The NYC & Hamptons June Line-Up
Some of the things in June that I'm most excited out in NYC and Out East, plus Brooke Kennan of Kinderbrook shares her (excellent!) NYC picks....
Taste of Summer: Wednesday, June 3, 7–10:30 p.m. at Bethesda Terrace. The Central Park Conservancy’s annual benefit — and the city’s most glamorous official summer kickoff. Tastings from 40+ top NYC restaurants, cocktails, music, and dancing in one of the most magical settings in the city. Ticket proceeds support the Conservancy’s work across the park. (Adults only.)
Museum Mile Festival: Tuesday, June 9, 6–9 p.m. NYC’s biggest block party returns — Fifth Avenue closes to cars from 82nd to 110th Street, and eight museums (the Met, Guggenheim, Cooper Hewitt, Jewish Museum, Neue Galerie, and more…) open their doors for free, with live performances and outdoor programming all along the route. I love this event with the kids.
NY Philharmonic Concerts in Central Park: Wednesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn. The Phil’s free annual outdoor concert is one of those quintessential New York summer nights — pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and stake out your spot (arrive a couple hours early for a good one). Fireworks follow the performance.
Disney's Encanto in Concert: Another great NY Phil event. On June 18–21 at David Geffen Hall. The NY Phil performs Encanto's Oscar-winning score live to the full film, with Lin-Manuel Miranda's songs played in real time. Weekend matinees at 2 p.m. are ideal for families.
ABTKids: Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m. at the Metropolitan Opera House. American Ballet Theatre’s one-hour introduction to ballet for families, hosted by Misty Copeland — a really sweet entry point for kids who are ballet-curious but not ready for a full three-hour Swan Lake. There’s also an optional hands-on pre-performance workshop starting at 9:15 a.m., if you want to turn it into a fuller morning.
AMNH Sleepovers Summer Dates for registration: Tickets for July, August, and September sleepovers go on sale to Members on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m., and to the general public on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. These sell out in minutes, so set an alarm. $225 per person, kids 6–12 with a chaperone.
Fenimore Lane Design Summit: Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, CT — one of my favorite hotels in the area. Hosted by interior designer Ariel Okin and her brand Fenimore Lane, the weekend includes an all-day Design Bazaar, panels, and hands-on workshops set across the Mayflower's beautiful grounds. The perfect early-summer countryside escape.
I’m excited to share Brooke Kennan’s NYC picks. Brooke is the founder of Kinderbrook Home, a beautiful brand inspired by country living, and timeless design. What began after decorating her family’s upstate retreat has grown into a collection of elegant home goods and apparel that feel both classic and fresh. When someone with Brooke’s tasteful eye shares her favorite places in New York City, I’m absolutely paying attention:
Shopping: Juju Vera: Make an appointment at the studio to shop the most beautiful vintage-inspired jewelry. Next on my list: creating a custom piece with the founder. Creel and Gow: Perfectly curated objects for the home. My favorite part is their one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from around the world. D Porthault: Iconic linens, but I especially love their robes, nightgowns, and baby pieces. I’m a sucker for the signature heart print. Belgian Shoes: A timeless classic, and with Father’s Day coming up, a fresh pair never disappoints.
Gourmet deli: William Poll: Some of the best sandwiches on the Upper East Side and a true neighborhood staple. Don’t leave without the watercress dip and homemade potato chips.
Tea time: Majorelle at The Lowell Hotel for the Lily of the Valley Tea: A collaboration with Dior Maison, so naturally every detail is perfection. Delicious tea served on beautiful Dior china in one of the prettiest settings in the city.
Dinner & a show: Café Carlyle: Tickets to a show at Café Carlyle. What feels more New York than that? Stop in Bemelman’s Bar before or after.
Restaurant: JG Melon: No fuss and nostalgic for every native New Yorker. A true Upper East Side classic with a great burger and fries.
For out-of-towners: American Museum of Natural History is my favorite museum to take the children to, and The Frick Collection is always worth a visit. If you’re visiting the city with children, don’t miss the Central Park Zoo and try to get tickets to The Lion King on Broadway.
Thank you for sharing your picks, Brooke!
June is my favorite month out east, the calm before the storm. Out at the Beach will be back in your inbox every Tuesday once things really get going, but in the meantime, here's what's on my list for June out east:
U.S. Open Golf Tournament: June 15–21 at Shinnecock in Southampton with 150,000+ attendees expected across the 7-day championship week. Practice rounds Monday–Wednesday (June 15–17), championship rounds Thursday–Sunday (June 18–21). ALERT: This will reshape traffic majorly — plan ahead!!
Open House at The Watermill Center: Saturday, May 30 from 2–4 p.m. in Water Mill. Robert Wilson's arts center opens its 10-acre campus to the public for an afternoon of workshops, performances, food, and interactive programs for all ages — a lovely way to experience one of the East End's most creative spaces. Free with a recommended $25 donation.
Gathering: 30 Years of Hayground: Saturday, June 6, 5–8 p.m. in Bridgehampton. A family-friendly evening celebrating Hayground’s 30th anniversary with live music, food, a 100+ artist market, and kids’ activations including a trapeze demo. My kids go to Hayground Camp and it is a magical, special place. Tickets start at $25.
Guild Hall in East Hampton kicks off its 2026 summer season this month. Always worth keeping an eye on their schedule — they consistently have wonderful programming for kids alongside the adult shows. Galleries are always free.
LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton: A 16-acre sculpture garden and nature sanctuary, open Wednesday–Sunday, 12:30–5 p.m. A wonderful place to wander — June is the time to go, before the July crowds arrive. Speaking of which: the annual Summer Benefit "Beautopia" is Saturday, June 27 — cocktails, live music, and a live auction across the gardens.
REMINDER! This one always sneaks up on me, but beach parking permits are required and they’re strictly enforced (started May 15). Each town AND village runs its own permit system and they aren’t interchangeable. All can be ordered online or by mail — you’ll need a photo of your car registration, license plate and payment info. Order this week so the sticker arrives before your first beach day! Helpful links: East Hampton Village (Main Beach, Georgica, Egypt, Wiborg, Two-Mile Hollow), Town of East Hampton (Indian Wells, Atlantic Avenue, Ditch Plains, Maidstone), and Town of Southampton (Coopers, Flying Point, Sagg Main, Mecox)
Summer travel prep is in full swing. Here’s what’s I have on my mind:
These gummies (for adults only!)—truly magical for jet lag, or anytime I have a drink or two.
This hat. One of my most-purchased links since starting the newsletter. It’s one of the rare travel hats that holds up and looks chic.
Packing cubes. And these plastic zippered pouches—the use cases are endless (sunscreen, wet swimsuits, puzzle pieces, snacks…I could go on).
The best suitcases—sturdy, lightweight, and good-looking.
This Etsy dopp kit for kids was a runaway hit in my spring break guide, so I’m sharing it again.
I’ve put together a comprehensive list of all my kids’ favorite books (including the ones I don’t mind reading on repeat, if you’re stuck in a rut).
And here are a few of my favorite books for grown-ups (still adding to the list)—all great summer reads.
Not something to pack, but to download, my son is obsessed with the Magic Woods podcast series.
A Yoto Mini (non-negotiable) and our favorite water bottles that don’t leak or these teeny, light cuties.
I posted about this gorgeous bathing suit last week— it’s now sold out in a handful sizes, grab it while you can or set up a notify. It’s a good one!