July 2026 Hamptons Events: The Best Galas, Benefits, Art Fairs & Can’t Miss Events

Spark Hamptons’ curated guide to July’s biggest charity galas, museum benefits, art fairs, polo matches, fireworks and cultural events across the East End.

July is one of the busiest months of the Hamptons summer season, with world-class art fairs, major charity benefits, museum galas, polo, fireworks and unforgettable cultural events happening nearly every day. Whether you’re planning your social calendar or looking to support a favorite nonprofit, here’s Spark Hamptons’ guide to the month’s can’t-miss events.


Thursday, July 9

11 a.m. | East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon
The Maidstone Club, East Hampton

Katie Couric
Christy Turlington Burns. Photo by Victor Demarchellier

Katie Couric moderates a conversation with Christy Turlington Burns at this annual fundraiser benefiting the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department.

VIP Preview: 5-9:30 p.m. | Hamptons Fine Art Fair (Runs July 9-12)
Southampton Fairgrounds

Stephen Strickland, Beach Day. Oil on canvas. Hagan Fine Art

The Hamptons’ premier fine art fair returns with more than 150 galleries, over $200 million in artwork and special exhibitions celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.


Friday, July 10

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hamptons Fine Art Fair VIP Spark of Conversation with Spark Hamptons
Southampton Fairgrounds

Join Spark Hamptons for an exclusive VIP experience at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair featuring complimentary fair admission, coffee and bagels, and a conversation with prominent art collectors Dr. Harvey Manes, Bruce Davis, Max Dolgicer, Rick Friedman (Hamptons Fine Art Fair producer) and others.

Angela LaGreca, EditorSpark Hamptons
Joy Behar, Rick Friedman. Photo by Lisa Tamburini @hamptonsphotog

Moderated by Spark Hamptons Editor, Angela LaGreca, the discussion explores what inspires great art, what drives collecting and how art shapes the way we live and create. Guests will also enjoy a docent-led highlights tour of the fair with art educator Gene Seidman, offering an insider’s look at standout works and exhibitions.

Complimentary VIP passes for July 10 must be reserved in advance using promo code SPARK2026. Log in to: HamptonsFineArtFair.com/tickets

6-8:30 p.m. | East Hampton Antiques & Design Show Preview Party
Mulford Farm, East Hampton
Presented by Ralph Lauren, the annual preview benefits the East Hampton Historical Society while offering first access to one of the East End’s premier antiques shows.
Website: easthamptonhistory.org


Saturday, July 11

2-5:30 p.m. | Love-All Against Abuse Tennis Event
Sportime Amagansett

Cate Carbonaro with Board Member Francesca Odell, at Retreat Tennis Event, July 2025. Photo courtesy of The Retreat

A tennis tournament, cocktails and auction benefiting The Retreat’s programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Website: r

4 p.m. | Hamptons Tea Dance
Nova’s Ark Project, Water Mill

One of the Hamptons’ signature summer LGBTQ+ celebrations returns to Nova’s Ark Project for an afternoon of music, dancing and community. This year’s event features the return of DJ Lina Bradford, with legendary nightlife icon Susanne Bartsch serving as host and emcee. The annual gathering welcomes LGBTQ+ guests and allies for a festive summer tradition.

4-7 p.m. | Springs Garden Party
East Hampton
Celebrate the Springs community with cocktails, live music and an auction benefiting the Springs Food Pantry.

5:30 p.m. | SOFO’s 37th Annual Gala Benefit: Champions of the Wild
South Fork Natural History Museum, Bridgehampton

Andy Sabin, Jean Shafiroff, Diana Aceti.
Jean Shafiroff Hosting Cocktail Party In Honor Of The South Fork History Museum, NYC,
June 24, 2026. Photo: Paul Bruinooge/PMC

Honoring Fabien Cousteau, Jean Shafiroff and others, SOFO’s signature fundraiser supports environmental education and conservation programs. Guest auctioneer: Angela LaGreca, Spark Hamptons Editor

6 p.m. | Bay Street Theater Summer Gala
Sag Harbor

Lin Manuel Miranda to be honored at Bay Street Gala on July 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Bay Street Theater

Cocktails, performances and a live auction benefit Bay Street Theater’s artistic and educational programming. Honoree: Lin-Manuel Miranda

4 p.m. | Summer of Tails Kickoff & Cocktails
Sagaponack Farm Distillery, Sagaponack

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation launches its new Summer of Tails series with an afternoon of specialty cocktails, light bites from 75 Main, live music by Gordon Daniels and plenty of furry friends. The kickoff event celebrates the shelter’s mission while raising awareness and support for its rescue, rehabilitation and adoption programs.

