Lucy Cookson with one of her floral artworks in Amagansett. Photo by Angela LaGreca The…
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July 2026 Hamptons Events: The Best Galas, Benefits, Art Fairs & Can’t Miss Happenings
Art, live music and a silent auction benefit Wings Over Haiti's educational programs. Donna Karan, Alec Baldwin are Honorary Chairs.
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.
Katie CouricChristy 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.
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.
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 HamptonsJoy 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
Presented by Ralph Lauren, the 20th annual preview benefits the East Hampton Historical Society while offering first access to one of the East End’s premier antiques shows. Website:
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
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.
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
Saturday, July 11 | 5-8 p.m. | East HamptonDavid Burtka and Neil PatrickHarris with this children Gideon and Harper. IG @nph
Actors and longtime supporters Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka host the 25th annual Midsummer Night Drinks, an exclusive poolside cocktail party benefiting God’s Love We Deliver. Guests will enjoy summer cocktails, seasonal bites and an evening supporting the nonprofit’s mission of providing medically tailored meals to people living with serious illness.
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.
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.
OLA of Eastern Long Island hosts Sabor 2026, an elegant cocktail fundraiser benefiting the organization’s 24th year of advocating for a safer, healthier and more equitable East End. The evening brings together supporters for cocktails while raising funds to advance OLA’s mission of serving the East End’s Latino community.
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.