• The costume search is ongoing and always changing. Some more elevated options (less polyester) than Spirit:

  • Zara: an adorable classic ghost or pumpkin for kids under four

  • Pottery Barn Kids (I think their quality is great, and often my go-to for dress-up): a banana (parent to match), a gorgeous Glinda, lavender T-Rex! (more adult options here)

  • Souza: pirate, cowboy, triceratops

  • Trish Scully: Belle and a royal prince

  • Great Pretenders: T-Rex, dragon, butterfly

  • Rubie’s: mailman, Ghostbuster, inflatable Hershey’s Kiss

  • Band of the Wild: Excellent for babies and younger kids: Harlequin Clown, pink bunny, black bat, Dalmatian puppy, and a mushroom hat

  • Chasing Fireflies: Rainbow candy fairy and Red Riding Hood

  • Etsy: a whale, Frappuccino, Super NeeDoh Box, baby caterpillar, unicorn, and the best clown I’ve ever seen

  • Disney Store: Stormtrooper, Darth Vader, Minnie Mouse

• For trick-or-treating bags:

  • I love a classic small orange, open-top Lands’ End Boat and Tote for a personalized initials bag

  • Excellent options on Etsy: gingham, seersucker, ruffles, pumpkin, and super girly

  • And a really silly treat bag

• Here’s how I’d decorate:

  • Meri Meri decorating: glitter skeletons, garland set, and honeycomb pumpkins

  • McGee & Co. has some great picks (wicker bats!, metal spiders and a black gingham tablecloth)

  • From West Elm, I LOVE this felt monster candy holder, hanging bats, rattan witch hats, and a mummy candy bowl

  • Lit ghosts!

  • Ghost candles (pink ones are cute, too!)

  • Terrain has excellent things, too: this giant rattan garden snake (omg!), huge spider, and cauldron candles

• Maybe a little bribe to throw out the candy and get these cute things instead:

  • Surprise pumpkin balls or spiders

  • Endless possibilities with this face-painting kit

  • Jellycat is always so adorable

  • For the rebel boy who doesn’t want to be in a costume but still loves dressing up

  • For the crafty kids who like to give their pumpkin a glow-up

  • And another excellent open-ended crafting kit my kids love

  • Paint by Sticker Kids Halloween: my kids also love these

• For an extra spooky bedtime:

  • Here are some cute PJ options: Petite Plume is by far my favorite this year. Runners-up include Roller Rabbit, Hanna Andersson, Janie and Jack, and a girly pink set from Boden.

  • And some of our favorite books: Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo, It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse!, Clifford’s Halloween, and Grumpy Monkey Don’t Be Scared

• A little safety tip: it doesn’t hurt to throw a little AirTag in the trick-or-treating bag.

• The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton-on-Hudson) runs September 18–November 8. Over 7,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminate an 18th-century landscape—a pumpkin dreamscape—with food and photo moments. Free for children 2 and under; tickets required in advance.

• Tricks and Treats at Bryant Park: Friday, October 30, 4–6 p.m. Bryant Park's free annual Halloween party is back, with face painting, pumpkin decorating, a magic show, arts and crafts, and trick-or-treating at the Winter Village Holiday Shops. Come in costume.

• Trick-or-Treating at Chelsea Market: Saturday, October 31. Chelsea Market goes all in on Halloween every year, with all-day trick-or-treating and festive treats throughout the market. Then head next door to Pier 57 to keep the spooky fun going.

• Halloween Celebration at the AMNH: Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Trick-or-treat through museum halls, enjoy games, crafts, face painting, and live shows. Costume contest and costume parade on Floor 1. Costumes encouraged (no masks).

• Boo at the Zoo: A daytime Halloween event at the Bronx Zoo, running September 26–November 1 on weekends, plus Monday, October 12, celebrating fall with animals and family fun. Highlights include costume parades, face painting, pumpkin displays, candy stations, animatronics, magic shows, storytelling, lawn games, and more. Included with zoo admission.

• Asphalt Screams: A free, family-friendly Halloween event hosted by Asphalt Green on Friday, October 23, from 2:30–6:30 p.m. Activities include a street fair, haunted maze, and games like spooky soccer darts and ghoulish gaga. Advance registration is required.

• ABT Halloween Program: Saturday, October 31, 7:30 p.m., David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. If you'd like to skip trick-or-treating but still enjoy a Halloween-themed night out, consider an evening at the ballet — the program is Frederick Ashton's The Dream, with a costume contest at intermission (wear one, prizes awarded, no separate ticket needed).

• Halloween on the Farm at Queens County Farm Museum: Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come in costume and trick-or-treat at nine candy stations across 47 acres, hear ghost stories in the historic Adriance Farmhouse, wind through the three-acre Amazing Maize Maze, hop a Halloween hayride, and pick your pumpkin.

• Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harvest Festival: Saturday, October 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Pier 6. Live music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games, face painting, and their signature pumpkin patch — a free, family-friendly send-off to the season.

• CMOM’s Happy Halloween Festival: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan typically runs Halloween programming the final week of October, building up to their big Halloween Day celebration on Saturday, October 31, with a Monster Costume Quest, trick-or-treat tote bag making, and a LOL-o-Ween Dance Party. 2026 schedule not yet posted, but expect the same last-week-of-October timing.

• Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade: The 36th annual parade returns Saturday, October 17. Not kid-specific, but one of the city’s most beloved (and photogenic) Halloween traditions — costumed dogs march through Tompkins Square Park in the East Village.

…..but wait, there’s a lot more. :) Paid subscribers get the full guide below:

• additional events

• the best blocks for trick-or-treating

• and where to find the most spectacular decorations in the city.

Read more

There are two GREAT kids’ parties coming up this month:

• The American Museum of Natural History Family Party is back on Tuesday, October 20, from 5–7:30 p.m. Designed for kids 2–12, the party features hands-on activities, live animal encounters, and a chance to meet Museum curators and scientists after hours. This one tends to sell out, so it’s worth grabbing tickets now.

• The Met Pajama Party on Wednesday, October 28, from 5–7 p.m. It’s a Halloween-themed evening for the whole family, with art activities, a Halloween-inspired menu, and live entertainment set against the Temple of Dendur. Costumes or pajamas both welcome.

For the arts and culture lovers:

• The 64th New York Film Festival runs through October 12, presented by Film at Lincoln Center, with a lineup of the season’s most anticipated new cinema.

• The Central Park Conservancy Film Festival returns to the lawn between Cherry Hill and Sheep Meadow (enter at West 69th Street) this week, free and open to all. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for preshow programming, with movies starting at dusk. The lineup: Tuesday, October 6, Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff; Wednesday, October 7, Time and Water; Thursday, October 8, Blink; and Friday, October 9, Lion.

• I LOVE Diller-Quaile’s Rug Concerts, and the season kicks off on October 3 with Carnival of Percussion! There are two showings, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. These 45-minute concerts welcome children six and under to explore music interactively.

• Two things I'm excited to watch this season, both adapted from novels top of my list: In theaters, Sense and Sensibility, out October 16. And on Netflix, East of Eden, a seven-episode adaptation of the Steinbeck classic starring Florence Pugh, out October 1. There's still time to read the books now if you haven't already!

Two art exhibits not to miss:

• Anthea Hamilton's Comfort Zones at Salon 94 is closing October 24, and it's worth going for the space alone. The gallery's townhouse is stunning. Her signature pumpkins, boots, and leg chairs get a playful reimagining across the building's three floors, and I think kids would love it, too.

• Opening October 4, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous at the Met is a major one to catch. The first New York show in over 20 years devoted to either artist, and the first time their full careers have been traced together. On view through January 31.

• For more on what's opening this fall, check out my Fall Art in NYC guide.

Two fun openings:

• Big news for pastrami lovers: Carnegie Deli has reopened after a 10-year hiatus, just a block from its original Midtown home. Same classic sandwiches, cheesecake, and checkered floors, plus a few new additions to the menu. Walk-ins only, open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

• La Coqueta just opened on Madison and 88th. They're my favorite for dressing my daughter, with such special pieces for occasion wear. Can’t wait to shop IRL!

And so, so much more:

• In sports news: October brings two huge season openers. The Rangers kick off September 29 in an Original Six matchup at Boston. But the real headline is October 20, when the Knicks host LeBron James and the 76ers at Madison Square Garden, and before tip-off, raise their first championship banner in over 50 years.

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Fall Harvest Festival returns Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., with live music, a beer and cider garden, pumpkin carving demos, and an afternoon costume parade. Come dressed in your best flannel, or in costume. A ticketed event, so grab yours in advance.

• Stargazing on the High Line runs every Tuesday from sunset until 30 minutes before park closing, but only through October 27. The Amateur Astronomers Association sets up telescopes at Little West 12th Street: free, no RSVP, no experience needed.

There are many options around NYC for pumpkin and apple picking. Here are the ones I consider the strongest contender, taking into account proximity to the city and the variety of other activities they offer. Many of these farms also host harvest festivals, hayrides, and other seasonal events throughout the season, so it's worth checking each farm's website before you go for exact dates and what's on:

• Upstate: Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY), Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY), Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem, NY) and Outhouse Orchards (North Salem, NY), Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY), Stuarts Farm (Granite Springs, NY).

  • There are also a handful in Warwick, NY to consider: Ochs Orchard, Apple Ridge Orchards, and Pennings Orchard.

• Long Island: Schmitt’s Family Farm (Melville, NY), Harbes Family Farm (Mattituck, NY), Fink’s Country Farm (Wading River, NY), Wickham's Fruit Farm (Calverton, NY), and Lewin Farm (Calverton, NY).

• New Jersey: Happy Day Farm (Manalapan, NJ) and Heaven Hill Farm (Vernon, NJ).