Around 9 p.m. | Clamshell Foundation Fireworks
Three Mile Harbor, East Hampton

Clamshell Fireworks over Three Mile Harbor

A beloved East Hampton tradition returns with its annual fireworks spectacular. (Rain date: July 12.)
Website:


Sunday, July 12

Noon-4 p.m. | East Hampton Design Day
Guild Hall, East Hampton

Guld Hall Design Day

A full afternoon of conversations with leading architects, designers and tastemakers exploring design in the Hamptons.
Website:

6 p.m. | East Hampton Historical Society Antiques & Design Show Preview Party
Mulford Farm, East Hampton

Photo: Rossa Cole

Celebrate the opening of the East Hampton Historical Society’s 20th Annual Antiques & Design Show Benefit with a preview cocktail party at historic Mulford Farm. Honorary Chair Tom Scheerer welcomes guests for an evening of first access to more than 50 premier antiques and decorative arts dealers before the public show opens July 11-12. Proceeds support the Historical Society’s preservation and educational programs.


Saturday, July 18

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | CMEE Family Fair
Bridgehampton

CMEE Family Fair

The Children’s Museum of the East End hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year with family-friendly activities and entertainment.

4-7 p.m. | Polo Hamptons
Bridgehampton

Hamptons Polo

One of the Hamptons’ signature summer traditions featuring world-class polo, cocktails and hospitality.

5:30-8 p.m. | Hamptons Artists for Haiti
Bridgehampton Museum


Art, live music and a silent auction benefit Wings Over Haiti’s educational programs. Donna Karan, Alec Baldwin are Honorary Chairs.

5:30 p.m. | Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala
Water Mill

One of the Hamptons’ premier cultural benefits supporting exhibitions, education and community programs.

Thursday, July 23

5 p.m. | Hamptons Jewelry Show VIP Preview
Southampton Fairgrounds

Hamptons Jewelry Show

Opening night features designer jewelry, luxury watches and estate collections while benefiting the Parrish Art Museum.


Friday, July 24

6:45 p.m. | Ellen Hermanson Summer Gala
Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club

Geralyn Lucas will be honored at the Ellen Hermanson Foundation gala
Candace Bushnell will make a special appearance at the gala

Cocktails, dinner, dancing and a beach bonfire benefit the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital


Saturday, July 25

9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Guild Hall Clothesline Art Sale
East Hampton

Clothesline Sale at Guild Hall

One of the Hamptons’ most beloved art traditions returns with affordable works by more than 200 artists.

4-7 p.m. | Polo Hamptons
Bridgehampton
A second opportunity to enjoy world-class polo and one of the East End’s favorite summer social events.

5:30 p.m. | Get Wild! Benefit
Marders, Bridgehampton
Meet rescued wildlife while supporting the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center.

5:30 p.m. | Hetrick-Martin Institute Summer Benefit
Water Mill

Hetrick Martin School’s Out Gala. Photos by: Angela LaGreca

An evening of cocktails, dining and entertainment benefiting programs for LGBTQIA+ youth.

6 p.m. | The Watermill Center Summer Benefit
Water Mill
A celebrated evening of immersive art installations and performances supporting year-round artist residencies and education programs.


Wednesday, July 29

7 p.m. | Moonlit Plunge & Beach Party
Coopers Beach, Southampton

Heart of the Hamptons Moonlight Summer Plunge

Celebrate under the full moon with a beach party, bonfire and plunge benefiting Heart of the Hamptons’ year-round food pantry and assistance programs.

“Updated July 2026”