As summer unfolds, the social circuits of Aspen, the Hamptons, and Nantucket come alive with events where art, sport, fashion, and philanthropy collide. From high-altitude galas to seaside soirées, these gatherings are less about the guest list and more about the entrance. PALMER presents an ongoing list of the season’s hottest social events from our favorite summer outposts.
The Hamptons
July 12: SOFO’s 36th Annual Summer Gala
Science meets society under the stars at this beloved benefit for the South Fork Natural History Museum. Held in the heart of the Hamptons, the evening draws eco-minded socialites, philanthropists, and a surprising number of fabulous birdwatchers. Expect candlelit tables, locally sourced fare, and just enough summer breeze to tousle a blowout.
July 19: The Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala
A white-linen, big-ticket event in Water Mill, this elegant evening supports one of the East End’s most important cultural institutions. The night features a gala dinner followed by the Afterglow Party, attracting artists, philanthropists, and fashion.
Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala. Photo by BFA.
July 19 & 26: Polo Hamptons
White linen, wide brims, and champagne on ice—Hamptons polo is where the sidelines steal as much attention as the field. Expect galloping thoroughbreds, artfully tousled hair, and conversations that begin with “Where are you headed after St. Barth’s?” It’s the kind of afternoon where the divot-stomping is just as competitive as the game itself.
July 25–26: The Watermill Center Summer Benefit
Where avant-garde meets old money, this iconic benefit draws an eclectic mix of patrons, artists, and designers in support of experimental art. Guests immerse themselves in a curated series of installations and performances across The Watermill Center’s expansive property.
Mykki Blanco performing at the 2024 Watermill Summer Benefit. Photo by BFA.
August 24-31: Hampton’s Classic Horse Show
The unofficial grand finale of the season, the Hampton Classic blends world-class show jumping with world-class people-watching. Riders fly, hooves thunder, and the VIP tent buzzes with linen blazers, oversized sunglasses, and a guest list that reads like a society column. Whether you’re ringside for the Grand Prix or lingering over lobster salad between rounds, this is equestrian elegance at its most photogenic.
Aspen
June 20-22: Aspen Food & Wine Classic
At 8,000 feet, flavor hits differently. Each June, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic transforms this mountain town into a tasting menu of culinary talent—where top chefs, master sommeliers, and bold-faced foodies converge for three days of indulgence with altitude. Between tented tastings, Champagne sabering, and panels that double as power lunches, it’s a festival that pairs just as well with sunhats and fly-fishing as it does with truffle foam.
August 1: ArtCrush, Aspen Art Museum
The pinnacle of Aspen’s summer season, ArtCrush brings the international art world to the Rockies—with altitude, attitude, and a serious eye for contemporary talent. Over the course of the weekend, collectors, artists, and patrons gather for exhibitions, alfresco dinners, and a live auction that benefits the museum’s boundary-pushing programming. Think high art, mountain air, and a crowd that knows how to pair couture with cowboy boots.
Aspen ArtCrush. Photo by BFA.
Nantucket
June 25–30: Nantucket Film Festival
Each June, the Nantucket Film Festival brings Hollywood to cobble stoned streets, as filmmakers, writers, and industry insiders descend on the island for a celebration of character-driven cinema, intimate conversations, and late-night debates over lobster rolls. It’s smart, sun-drenched, and effortlessly cool—like the perfect summer opening scene.
Nantucket. Photo by Thomas Prior.
August 9: Boston Pops on Nantucket
On the second Saturday in August since 1997, Jetties Beach transforms into an open-air concert hall as the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra takes the stage for Nantucket’s most anticipated summer event. Families arrive barefoot, bottles are uncorked, and beach blankets double as box seats. As the orchestra swells and fireworks light up the harbor in support of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, it becomes clear: this isn’t just a concert—it’s a love letter to summer, scored to perfection.
Martha’s Vineyard
June 19-23: 50th Anniversary of JAWS
Martha’s Vineyard is gearing up to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s legendary film, JAWS, with a series of talks and special events at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Martha’s Vineyard Museum (Photo: LAM Partners).