• For those who don’t want to travel far or have a car, consider Queens County Farm Museum.

• Shopbop is having their major sale this week (25% off $800+) and it’s time to shop till you drop. Here are my favorites worth checking out:

  • Janessa Leoné straw bucket hat, one of the most popular items from this newsletter

  • All-time best white t-shirt, also a huge hit here

  • My favorite workout top (I have it in black and white, such a great material)

  • Anything from TWP or La Ligne, my favorite brands at the moment

  • A great time to stock up on cashmere from White & Warren

  • Other brands I usually shop: Alex Mill, Reformation, Staud

• Sneakies is a new brand that just launched, and they sent us some to try. My kids LOVE it: a pancake and waffle mix packed with a full serving of fruits and veggies, made with whole wheat flour, no artificial flavors or colors. Genius! Super easy to whip up for weekday mornings. (Use code ADRIENNE74198 for 10% off + a free gift)

• This toner was all the rage years ago, and I don't know why it's taken me so long to try it, but I can confirm it's excellent: a pH-balancing acid toner that gently exfoliates and evens out skin tone and texture. A great option for anyone whose skin can't tolerate retinol.

• A few months ago, my friend and I got (matching!! it is that good!) brown suede bomber jackets in Mexico City. I couldn't believe it when Nour Hammour launched the exact same style. I cannot think of a more perfect autumnal jacket.

• Another great October jacket staple: this J.Crew barn jacket. Perfect for all the apple picking adventures. More from J.Crew: my favorite sweater in great fall colors (dark moss!) and a decent Belgian Shoes dupe.

• I haven’t met a more perfect evening clutch.

• Meta Muse: I'm blown away by AI in general lately, but Muse feels different: less chatbot, more personal assistant. I’ve been loving the app and the desktop version and game-changing to link my email to it, too. Highly recommend!!

Up next week is a full Halloween guide, stay tuned for that!

• Hamptons International Film Festival: East Hampton’s premier film event returns October 2–12, marking its 34th year, with screenings and events across East Hampton, Sag Harbor, and Southampton. Public tickets are on sale now.

• Amber Waves’ Oktoberfeast: Saturday, October 3, from 2–5 p.m. This year’s theme celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Enjoy casual, community-style farm feasting, live music, dancing, and farm tours, with proceeds supporting education, food access, and farmer training (rain date: October 4). Tickets: $75–$100 for adults, $30 for kids.

• SouthamptonFest returns for its 14th year on Saturday, October 3 (rain date Sunday, October 4), with festivities kicking off the evening before at the Southampton Rotary Club's kickoff party on Friday, October 2. Southampton Village comes alive with a chowder contest, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, circus acts, sidewalk sales, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

• Wölffer Estate Annual Harvest Party: Saturday, October 10, from 12–4 p.m. at The Wine Stand in Sagaponack — the 35th annual! Enjoy live music, food and beverage stations, barrel-rolling, grape-stomping, hayrides, and more. Tickets are required (rain date: October 11).

• Montauk Fall Festival: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. — the 45th annual! Enjoy local food, live music, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Clam Chowder Contest (Saturday only), farmers’ market vendors, kids’ games, and more. Admission is free.

• ARF Hamptons’ Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk: Saturday, October 10, gates open at 9 a.m. at Mulford Farm in East Hampton. The Hamptons’ biggest dog event — hundreds of pups and their humans walk to Main Beach and back, with contests, a photo booth, and a silent auction, all benefiting ARF’s shelter and rescue work.

…..but wait, there’s a lot more. :) Paid subscribers get the full guide below:

• additional events in October

• all the Halloween happenings out east

Read more

• Don’t forget: it’s UN week. Expect some big traffic jams with UN General Assembly week running September 22–28. Leave extra time, and stick to the subway if you can.

• New York City Ballet’s Fall 2026 season runs September 22 through October 18 at the David H. Koch Theater, opening with Balanchine’s iconic Jewels and followed by a rotating lineup of mixed repertory programs. Single tickets are already on sale.

• In other ballet news, this looks mesmerizing: Ballet of Lights: Cinderella. It’s the classic fairy tale reimagined with dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes. There’s a performance September 27 at Kaye Playhouse.

• The Brooklyn Book Festival returns September 20–28, NYC’s largest free literary festival. Don’t miss Children’s Day on Saturday, September 26 at Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza, a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, and art projects with favorite children’s and middle-grade authors and illustrators.

• 92NY just released their Theater for Young Audiences calendar for the season, and first up is Red Riding Hood. A musical spin on the classic tale, running Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 through October 25. A sweet, easy way to introduce little ones to the magic of the stage.

• It's a ways away, but tickets for The Sound of Music just went on sale, and I cannot wait for this one. It's the first Broadway revival of the beloved musical in nearly 30 years, at the Lincoln Center. Performances begin March 23, 2027. A long wait, but very much worth marking the calendar.

• The Jellycat Diner at FAO Schwarz looks adorable and just relaunched with a whole new menu and a refreshed space. Reservations are required (booked about four weeks out), and experiences start at $75.

• Balloon Museum: DAYDREAM at the Tin Building: It opened this summer at Seaport. The viral inflatable-art phenomenon finally lands a permanent NYC home. While I haven’t been (someone let me know how it is?!), it looks wildly fun and genuinely interactive.

• Have you been to Shaver Hall yet? It’s in the former Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue. It's all under one roof: Michelin-starred omakase, a London cheese conveyor belt, Tompkins Square Bagels, and a Tallow steakhouse. Live music and daily happy hour make it an evening plan, not just lunch.

• New to me, did you know about the Bronx Zoo's Wild Encounters? What a special way to celebrate a birthday or treat an animal-loving kid. It's an up-close meet-and-greet with cheetahs, penguins, sloths, and more, led by real keepers. Go now before it gets too cold: several encounters run outdoors, and the Giraffe Connection wraps up in October. Must book in advance, availability is limited.

• We're finally (slowlyyyy) moving back into our kitchen after a six-month renovation (more on that to come!). I did a bit of a haul on McGee & Co., upgrading some basics that are practical but also add a nice touch. Here's what I picked up and am loving: a kitchen planter, olive oil cruet, paper towel holder, ceramic crock, and a vase.

• At the very top of my wishlist this Fall: this fringe triangle scarf. Of course, it’s sold out, but I’ll be patiently waiting…

• I just got this tote from Alex Mill and can confirm it is the perfect weekday tote. It’s large but light and fits a laptop perfectly. I opted out of the monogram (a shock to myself, too) but am going to go Etsy iron-on patch route. Here are some that I’m eyeing: excellent letters or Liberty letters, gorgeous botanicals, and more fun ones here.

• Did you know Sézane makes kids' clothes? The last two friends' kids' outfits I complimented turned out to be from there, so naturally, I went down an online shopping deep-dive. Their collection is perfect for fall: beautiful blouses, knits, but the real winner is this floral coat.

• I hosted a moms-and-girls weekend this past weekend (while the dads camped!), and here were the greatest hits:

  • Ghia Le Fizz. Back in stock and always nice to have on-hand. It’s a delicious non-alcoholic aperitif that’s so refreshing.

  • This champagne bucket and matching ice bucket

  • We played Pin the Horn on the Unicorn, which was by far the most hilarious part of the day.

  • Lloyd’s carrot cake. A must if you’re a fellow carrot cake-lover.

  • My friend got me these fun headphones as a hostess gift, and I couldn’t love them more. Obsessed! (looks like they’re sold out, but found similar ones here)

  • Another thoughtful hostess gift: matching PJs with my daughter. My friend kindly gifted me this incredibly fun set.

A shameless ask: if you’re enjoying this newsletter, I’d be so grateful if you shared it. Even just a quick copy-paste of the note below into your mom group chats or new class chats would mean the world:

I’ve been loving this weekly newsletter — it rounds up the best events, openings, parties, and cultural happenings in NYC, and I think you’d love it too. Check it out here: aboutandout.com

• Tickets for the 64th New York Film Festival go on sale September 15 (today). The festival runs September 25–October 12, presented by Film at Lincoln Center, with a lineup of the season’s most anticipated new cinema.

• If you haven’t heard, Harry Styles is in the middle of his 30-show Together, Together residency at Madison Square Garden, running Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through October 31. Primary tickets are sold out, but resale is widely available if you're hoping to catch a show.

• The New York Transit Museum Bus Festival returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. I’ve never been, but it looks like a no-miss for any transportation-loving child. There are vintage buses spanning over a century of NYC history, free to climb aboard, rain or shine.

• Here are activities for the kids at The Met this week: Storytime—Weather Wonders offers free picture-book readings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 15–24, at 10:15–10:45 a.m. and 11–11:30 a.m. (ages 18 months–6), and for older kids: Family Afternoon: Cloudy Labs is a free, drop-in afternoon of hands-on art-making and gallery activities on Sunday, September 20, 1–4 p.m. (ages 3–11).

• Something I’ve always avoided but perhaps the kids would love: Little Italy’s Feast of San Gennaro, running September 17–27 on Mulberry Street. With the centennial, expect bigger crowds than usual. Plan accordingly if you’re headed through Little Italy or Nolita, especially around the Grand Procession on Saturday, September 19.

• The Global Citizen Festival returns to Central Park’s Great Lawn on Saturday, September 26, with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean headlining, alongside Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and more. Hugh Jackman hosts for the 12th year running. Tickets are free, but you’ll need to take action through the Global Citizen app to earn one.

• NYCB just released their Family Saturdays calendar for the season. These are one-hour, kid-friendly presentations featuring excerpts from the Company's repertory, hosted by NYCB dancers. First up: October 17, Ballet Emotions, exploring how movement and music express feeling. This one always sells out fast, so if you want to go, grab tickets now.

• Expect some big traffic jams with UN General Assembly week running September 22–28. Leave extra time, and stick to the subway if you can.

