Weekly Highlights in NYC & the Hamptons: August 11-August 17
All the things happening in NYC and the Hamptons this week, plus summers' hottest items
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!!