
