• The Met just launched I Spy at The Met, a new interactive tool that turns wandering the galleries into a playful game — prompting you and your kids with fun, open-ended questions about the art you’re standing in front of. My kids are going to love this. It’s such an easy way to make art conversational, and it sparks things I probably wouldn’t have noticed or brought up on my own.

• Mimi’s just opened on 72nd and Lexington. And wow, it’s delicious and understand what the hype is all about. Dare I say it’s worth the line?

• Also next up on my Fall to-purchase list: this silky cashmere long-sleeve. While simple, it looks like the perfect fit and weight that will be an everyday staple.

• A friend recently complimented my everyday ballet flats, and it reminded me how good they are. There are a million ballet flats out there, but something about the fit and shape of these is just flattering. And most importantly, comfortable. I trek all around the city in these.

• This half-zip beige sweater took the internet by storm this week, as it’s an excellent Chanel dupe. Unsurprisingly, it’s sold out. But here’s my all-time favorite sweater from Alex Mill, in so many colors.

• We just moved back into a newly renovated apartment and our stuff is everywhere (more to come on that soon). Here are the things that are helping me get organized:

  • A label maker (I especially love it for light switches, these glass pantry canisters and the kids’ clothing drawers).

  • Name label stickers for kids’ clothes and supplies. They have been by far the most popular item from my newsletter to date.

  • This craft and pen storage organizer has been a great find. It's spacious enough to hold colored pens, pencils, scissors, and glue, so everything stays in one place. The top handle makes it easy to carry from room to room, too.

  • These mesh zipper pouches. You’ll find a use for them with everything and anything (keep it organized with your label maker!)

• The Armory Show is happening later this year, moving from its usual early-September time to September 24–27 at the Javits Center. It’s the fair’s 32nd edition, with around 230 galleries from over 30 countries. If you’re going to make one big art-fair trip this fall, this is the one.

• The Affordable Art Fair returns to the Starrett-Lehigh Building September 16–20, with over 400 exhibitors and original work ranging from $100 to $12,000. We’ve found some pieces there in past years, and one gallery we always make a point to visit is TAG Fine Arts. A great stop if you’re looking to add something original to your walls, and some playful pieces for the kid’s walls.

• I’m looking forward to the Neue Galerie to reopening this fall. The museum has been closed for renovation, but it’s coming back November 12 with a 25th Anniversary Exhibition, including Klimt’s iconic Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. Café Sabarsky reopens even sooner, on October 1. It’s such a special place and I’m glad to have it back.

…..but wait, there’s a lot more. :) Paid subscribers get the full guide below

Read more

• One of my favorite things to do in the city every fall is walk through the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. This beloved design tradition transforms a Manhattan residence into a showcase of rooms by some of the industry's top designers. This year, it's a stunning Greenwich Village townhouse at 80 Washington Place, running September 16 through October 13. I always come away with a dozen new ideas for our own home!

• The US Open is running later than usual this year, with the Women’s Final on Saturday, September 12, and the Men’s Final on Sunday, September 13. If you can’t catch it live, Fasano Bar will be hosting daily watch parties throughout the tournament.

• New openings I'm excited about:

  • El Califa de León: Mexico's Michelin-starred taco stand opens September 8 on 23rd Street. It looks delicious.

  • Neko Health has landed in SoHo with its high-tech, radiation-free body scan.

  • London's beloved Bread Ahead just opened its very first U.S. bakery on Second Avenue and 82nd, full of sourdough loaves, indulgent doughnuts, and baking classes.

  • Mimi's frozen yogurt makes its uptown debut at Lexington and 72nd on September 10.

  • goop kitchen now has a proper walk-in storefront on East 92nd.

• I loved this New York Times roundup of where to eat in NYC right now, and it's already shaping my list for the fall. My top picks: Lungi on the UES, Phê on the LES, and The Eighty Six, which I still haven't managed to get to yet. And here’s another great list from goop, that solidifies some top spots.

• I know, I know, it feels crazy to be thinking about the holidays before Labor Day, but tickets for the big shows are already on sale, and the good seats go fast. The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular returns to Radio City, and it’s always a must for us. NYCB’s George Balanchine’s Nutcracker opens at the David H. Koch Theater November 27. And for something a little different, the NY Phil is screening Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with the score performed live, December 17–20. All three are worth grabbing early if you want your pick of dates and seats.

• For this week and LDW, don’t forget about the Met Summer HD Festival (starting tomorrow!). It’s the Met’s annual outdoor opera festival, six nights of free screenings projected onto a huge screen outside the opera house. And the West Side County Fair returns to Riverside Park, which looks like a classic end-of-summer fair with live music, carnival games, sideshow performers, and food vendors.

• A couple of shows worth catching before summer wraps up: at Dia Bridgehampton, Alan Ruiz: De sol a sol is a quietly striking meditation on light and labor, worth twenty quiet minutes. And out in Montauk, The Ranch's "LA Monumental" brings three massive outdoor sculptures, including a striking piece made from twelve decommissioned shipping containers, sprawled across the private horse farm's grounds, on view through November 15.

• Last summer we took a family day trip to Greenport and had an absolute blast that I’m hoping to recreate again this year before summer ends. We rode the ferry through Shelter Island to the North Fork (a highlight for the kids) then visited the Greenport Express Miniature Railroad, the carousel, and topped it off with an ice cream. My highlight: shopping at Beall & Bell, one of my favorite antique stores. For lunch this time, we’ll try Anker or Eddie’s at Silver Sands.

• 80th Annual Shinnecock Powwow: Drum and dance contests, native arts and crafts, and food from vendors across Indian Country, plus a sunset fire lighting each evening. A beautiful way to spend part of the weekend.

Reflecting on the summer, here are the things that were our greatest hits:

• Pick Up Sticks: A big throwback! I picked these up on a whim at a toy store, and they’ve somehow become our favorite game of the summer. What started as something for the kids quickly turned into a family game, and has gotten surprisingly competitive (and very funny).

• Dory Fantasmagory: A new bedtime favorite. I’ve been reading the series to my kids, and we’re all loving it! The stories are hilarious, silly and clever, and my kids have declared them their favorite books.

• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: I’ve torn through this series this summer, and listening to it on audio has been such a delight. It’s lighthearted, charming, and full of the kind of wit and romance that makes it a must for any Jane Austen fan.

• This corn pasta is a summer stand-out for dinnertime (a great one for dinner parties), along with this delightful summer pasta from , which is a new favorite in our house this year.

• Speaking of tomatoes, I have been so into making pan con tomate, which is about as simple as cooking gets and incredible with a baguette from Armin & Judy, one of my favorite bakeries.

• East End Explorer Camp: My kids did a week of this camp this summer and are already asking to sign up again next year. It’s a week of kayaking, boating, fishing, crabbing, clamming and exploring the local waterways, with kids learning about the marine life and habitats native to Long Island. Such a fun one and be sure to bookmark it for next summer.

And looking ahead into Fall, some purchases…

• My favorite articles of clothing that transition perfectly into the fall: the best white t-shirt, with these incredible pants (love them in pistachio) or these in excellent colors.

• New season, continuing good habits. Here is what I’m trying to incorporate daily: flossing, vitamins (I love this easy pack that has everything you need), a daily probiotic, keeping up with sunscreen, and this hair treatment, which promises to reduce hair aging, which I’m intrigued by.

• Thank you to everyone for sharing my back-to-school newsletter from a few weeks back, it's clearly still hitting home for those gearing up for the new school year!

• US Open: August 30 through September 13 at the USTA Center in Queens. One of those quintessential NYC end-of-summer events, and some of my favorite nights of the year. I'm looking forward to taking the kids this year. The first week is ideal: matches everywhere on the grounds, and a grounds pass keeps you free to wander.

• Giacometti in the Temple of Dendur: Through September 8 at The Met. Last call for this one. Fourteen of Giacometti’s sculptures are installed in and around the Temple of Dendur, creating a beautiful and unexpected dialogue between modern sculpture and ancient Egypt. If you haven’t made it yet, this is one I’d try to squeeze in before it closes.

  • While you’re at The Met, you may also want to check out Revolution!, a small installation celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Also closing September 7.

• Rock and Roll Playhouse: There’s a great lineup of fun concerts coming up: The Beatles on August 29 and Billy Joel on August 30. These live, high-energy shows are fun for the whole family. And it gets better in September: Taylor Swift on September 6 and September 26. Definitely worth taking a look at what’s on the calendar.

• Looking ahead into Labor Day weekend: Met Summer HD Festival: September 2-7 at Lincoln Center Plaza. The Met’s annual outdoor opera festival is back with six nights of free screenings projected onto a huge screen outside the opera house. Seating is first-come, first-served, and there are some great choices this year. Such a fun (and completely free!) way to experience the Met in a different way.

• Another Labor Day weekend pick to plan for: West Side County Fair: Sunday, September 6, 1-6pm at Pier I in Riverside Park. A classic end-of-summer fair in Manhattan, with live music, carnival games, sideshow performers, food vendors and more.

• Hampton Classic: August 23-30 in Bridgehampton. One of my favorite end-of-summer Hamptons traditions. Come watch the competition, wander through the boutiques and food vendors, and bring the kids on Saturday, August 29 for Kids’ Day, with free pony rides, face painting, circus performers and more. Monday is also free admission and includes the show’s annual Animal Adoption Day.

• Young Creatives: Thursday, August 27, 3:45-5pm at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton. This final session of the summer series, Masterpiece Makers, invites kids ages 7+ to explore painting and acrylics while taking inspiration from the LongHouse gardens. A great one for creative kids who love making things with their hands, and a fun afternoon at one of my favorite places out east.

• Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder: July 25-September 27 at Southampton Arts Center. This beautiful photography exhibition brings together nearly 100 photographs by more than 50 artists, including Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Gordon Parks and Imogen Cunningham. It’s an impressive collection spanning portraits, landscapes, city scenes and photojournalism.

• Don’t forget about all of the recurring events happening in the Hamptons. I’ve outlined the ones that stand out here.

• Looking ahead into Labor Day weekend: Shinnecock Nation 80th Annual Powwow: September 4-7, Labor Day Weekend, at the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton. One of the Hamptons’ most special annual traditions, featuring Native American singing and dancing, traditional arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations, Indigenous food and more. It’s a wonderful family-friendly way to experience and celebrate the culture and traditions of the Shinnecock Nation.

• If you missed it last week: here is my back to school guide, with all the products I’m eyeing for me and the kids. It was a big hit last week. :)

  • These were the runaway hits from the week: Name label stickers, my favorite shoes for kids, my daughters favorite nightgown, these vinyl pouches for everything, a really great backpack and our favorite water bottles.

• With the excitement of the US Open, I’m outfit planning. Here’s what I’m thinking:

  • There’s so many great dresses out there: A Ralph Lauren one to size down in, a belted J.Crew one, this linen buttoned one, a shirt dress that also makes for an excellent fall transition item, a green striped dress, or, an elegant Theory one.

  • It gets chilly for the evening matches, and I’m never without a sweater. I love this one or this one for the evening.

  • For sunny day sessions, what about this hat, although I don’t think I can deviate from this excellent bucket hat I’ve been getting so many compliments on this summer

  • I’ve been seeing this Tory Burch tote everywhere and I just absolutely love it. Very much the perfect fall item on my list.

  • Same goes for this top, it’s right up there on my next-to-purchase list. The collar is so chic.

  • And what about an excellent clutch? (and at a great price point) I have it in emerald and love it, and now thinking about the satin version too.

  • And since this is a tennis round-up, make the overgrip chic too! This brand has so many fun ones

  • I just got these sneakers for my daughter for the fall, and wish they came in my size. (adding it to my back-to-school list!)

• My favorite candle, Hotel Lobby (Hamptons scent) is 20% off this week. It’s a great sale for an excellent product.

• They’ll never lose their items again with these name labels with endless design possibilities. They’re running a 20% off sale right now. I literally stick these labels on everything the kids have.

• Backpacks: STATE bags are everywhere and with good reason (so many fun options!), but I still love the MINNOW one I got for my daughter last year. The prints are excellent and it has a spill-proof coating on the outside so it doesn’t really get dirty. For my 2nd grade son, I’m going with this one, and my preschooler will get the smaller size in this wonderful shade of green. Monogramming is a must here!

• L.L. Bean’s small open-top bags are my go-to for afterschool activities. For easy organization, personalize each one with the kid’s initials or their activity.

• I find kids’ shoes to be the hardest purchase, and somehow I’m either confused by the sizing or getting the fit wrong. I stick with these sneakers for my kids and they’re great. (and for toddlers now—cute!!)

  • Rothy’s is absolutely crushing it with kids’ shoes, too. I love these velcro sneakers, laced ones, and since I cannot rave enough about these women’s clogs (seriously the best, they’re so comfortable), I’m tempted to get my daughter a pair too.

• I’m thrilled that crisp, fall weather is on our radar, and I absolutely love Patagonia’s vests for the kids: the fleece or quilted are both excellent options in fun colors.

• Boys clothing:

  • How perfect is this J.Crew collab with the American Museum of Natural History, purchasing immediately. J.Crew makes it pretty easy to dress a put-together boy: belt, a good quarter-zip, excellent suede boots, more rollneck-sweaters, great transition-to-fall shorts, long-sleeved polos, and a baseball cap. There’s a BTS 30% sale going on right now.

  • For suiting and dress clothes: If you have a son like mine who can’t take care of nice clothes, I found this to be a great jacket at a decent price. Vineyard Vines also makes a great performance jacket. Vineyard Vines is also our go-to for the best performance non-wrinkle shirts. I've learned performance fabric is always the way to go with boys :)

  • Johnny-O also has great options for boys: excellent uniform clothes, polos, this quarter-zip sweater, and joggers

  • Cadets makes the best shorts for boys, and excellent pants. BIG sale going on there, too.

  • For some fresh PJs, LAKE is always my favorite and think these are great or the shorts set

• Girls clothing:

  • Zara is my go-to: how cute is this rain jacket, quilted heart jacket, denim dress and headband?

  • For occasion dressing, I’m loyal to LA COQUETA. They have a sale going on right now: coat, floral top, and some adorable pinafore skirts. While not on sale, but worth it is the best pair of jeans my daughter owns and this perfect coat.

  • I love Mary Janes from Marjen (previously Children’s Chic), but these are great for the price, and you can never go wrong with these Venetian slippers.

  • Amazon has a decent floral top, which my daughter gets complimented on often (looks like Bonpoint). A cute short-sleeved one here.

  • For PJs, my daughter loves a nightgown, and we’re very loyal to this one.

• Etsy crushes it with cute back to school items. Here’s what I’m eyeing:

  • I love these personalized notepads, which likely will encourage handwriting practice. Pair them with some cute personalized pencils, and sweet pencil cases

  • Cute name labels or these are great too. And how perfect are these for water bottles?!

  • An excellent personalized sweater (love a little side collar placement)

  • And in the spirit of keeping everything organized this year, I love these vinyl pouches for everything (snacks, sunscreen, electronics, art supplies!)

  • I always live for a Liberty moment, and love these headbands, plus very sweet iron-on letters for backpacks.

• From Amazon, you better believe there’s a big supplies order coming my way: the best water bottles, an electric pencil sharpener for all the new pencils, and how cute are these erasers!? My all-time favorite ballpoint pens, highlighters in pretty colors, and I love a post-it note in a 4x6 size, a perfect notepad in my opinion. Also, I got this for the kids as a stocking stuffer one year and they were obsessed.

• Going back to that You’ve Got Mail moment once more, I loved Rita Koning on Create Academy and her large jar of sharpened pencils that sat on her desk (image here, a very cool designer thing). I want to recreate it for myself: Going for a pastel bulk pencil purchase, and thinking about this marbled holder or this splattered vase.

• I bought these Bally loafers a couple of years ago, and they're hands-down my all-time BEST footwear purchase to date. I live in them in the autumn and spring. It's the most complimented item in my wardrobe, usually by sweet elderly UES women, and honestly, there's no better source of praise. Highly, highly, highly recommend.

• Is there anything better than cracking open a new planner? Smythson makes the best ones, no question. There's something so chic about the ultra-thin, crispy pages in pale blue. (Flag for a great gift, the monogramming is excellent).

• I just purchased these corduroy barrel pants and they’re super comfortable, I think I’ll be living in them all fall.

• Here are a couple of other things also on my list for the fall that I’m eyeing:

  • A perfect evening bag (I have it in cream satin and love it), or anything from Attersee - annual summer sale here

  • As you can likely tell, I’m rollneck-sweater obsessed, this is a perfect upgrade in a thin, silky cashmere.

  • I’ll be upgrading my favorite pants in even more colors (I love them in satin). They pair perfectly with this thin perfect-fitting sweater, cardigan or an incredible sweater polo (size down in this one).

  • I’ve been thinking about this jacket for a longtime now, and may just have to get it this year…

  • Alex Mill cardigans are one of my favorites and now thinking about more colors (the navy!)

Phew, that was long, thanks for sticking with me. Here is all the back to school items mentioned in the newsletter in one organized location.

I haven’t forgot the best part: books! Here are some of my kids’ favorite books over the years with a school-focused theme: The Kissing Hand (so sweet, it helps discuss separation), Wemberly Worried (for the worriers), Maisy Goes to Preschool, The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!, Richard Scarry’s Great Big Schoolhouse (ultimate fav, we love Richard Scarry) and Biscuit Goes to School.

A reminder if it’s your thing: now’s the time to start thinking about holiday cards. If you’re on the hunt for a great photographer, look no further than Ana Gambuto. She also has a Substack: . (She’s based in the Hamptons, but travels to NYC often).

• The Winter's Tale at Shakespeare in the Park. Through August 23, 8 p.m., at the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater. It's the final week, so enter TodayTix's digital lottery or try a day-of ticket distribution.

• Free Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 2 Dock): I've never tried this one myself, but it looks like a good time. The boathouse runs free public kayaking all summer, with volunteers teaching the basics, life vests provided, and double kayaks for kids. Reservations are recommended through the boathouse site.

• Coney Island Fireworks and Sand Sculpting Festival: I've never been to Coney Island, so I can't claim true New Yorker status yet. It's still on my bucket list. Free fireworks light the sky every Friday night through August, starting at 9:45 p.m., and the sand sculpting festival brings artists to the beach Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Le Carrousel Extravaganza and Movie Nights: Bryant Park's free kids' series runs magic on Fridays and puppets on Wednesdays, both at 10 a.m. This week: a puppet show Wednesday, August 12, and a magic show Friday, August 14. In the evening, Movie Nights takes over the lawn, with the lawn opening at 5 p.m. and films starting at 8 p.m. This week: Catch Me If You Can on Monday, August 10, and City of God on Monday, August 17.

• Family Fun at Hudson Yards: Free concerts, sports clinics, and hands-on activities all season. This week: Mozart for Munchkins hosts Parade and Play on Saturday, August 15, 11 a.m. to noon, and CityPickle runs free pickleball clinics, with sessions for ages 8 to 10 at 10 a.m. and ages 11 to 13 at 11 a.m.

• Art Splash 2026 (Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill): August 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Parrish's Brinn Terrace and Event Lawn turn into a family art party, with artist-led projects, live music, and hands-on activities. Proceeds support the museum's free education programs.

• Strong Together: PPHP's Hamptons Benefit (The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, Bridgehampton): August 15, 7 p.m. Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic's annual East End benefit brings out the summer crowd for cocktails and community, with proceeds supporting reproductive health care and education across the region.

• S-Mile Swim Challenge (Coopers Beach, Southampton): August 15, 8 a.m. Southampton Village Ocean Rescue's 4th annual open-water swim offers a 1-mile, half-mile, or quarter-mile distance, with every swimmer getting a shirt and cap. Rain date is August 16.

• Ellen's Run (Southampton Intermediate School, Southampton): Sunday, August 16, 9 a.m., rain or shine, with a free Kiddie Dash at 8:30 a.m. Now in its 31st year, this East End tradition raises funds for breast health education, screenings, and care.

• With just a few weeks of summer left, I rounded up the season's runaway favorites, in case you want to grab them before they're gone. Here's what topped the list.

  • I’ve been using this tote all summer, and cannot think of something more perfect. I get complimented each time I wear it. It’s such a practical summer bag, fits all the sunscreen tubes, water bottles, baseball caps and more, while looking chic!

  • An excellent summer suit, by far the most purchased item by you all this summer.

  • My favorite PJs, love the fit and the material

  • Great flip flops, in excellent colors

  • My favorite white t-shirt (it’s so perfect, I wear it year-around)

  • An excellent rollneck sweater, a great fall transition item

  • My favorite beach hat. Although, I was just in Colorado this past weekend, and this canvas hat is now a close runner-up. It's excellent for travel, since it rolls up perfectly.

• And from Amazon, here's what's been the most popular this summer. All items I swear by:

  • TALES conversation cards. I love picking one at dinner time, and it always leads to such a thoughtful dinner conversation. Here are some sample card questions, and I find them all so thoughtful: “What is one thing about you that no one knows?”, “What is your biggest dream?”, “How do you know when someone is a true friend?”

  • My new favorite shampoo/conditioner for the children. The bottles are cute, they work great, plus clean ingredients, so it checks all the boxes for me. The conditioner is the most gorgeous shade of green that I admire every time.

  • The best kids’ water bottles, perfect for camp and back-to-school. How we manage to lose so many water bottles is beyond me…

  • My kids’ favorite toys this summer: making change game, crystal rainbow sun catchers, rainbow loom and the most incredible bubble maker

  • Great hair ties, an incredible stain remover (bye berry and avocado stains!), and my new favorite necklace that doesn’t look like it’s Amazon

• And for late-August travelers, here's been some top hits:

  • My favorite suitcase brand, it’s light, sturdy and looks great

  • A Yoto Mini, which is a lifesaver when traveling with the kids

  • These dopp kits from Etsy were a huge hit when I recommended them for my spring break guide. A bandana option, or a terry stripped one here, too.

  • Sleep gummies I swear by (I’ve gotten so many friends hooked and everyone feels the same way)

  • This weekender tote sold out instantly upon launch, and I’ve been waiting patiently for a restock. How fun are the colors, such joy!!

• Sag Harbor Fire Department Annual Carnival: Tuesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 8, 5 to 10 p.m. at Havens Beach. Insider tip: arrive before 5 p.m. to skip long ticket lines, and bring cash. It's been cash only in past years. Don't miss the fireworks on Friday, August 7.

• Free Children's Fair: Sunday, August 9, 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Herrick Park, East Hampton. East Hampton Library's beloved family event brings carnival rides and games, a book fair with children's authors signing, crafts, performers, the Arf Van, and A La Mode Ice Cream. Free to attend.

• As you may have learned last week, I’m a big summer peach fan, so this event is really speaking to me. Peach Festival at Harbes Family Farm: Saturday, August 8 to Sunday, August 9, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Mattituck. This annual celebration of Harbes' fresh-picked peaches brings peach-eating contests at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., free live music from 1 to 5 p.m., the Barnyard Adventure with its musical hayride and pig races, and peach ice cream at the farmstand.

• Galerie Sardine: 261 Main Street, Amagansett, Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through August 7. This seasonal project space, set inside a 1700s farmhouse and run by Valentina Akerman, is currently showing "Long Light." It's a gorgeous space and a beautiful gallery to check out. Final call before it closes on Friday.

• L'Épicuriste in Bridgehampton. This gourmet grocer and market has an incredible assortment of beautiful things, from pantry staples to tabletop pieces, all so well curated that browsing feels like a treat. Hands-down my go-to if I need a hostess gift.

• This is my go-to salad for every dinner party, hands-down the dish that always gets multiple follow-up requests for the recipe.

• New openings this season and recurring events here

• I flew through book one of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion in a single morning. Truly a delightful read. I loved the protagonist, Emma, and her voice throughout. Makes for the perfect summer read, excited to binge the rest of the series.

• And bingeworthy books for kids: I finally got my son reading something other than Diary of a Wimpy Kid (which I love, he's just been on repeat with it). InvestiGators is the new series that's captured his attention. And my daughter and I have been reading Dory Fantasmagory together, which is super cute.

• A friend gifted me Riviera, which has become my new favorite cookbook. Its author, , is a bit of a triple talent: she’s a great Substack follow and always keep her (delicious!) non-alcoholic Ghia drinks stocked at home.

• Sag Harbor Fire Department Carnival: August 4-8, 5-10 p.m. at Haven’s Beach in Sag Harbor

• CMEE's Summer Ladies Night returns Wednesday, August 5, 6 to 8 p.m. at a private home in Bridgehampton. Expect summer wines, hors d'oeuvres from the Clam Bar. Tickets available for purchase now.

• Art Splash 2026: Saturday, August 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parrish Art Museum. This annual family day benefiting the museum's free education programs brings artist-led projects, live music, and hands-on activities. Tickets are $250, free for children under 2.

• I’m looking forward to the US Open, and excited to take the kids to Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, Sunday, August 23, at the USTA Billie Jean King stadium. Free admission for this year's kickoff to Fan Week, with player practices, music, interactive games, and family activities all day.
  

^{1. dinner party with The Culinistas 2. beaded necklace 3. flag blanket 4. incredible peaches 5. best hair ties 6. t-shirt bra 7. excellent candle dupe 8. Hamptons blanket}

• 🫛🫛🫛 This past weekend, I hosted a dinner party and had a chef from The Culinistas, and it was incredible. They handle everything from the shopping to the prep, serving and cleanup which makes throwing a dinner party so easy. The hardest part was choosing the menu, since every option sounded better than the last. I'll definitely be considering them for their other services too, especially the weekly meal prep, so I don't have to think about meals when we have guests. They kindly shared a referral code, ABOUTANDOUT, for 10% off their gathering services. I couldn't recommend them more and now can’t imagine throwing a dinner without them. (They’re in NYC, too!).

• A friend was raving about a blanket she received as a gift for her daughter from Chappy Wrap, calling it her favorite gift ever, and multiple friends have agreed it’s the perfect blanket (thickness, weight, material, all of it). I’m intrigued to get one myself. How perfect would this be as a gift out here? (and love this flag one!)

• My dad sends me peaches (and other produce) from Frog Hollow Farm, and truly, it’s the best produce I’ve had (something about that California sunshine!). All the produce is excellent, but it’s peach season at the moment, and theirs are spectacular. If you’re in need of a gift, I highly recommend this one.

• These hair ties don’t look like much, but they’re actually excellent.

• Another great purchase: this necklace from Amazon that doesn’t look like it’s from Amazon. The colors are great, and it pairs perfectly with a white T-shirt this summer.

• Harper Wilde makes the best t-shirt bras, and this one is what I reach for daily (it’s perfect: material, fit, super comfortable)

• The Flamingo Estate candles are popular for good reason (though this Hotel Lobby one is even better). But here’s a revelation: this Quince dupe is a third of the price and actually great. I know it’s risky to buy a candle online, but trust me on this one.

• Little Island Summer Season: July 29 through September 6 at The Amph. This summer's lineup at Little Island's outdoor amphitheater spans music, theater, dance, and opera. Last year's season sold out completely, so don't wait to grab tickets.

• Costume Art: On view through January 2027 at The Met. Now that the city's empty for summer, it's the perfect time to finally go see it without the crowds. And don’t forget, Marcel Duchamp at MoMA ends August 22 — get it in now while you can

• Hippo Playground Summer Concert Series: Wednesdays through August 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Hippo Playground in Riverside Park. A free weekly kids' concert series with a rotating lineup of children's musicians.

• Paddington the Musical: Opening Spring 2027. I know, 2027 feels ages away, but London’s most-awarded new musical is finally coming to Broadway. Tickets are on sale now.

• Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling: Saturdays, through August 29, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Hans Christian Andersen statue near Conservatory Water in Central Park. Now in its 70th summer, storytellers pair Andersen's own fairy tales with folktales from around the world. A sweet, low-key way to spend a Saturday morning with kids.

• I'm fully in my tassel era right now — loving this clutch, this one, and this one. For something with a little more color, this beaded option is gorgeous. But my all-time favorite for summer is still this Mestiza clutch — I get compliments every single time I carry it, and it's such a fun pop of color. Bonus favorite: this Mestiza clutch is also on repeat this season.

• My all-time favorite PJ brand, that I've raved about them more than once, just nailed it with this set (tee and matching shorts) for summer. The fabric is butter-soft and the fit is exactly right.

• I just listened to this Mel Robbins podcast with Charles Duhigg on habits, and it completely changed how I think about building them. Such a good, motivating listen for habit setting.

• I finally found a shampoo/conditioner combo I actually love for my kids. It checks every box: works great, it’s clean, smells amazing, and great packaging. Our new go-to.

• My mother-in-law brought this for the kids on her recent visit, and it's hands-down the most mesmerizing toy in the house right now and my kids won't stop fighting over it. It's basically a fidget toy meets kinetic sculpture, and endlessly satisfying.

• Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey finally hit theaters this past Friday, and I could not be more ready, easily one of my most anticipated movies of the summer.

• and finally, GREAT kids PJs at 50% off :) (no promo code, discount applied at checkout)

• Concerts in the Park: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Agawam Park. The series kicks off July 2 and runs through September 2.

• Sunday Sounds: Sundays (and some Saturdays), 5 to 8 p.m. at Cooper’s Beach. Check the schedule here

• Rogers Memorial Library has excellent programming for kids

• ColorPop Workshop is my favorite for kids, they have drop-in classes and programming all the time

• Films on the Haywall at Marders: Friday evenings at dusk, screened against the nursery’s hay wall.

• The library also has a wonderful selections of kid’s programming

• Mondays at Madoo: Storytime for children at 10 a.m. Register on Bridgehampton Library website

• Sunset Music at the Wine Stand, Wölffer Estate: Friday and Saturday evenings at the Wine Stand, wine and cheese with live music until sunset. Walk-ins only.

• Yoga in the Vines, Wölffer Estate: weekend mornings among the vines, followed by wine and cheese. Reservations required, around $35.

• Drum Circle at Sagg Main Beach: Monday evenings around sunset, an informal Brazilian drum circle that grows into a beachside party. Bring a blanket and a picnic.

• Tuesdays at Main Beach: Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. at Main Beach, July 7 through Labor Day. Free, with free parking after 5 p.m. Now in its fifth season.

• Summer Outdoor Movies: Wednesdays at sunset, free, rotating between Main Beach, Herrick Park, and partner sites. Kicks off July 8 with Mamma Mia! at Main Beach.

• Friday Farmers Market: Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Herrick Park, June 19 through September 18.

• Workout in Herrick Park: Fridays, 9-10 a.m., right alongside the farmers market.

• Yoga at Main Beach: mornings, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Free, all levels, bring your own mat.

• Trivia Night at Swifty’s (The Hedges Inn): every Sunday, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

• Beachtime Bedtime at Main Beach: 5-6 p.m.

• East Hampton Library calendar of events

• I always love the events at Guild Hall, especially for kids

• There’s so much going on at Amber Waves on a regular basis:

  • Goat on a Boat Puppet Show: Sundays, 11-11:30 a.m.

  • Music is fun with Job Potter: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Saturdays at 11 a.m.

  • Story-time with Amagansett library: Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m.

  • Garden exploration (my favorite!): Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30-11 a.m.

  • Calendar and all other programming here

• Movie Night in Amagansett Square: Wednesdays at sundown on the main grass. Free, bring a blanket.

• Farmers Market at Amagansett Square: Thursdays, 3:30 to 6 p.m., through September, with live busking.

• Morning Yoga in the Square: Saturdays, 9 to 10 a.m. through July and August, an outdoor all-levels flow.

• Live music at Gosman’s Dock: 6-9 p.m., check the calendar for dates

• Concerts on the Green: Monday evenings, around 6 to 8 p.m., free, from late June through Labor Day weekend.

• Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. into the early afternoon in the center of town.

• All other Montauk events listed here

• I’m not normally a shorts gal, but there are so many great ones out there for the summer:

  • My favorite pants are now shorts! I get sooooo many compliments on the polka dots every time I wear them. Donni is really crushing it with shorts, these are great and I particularly love the color of these (for preorder). Also, another favorite pair of pants in the shorts version.

  • How pretty are these silky pink ones?

  • And for the sporty (soccer!) gals, I love these two-toned ones, and is Umbro back?! In Umbro news, there is an excellent collab with Reformation (sold out anorak, but white one is excellent, too)

  • …and these white poplin ones that I posted about earlier this summer continue to hit for a classic

  • Related but for a different person: The best shorts for boys, which are the perfect length.

• I can’t stop thinking about these flip flops, each color is truly better than the next. If you had to choose just one, which would it be?!

• This necklace is excellent, recommended by Grow, a great follow if you don’t already.

• Our pool lounge cushions have seen better days, and I've been eyeing these cheerful ones as a replacement. But then I found these towels to use as a cover in the meantime, and I think they'll hold me off until next season.

• This cane mah jong set looks just as gorgeous sitting on a coffee table as it does in play.

• Here are some of the newest openings out east, which I continue to update

• From Stoops to Stadiums: How New Yorkers Play. The American Museum of Natural History hosts an outdoor block party on 79th Street, Saturday, July 11, from 3 to 10 p.m., celebrating World Cup with soccer, Double Dutch, chess, and board games. The evening culminates in a Manhattanhenge viewing with the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra playing as the sun sets.

• Giacometti in the Temple of Dendur: On view through September 8 at The Met. Seventeen of Alberto Giacometti's spare, elongated figures set in and around the 2,000-year-old temple, a pairing the Dendur gallery rarely allows.

• Carol Bove at the Guggenheim. Last call for this one. The first-ever museum survey of Carol Bove's work fills the spiral rotunda with 25 years of sculpture, collage, and paper works. It closes August 2, so it's a perfect excuse for a city day trip before it's gone.

• Balloon Museum: DAYDREAM at the Tin Building: Opening July 15. The viral inflatable-art phenomenon finally lands a permanent NYC home. Wildly fun and interactive, this one's made for kids, it seems.

• Shaver Hall: The former Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue is now a food hall worth the detour: Michelin-starred omakase, a London cheese conveyor belt, Tompkins Square Bagels, and a Tallow steakhouse under one roof.

• For the Wimbledon finals watching, I'll be making this, hands-down the best cake of the summer.

• I’m feeling inspired with Wimbledon and the amount of tennis I’ve been playing this summer, I thought I’d share my favorite tennis outfit resources, as I live for an all-white moment:

  • Tuckernuck: Dress, sweater and I live in these shorts

  • Tory Burch Sport: Dress, polo, and jacket

  • This Split59 top is my most worn piece, great for workout classes and beach-walks, now eyeing the quarter-zip

  • Net-a-Porter: Dress, skirt, and cable-knit polo

  • Most importantly: the best shoes, excellent socks and a delightful official dress

• And what’s tennis without a tennis bracelet? I love my Dorsey one (and the price point too), perfect to wear in summer, and also, how gorgeous are these enamel ones that come in so many colors.

• I've raved about the perfect white T-shirt from Leset, but this J.Crew one is a great alternative. It has everything I love about the Leset one, but at a better price point. Also from J.Crew: these flip flops, which I shared at the start of summer and are still one of the most purchased items.

• Two Amazon Prime Day finds have been instant hits with our kids. First, this bubble maker. With non-stop bubbles all week, I found an easy recipe that works well: dissolve 2 tablespoons of sugar into 1.5 cups of water, then add 1/2 cup of dish soap. Voila! The second hit from Amazon: this pool floatie, which has turned into wild pool parties for the kids (with bubbles!).

….and finally, some other resources that may be helpful:

• More things to do in July

• Favorite farm stands in the Hamptons

• New openings Out East for 2026

• Southampton Village 4th of July Parade: Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m. My kids’ favorite day of the year. We post up along Jobs Lane with beach chairs, sun protection, and snacks

• North Sea Fire Department Carnival: Tuesday, June 30 to Saturday, July 4 at 149 Noyac Road, Southampton, starting at 6 p.m. The volunteer department's annual carnival, with rides, games, and fair food, plus fireworks Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4. An old-fashioned way to kick off summer.

• 4th of July fireworks shows to note:

  • Westhampton Beach: The Westhampton Country Club’s show off Potunk Lane. The club is members-only, but the display carries across much of the village, with Main Street a dependable spot. Around 9 p.m., rain date July 5.

  • North Sea (Southampton): Fireworks at dark over the carnival grounds on Noyac Road, two nights, Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4 (see note above about carnival!).

  • Sag Harbor: The Sag Harbor Yacht Club’s show off Long Wharf, with Marine Park and Havens Beach the best free views. Around 9:30 p.m.

  • Amagansett: The Devon Yacht Club’s private display over Gardiner’s Bay, viewable from Fresh Pond Beach a couple of miles away. Around 9:15 p.m.

  • Montauk: Stars Over Montauk lights up Umbrella Beach, the biggest show on the East End, with Kirk Park Beach the place to set up. Arrive early. Around 9 p.m.

  • Greenport (North Fork): The Greenport Fire Department’s annual Fourth of July Carnival, launching from the Polo Grounds on Moores Lane near the harbor. Two nights, Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m.

• ….and for the weekend following:

  • East Hampton: Clamshell Foundation Fireworks over Three Mile Harbor, the George Plimpton tradition. Maidstone Park, Sammy's Beach, and Gann Road are the prime spots. Saturday, July 11 around 9 p.m., rain date July 12.

  • Shelter Island: Fireworks over the bay at Crescent Beach, with the lawn and shoreline the easy viewing spots. Saturday, July 11 around 9 p.m.

• If you’re the staying-in type, the Fourth is big in the city this year. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks turn 50 and, for the first time, will launch from three points across the waterfront, centered on the Brooklyn Bridge. Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock

• For the kids:

  • KidFEST at Guild Hall fills the Wednesday afternoons in East Hampton this July, each with a free workshop beforehand. Opening July 1 with Mario the Maker Magician at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., robots, magic, and slapstick from a maker magician. Tim Kubart & The Space Cadets brings a full-band concert of sing-alongs and tap dancing July 8 at 4:30 p.m. Human – Nehprii Amenii follows July 15 at 1 p.m., a puppetry tale told by an octopus at the bottom of the ocean. And Story Pirates Live on July 22 at 4:30 p.m. with songs and improv comedy.

  • St. Luke's Summer Fair takes over the lawn at 18 James Lane in East Hampton on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., now in its 140th year. Pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet shows, magic, a bouncy castle, and a silent auction that benefits the church's outreach work. It’s such a fun day!

  • CMEE Family Fair brings its Endless Summer theme to Bridgehampton Saturday, July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with arts and crafts, water play, and food trucks. This is such a fantastic party my kids love.

• At the movies: A blockbuster month on the big screen. Minions & Monsters opens July 1, the third Minions outing, set in 1920s Hollywood. Moana follows July 10, Disney’s live-action remake. And Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings in July 31. All likely playing at the newly reopened Southampton Playhouse, my new favorite theater.

  • Hamptons Film Summer Outdoor Movies kick off Wednesday, July 8 with Mamma Mia! on Main Beach in East Hampton. Free, Wednesdays at sunset.

• For the art and design lover: there’s a full weekend of it. The Hamptons Fine Art Fair takes over the Southampton Fairgrounds, July 9 to 12. The East Hampton Antiques & Design Show marks its 20th year at Mulford Farm, July 10 to 12. And East Hampton Art & Design Days runs all weekend and closes out Sunday, July 12 with design panels at Guild Hall.

• Midsummer Night Drinks returns Saturday, July 11 for its 25th year, an afternoon of cocktails and poolside lounging hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris at their East Hampton home, to benefit God's Love We Deliver.

• For the sports lover: A stacked month. Wimbledon Finals for ladies’ on Saturday, July 11 and the gentlemen’s Sunday, July 12, both at 11 a.m. Polo Hamptons returns to Bridgehampton for two Saturdays, July 18 and July 25, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. And the World Cup Final is Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m., with the tournament ending at MetLife Stadium.

• For the arts lover:

  • Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala Saturday, July 18 in Water Mill. This year's "A Night in the Clouds" pairs a 5:30 p.m. dinner honoring Ellen Katz, Enoc Perez, Joan Semmel, and Hiroshi Sugimoto with a 9 p.m. to midnight Afterglow Party.

  • Watermill Center Summer Benefit returns to Water Mill with an Artist Dinner Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m. and the full Festival Saturday, July 25 at 6 p.m., this year's "limitless time" celebrating founder Robert Wilson with performances and installations across the grounds.

• Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center: Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s home and studio in Springs is a Hamptons gem that flies under the radar — and was a hit with my kids. We did the guided tour and everyone was riveted in the studio, where you slip on booties and walk right across the actual paint-splattered floor where Pollack made his drip paintings. Tours are by reservation only, and the guided slots sell out quick. We did the paint workshop afterward, where my kids made splatter paintings like Pollock, and we absolutely loved it.

• I’ve slowly been trying to incorporate some independent work in the mornings (summer is long!). Here are some items my kids’ schools have recommended that may be helpful: math flash cards, sight word cards, and math review workbooks.

• And some great strategic-thinking and problem-solving games recommended by the math teachers: Rush Hour (we love this one and a great travel game), Square Up, Rack-O, SET, Qwirkle, Head Full of Numbers, and Blokus (a personal family favorite)

• This past weekend we grilled skirt steak and I paired it with this Vietnamese noodle salad (held off on the peanuts, loaded up the herbs, cucumber and lime) and it's already my top recipe of the summer. I can't wait to make it again.

• Waffle Saturdays are becoming a weekly morning tradition in our household and such a great way to kick off the weekend. I love this simple waffle recipe and use this waffle maker. The kids love it!

• For all those farm stand visits, get a great fruit and veggie wash, which I’ve heard great things about.

• And now, a few fun shopping links: the perfect summer dress, the one-piece bathing suit everyone is raving about, my favorite sweater of the summer, and most importantly: a great everyday sunscreen. We have the 18 oz one by our door, which always reminds me to apply a few pumps before leaving the house.

• My friends have raved about Explorer Camp for years, so I finally signed my kids up for a week in August and they couldn't be more excited. The camp is run by East End Explorer, a local company that also offers private paddle tours, SUP and kayak rentals, and boat charters. Camp weeks sell out through the summer, so book now.

• A friend recently launched CeCe Freade, a gentle French-Korean skincare line built around calming, soothing formulas, so it's especially good for sensitive skin. The Future Proof Face Cream has become my nightly ritual, and I think it’s outstanding.

• Here are some free World Cup print-outs your kids might enjoy (source: Lauren at Kickstart Reading).

• I absolutely love the new bag I purchased from Underwater Weaving. They have excellent colors (it was hard to choose just one). I don't think a more perfect summer bag could exist.

• I practically lived in these ivory crepe pants and the matching top through every cocktail party and dinner this May and June. It’s a great elevated summer outfit I’ll continue to have on repeat.

• This polo sweater is also on heavy rotation, I have it in pink and aqua and it’s the perfect pop of color and I love the weight of it.

• I love these exfoliating shower mitts. They leave my skin so soft, and there's something satisfying about buffing away all the sunscreen at the end of the day.

• Boden is having an excellent sale right now for kids. I just stocked up on colorful and fun summer camp clothes: so many great suits, a fabulous embroidered blouse, fun socks, sweet PJs, cute shorts, and some boys 4th of July shorts and so so much more that’s worth checking out for summer.

• North Sea Fire Department Carnival: Tuesday, June 30–Saturday, July 4. 149 Noyac Road, Southampton. The local volunteer department throws its annual carnival just in time for the holiday weekend — rides, games, and fair food for the whole family. Fireworks light up the sky on Thursday, July 2 and again on Saturday, July 4. A genuinely sweet, old-fashioned way to kick off summer.

• Southampton Village 4th of July Parade: Our favorite day of the year. Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m., one of the oldest and largest on Long Island, now in its 105th year. Take the kids, ours absolutely love it. We like to post up along Jobs Lane, bring the beach chairs and sun protection.

• East Hampton Art & Design Days: Four days of private house and garden tours, artists' studios, design panels at Guild Hall, July 9–12, with names like Charlotte Moss, Tom Scheerer, and Amy Astley, benefiting the East Hampton Historical Society and Guild Hall. Access is intimate and pass-based, so plan ahead and book early.

• For all Hamptons openings and other events, check out this issue

• The Gazillion Bubble Show takes its final bow Off-Broadway on September 7 after nearly two decades. Yes, it's touristy, but my kids LOVED it, and this is the summer to catch it before it's gone for good.

• Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now: The Guggenheim's survey of Pop art just opened and runs through January 10. The showstopper is Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room, a mirrored chamber of suspended, glowing lights. Quietly breathtaking, and worth timing your visit around.

• What a championship. The moment New Yorkers have been waiting 53 years for is finally here. The Knicks Championship Parade takes over Lower Manhattan this Thursday, June 18, starting at 10 a.m. at Battery Park, heading north through the Canyon of Heroes, and ending with a Key to the City ceremony at City Hall Plaza. Take the subway, arrive early, and stake out a spot along Broadway. Wear your blue and orange, and whether you're going or not, it's time to get some Knicks gear. Here are some things I've been eyeing that aren't sold out yet: Cropped boxy top, great bomber jacket to pre-order, a gem sweater for girls, a really good t-shirt, white hat, crewneck sweater option one, and option two.

• U.S. Open Golf Championship: June 15–21 at Shinnecock Hills, Southampton. It’s going to be a big one. Practice rounds run through June 17 and are your best bet if you're going, it will be far less crowded, with a real chance to get close to the world's best players. Championship weekend draws 150,000+ attendees. Plan ahead for traffic.

• The World Cup is officially underway and this week's schedule delivers. Circle USA vs. Australia on Friday, June 19 at 3 p.m., watch party energy will be electric. Closer to home, France vs. Senegal kicks off Tuesday, June 16 at 3 p.m. at MetLife Stadium, one of the most anticipated group stage matchups of the tournament. It's also the perfect excuse to upgrade your USA gear (and double-dip for Fourth of July): the classic RL sweater that I still don’t think could ever be overdone, a knock-off for cheaper, or a pink LoveShackFancy one, a cute cap, and a retro red t-shirt. I love this dress, blouse, some excellent shorts, and paired with a navy stripped Saint James shirt. This woven tote is at the very top of my list and is color perfection.

• clinamen at Park Avenue Armory just opened and runs through August 2. French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot fills the space with floating ceramic bowls that drift and collide on water, producing an ever-changing melody of gentle chimes. Meditative, unexpected, and unlike anything else in the city right now.

• MYTHOS just opened at First Avenue and 68th Street, its first US location, and the timing couldn't be better as froyo makes a serious comeback. Greek-inspired toppings like baklava, honey, pomegranate, and fig. Early reviews are glowing.

• My favorite workout just got a permanent home. The Formula x Meredith has opened its own studio on the Upper East Side. The 60-minute, low-impact method blends Pilates, barre, and HIIT into one seriously effective class.

• For all summer 2026 openings in the Hamptons I’m excited about, check out last week’s newsletter here.

• This will be my go-to summer cake. Simple, delicious, and great to make with the kids. I made it for three dinner parties in a row and it was a success. Pair with fresh whipped cream and strawberries for dessert perfection.

• We were in the Midwest this past weekend visiting family, and my cousin had this inflatable water slide that was a huge hit, even for the bigger kids. I'm now convinced I need one. Paired with these squirt guns, it kept the kids captivated for hours.

• My tween niece had this beading set that every girl loved, and I immediately ordered one for my daughter. I got completely sucked in too. There’s something so gorgeous about hundreds of colorful beads. The 3mm is the perfect size.

• We hit an 8-hour travel delay on the way home. Not fun, but I had this book, and I've been gripped from page one. Add it to your summer reading list.

• My daughter is obsessed with The Princess in Black series — she tore through all 11 books in a week. She’s also in a big Amelia Bedelia phase, which I’m equally loving, and it got us through the whole travel ordeal.

• I’ve found a new favorite deodorant. The brand sent me a sampler pack and I’m completely sold — it works, smells great, and is clean. A worthy summer upgrade. (the sampler pack size is so perfect for travel or throwing in your bag)

• For the West Side folk, this is your go-to resource for everything happening along Riverside Park this summer. A lot going on.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert at the NY Philharmonic: December 17–20, David Geffen Hall. The holidays feel far away right now, but tickets were just released and this one always sells out. The New York Philharmonic performs John Williams’s iconic score live while the film plays on the big screen. If you have Harry Potter fans at home, don’t wait to purchase these tickets.

• Reminder: Father’s Day is coming up next weekend— here’s your planning guide

• All my favorite June happenings Out East in this newsletter

• Here are two other additional events in June I didn’t cover that are very much worth highlighting:

  • The LVIS Fair: June 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (this weekend!) A beloved East Hampton tradition since 1896. Pony rides, a carousel, vintage clothing, plants and flowers, food, live music, and a silent auction, all on the grounds of 95 Main Street in East Hampton. Free to attend

  • Feed Foundation x Amber Waves Fête: June 27. A beautiful way to kick off the summer — Amber Waves Farm is hosting a family fête benefiting the FEED Foundation, with wood-fired pizzas, local drinks, live music, and kid-friendly activities from 4:30–7:30 p.m.

• Southampton Village 4th of July Parade: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. One of Long Island’s oldest and largest 4th of July parades. Route runs from Railroad Plaza down Main Street to Agawam Park. It’s hands-down our family’s favorite day of the summer. Fireworks at 7 p.m.

• Hamptons Fine Art Fair: Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12 at the Southampton Fairgrounds. Now in its 19th year with 140 galleries — Forbes named it one of only three U.S. art fairs worth traveling for.

• Clamshell Foundation Fireworks over Three Mile Harbor: Saturday, July 11, around 9 p.m. (rain date July 12). A nearly five-decade East Hampton tradition — originally hosted by George Plimpton — always scheduled for the first Saturday after Bastille Day.

• CMEE’s 16th Annual Family Fair: Saturday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CMEE’s marquee event and the Hamptons’ biggest family party. This year’s theme: Endless Summer. Tickets start at $125.

• Polo Hamptons 2026: Saturday, July 18 AND Saturday, July 25, 4–7 p.m. at 900 Lumber Lane. Tickets have sold out in the past, and not sold at the door.

• Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala — “A Night in the Clouds”: Saturday, July 18. Dinner 6–9 p.m.; Afterglow Party 9 p.m.–midnight. One of the most anticipated benefits of the season.

• The Watermill Center Annual Summer Benefit: Late July (2026 date TBC). Conceived by Robert Wilson as a theatrical production with site-specific installations and performances across the 8.5-acre grounds.

• East Hampton Art and Design Days: July 9–12. Four days of private house and garden tours, design panels, book signings, and pop-up shopping throughout East Hampton, with an all-star lineup that includes Charlotte Moss, Tom Scheerer, Amy Astley, and Aerin Lauder.

• Sag Harbor Fire Department Annual Carnival: Early August at Havens Beach (historically the first week, will update you once I have a date). Insider tip: arrive before 5 p.m. and bring cash. Don’t miss the fireworks.

• Guild Hall 2026 Summer Gala: Friday, August 7, 6–11 p.m. Guild Hall's biggest night of the summer — cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment in the museum and gardens.

• 22nd Annual Authors Night: Saturday, August 8, 5 p.m. at Herrick Park. 100 authors under the tent, followed by dinner parties at private homes at 8 p.m.

• East Hampton Fire Department Main Beach Fireworks: Mid-to-late August at Main Beach (2026 date TBC; traditionally the third Saturday). A 100+ year tradition. Arrive early with a blanket; parking is first-come, first-served.

• Hampton Classic Horse Show: Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, August 30. World-class show jumping, 80+ boutiques, gourmet food stands, and kids’ activities. Grand Prix Sunday closes out the summer.

Here are some summer purchases I’m eyeing this week for me and the kids:

• These sandals — the blue! And for the kids, does it get any cuter than these!?

• I love the idea of this camera to document fun summer memories

• My kids have big backyard movie night aspirations this summer so I’m thinking about screen with this projector

• I just ordered this hat and cannot wait for it to arrive, Janessa Leoné nailed the shape once again

• Here’s my idea of the perfect easy breezy dress I’ll be living in all summer

• ….paired with some fun colorful jewelry with gorgeous pieces from Lizzie Fortunato. I adore this necklace, this one, and these earrings

• And speaking of fun jewels, the Ossa phone cases and wristlets are excellent, how great is this one and this one?!

The new openings list this summer out east is impressive — restaurants, shops, hotels, markets, and more. Here’s what I’m excited to explore this summer that new, fresh and fun. I’ll keep adding as the season unfolds. Sun emojis mark my personal must-visits:

WESTHAMPTON:

• Pop Up Bagels (Restaurant) Legendary bagel spot that’s worth the hype

• Citarella (Market) The gourmet grocer’s 4th East End location, and further confirming Westhampton is growing!

SOUTHAMPTON:

• Maison Close (Restaurant) Parisian-inspired, seafood-forward French dining at The Capri Southampton

• Finley's Fiction (Shop) The beloved Shelter Island indie now has a Southampton outpost on Jobs Lane, stocked with best sellers, non-fiction, kids' books, and small gifts. Saturday morning story time for kids is a nice touch.

SAG HARBOR:

• ☀️☀️ Babe’s Diner (Restaurant) The buzziest opening of the summer. All-day diner from in the former Nikki’s Not Dogs space. Only 20 seats, no reservations

• Miracle (Restaurant) In the former Vin Sur Vingt space. Elevated American with English pub vibes

• Zagara at Faraway Sag Harbor (Restaurant) Amalfi Coast-inspired, harborside. The rebrand of Baron’s Cove (which I loved!)

• Hill House Home (Shop) The Nap Dress brand opens its first Hamptons store with Nell’s, an old-school coffee/soda bar and a candy wall

• Mass retailers like Madewell, Ralph Lauren, and Rag & Bone

• Sun Life Organics (Café) California-based organic juice, smoothie, and açaí bowl chain, in the former Estia’s Little Kitchen space

BRIDGEHAMPTON:

• Nourish by The Roundtree (Restaurant) Chef Dewa Wijaya weaving Hamptons seasonal bounty with his Balinese roots

• ☀️☀️ Hoare & Hoare Antiques (Shop) Designer Zoe Hoare’s first Hamptons storefront at 2487 Main Street, stocked with 18th and 19th-century European furniture, French enamel kitchenware, and hand-dyed linens

• ☀️☀️ Tutto Caffè (Café) I love the East Hampton location, and having one closer to me feels like a personal win, although not opening until August

• ☀️☀️ Loaves & Fishes Lifestyle (Shop) The beloved Bridgehampton institution's new home goods and lifestyle store, carrying natural, artisanal, and organic gifts alongside furniture, bed

EAST HAMPTON:

• ☀️☀️ AERIN (Shop) Aerin Lauder returns to her iconic 7 Newtown Lane boutique, redesigned with Tom Scheerer. I love her store in Southampton and am thrilled to shop here.

• Chanel (Shop) Back on Newtown Lane, new location across from its previous spot

• Violet Grey (Shop) The cult L.A. luxury beauty edit comes to Newtown Lane

• Lion’s Nook Bar & Grill (Restaurant) English pub-style spot from the Springs Tavern team in the former Rowdy Hall space at 10 Main Street

• Camp Rubirosa (Restaurant) Last summer’s pop-up, the SoHo Italian favorite, is now a permanent East Hampton fixture

• Ketchy Beach (Restaurant) Atmospheric coastal cuisine and nightlife spot from the Ketchy Shuby team, at a new East Hampton location

• The Hedges Inn (Hotel) Back for its second season with a full David Netto redesign (Swifty’s is also back)

• Grindstone Donuts (Market) Beloved local donut shop with a new Race Lane location (also a favorite in Sag Harbor)

AMAGANSETT:

• ☀️☀️ SETT Coffee (Café / Market) From the Clam Bar team. Specialty coffee, matcha, pastries, curated provisions

• ☀️☀️ Jamagansett (Market) Handmade preserves on Main Street, great packaging

MONTAUK:

• Barlume Beach (Restaurant / Hotel) LDV Hospitality’s Mediterranean waterfront restaurant and beach club. Might be the hardest reservation of the summer

• Alba Spiaggia at Montauk Yacht Club (Restaurant) Coastal Italian, Aperol Spritz energy

• Talya (Restaurant) Coastal Greek, opened Memorial Day Weekend

• Gosman’s Dock (Restaurant) New dockside seafood concept for the 2026 season, from the Gosman’s team

• Dolce & Gabbana Beach Club at Gurney’s (Shop / Experience) D&G takes over the beach club for Gurney’s 100th anniversary, with a pop-up boutique on-site

• Hotel Corduroy (Hotel) A 29-room high-design reimagining of Sunset Montauk with private beach access

• Lighthouse Cafe (Restaurant/Café) From the Crow's Nest team, a new all-day café steps from the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Coffee and pastries in the morning, French and Basque-inspired pintxos, salads, and cocktails the rest of the day.

• Bar Lalo (Restaurant) The team behind Alimentari Beach brings Mexico City-inspired tacos, cocktails, and live music to West Lake Drive in Montauk.

• Jade Space Studio (Wellness/Fitness) Montauk's new wellness destination combines fitness classes, wellness treatments like infrared sauna sessions, and a retail marketplace under one roof.

OTHER

• Dante x The Pridwin (Experience) Shelter Island. NYC’s beloved Dante curates a summer-long cocktail menu at The Pridwin, with weekly Martini & Mahjong nights every Sunday