HAVE A HEART
Indulge yourself in an elegant evening with exquisite wines and fare, featuring a VIP reception, live and silent auction, and dinner and dancing at the 11th annual Heart of the Hamptons Gala to benefit the American Heart Association. Dr. Wayne Isom of Weill Cornell Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital will be honored, along with Pete Peterson (chairman of The Blackstone Group) and Joan Ganz Cooney. Chairs: Ellen Bitton (CEO of Park Avenue Mortgage). 6 p.m. Hayground School, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-734-2804.

COCKTAILS AT SUNSET
Banana Republic and InStyle invite you to celebrate the eighth annual Aids Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) benefit. Mingle with committee members Ross Bleckner, Andre Balazs, Martha Nelson, Bob Colacello, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Beth Rudin DeWoody, and Gillian Hearst-Shaw at this delicious cocktail party. 5 p.m. Private residence, Hamptons. Call: 212-924-3934 x101.

BREATH OF THE HAMPTONS
Bring your friends and family for an evening of mouthwatering BBQ provided by Turtle Crossing, dance the night away with live music by the Annie Morgan Band, and bid on exciting auction packages--all to benefit cystic fibrosis research. Co-chairs: Stefanie and Rich Dec and Colleen Weiss. Committee members: Jeffrey Altman, Laura and Keith Barket, Christine and Adam Sacks, Donna and Rob Shafir, Nancy and Stanley Singer, Marjorie and Aaron Slonim, and Arthur Wolf. 5 pm. Diamond Ranch, Bridgehampton. Call: 212-986-8783.


*SWING ON OVER
Afraid your dancing skills are not up to par? This year's Taste of Summer will begin with a dance lesson at Midsummer Night Swing's open-air ballroom on Josie Robertson Plaza. Show off what you learned later on that evening with the hot swing sounds of the J. C. Hopkins Biggish Band. After you've worked up an appetite, join the lavish al fresco outdoor celebrity-chef food tasting featuring delectable samples from some of the city's best-known chefs and restaurants. Co-chairs: Jennie and Richard DeScherer, and Janice Savin Williams and Christopher J. Williams. 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Center. Call: 212-875-5460.


UNDER THE STARS
Donny Deutsch will host a dazzling night of dancing and entertainment at the Children's Museum of the East End's eighth annual benefit. This will be an evening of cocktails and dinner and dancing to live music you won't want to miss. Proceeds will benefit CMEE, an organization dedicated to educating children with interactive hands-on exhibits on the East End of Long Island. 6:30 p.m. Channing Daughters Winery, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-537-8250.

BARD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Don't miss the opening gala concert honoring Bard Music Festival founding director Lukas Foss. Mingle with president and founder of the festival, Eleanor Sage Leonard, and artistic directors Leon Botstein, Christopher Gibbs, Robert Martin, and Michael Guttman. Relax some more as violinist Arnaud Sussmann and the American Symphony Orchestra, conducted by music director Leon Botstein, perform for the crème de la crème guests. End the amazing night with a delicious dinner and dancing following the performance. 5:30 p.m. East Hampton Studios, Wainscott. Call: 800-644-4418.


OUTSIDE THE BOX
Eric Ernst, Dan Rizzie, Jack Youngerman, and Howard Kanovitz are just a few of the artists who accepted the challenge to create art from a cigar box for the seventh annual Box Art Auction, benefiting the East End Hospice. The honorary committee, chaired by April Gornik and Eric Fischl and including members Alec Baldwin, Edward Albee, Arlene and Alan Alda, and Sheldon Harnick, invite you to enjoy cocktails while participating in silent and live auctions for the chance to take one of these masterpieces home. 4:30 p.m. The Ross School, East Hampton. Call: 631-288-7080.

HAMPTONS HAPPENINGS
Open your heart by joining the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation at its fourth annual Hamptons Happening benefit. Five hundred guests are expected to attend this Grey Goose-sponsored event, which will include an extensive wine tasting hosted by Palm Bay Imports, as well as signature gourmet specialties by exclusive New York/Hampton restaurants such as Orsay, Il Buco, Saracen, Periyali, Shun-Lee Palace, and Baldoria. 6 p.m. Home of Kenneth and Robyn Joseph, Wainscott. Call: 212-241-1760.

TEA TIME
Indulge in an afternoon that will prove to be fun for all ages. Get on up and dance to DJ Lady Bunny while the little ones play in the sandbox. A thousand supporters and friends of the Pride Agenda will be there to benefit the Empire State Agenda. Chairs: Kimberly Kakerbeck, Joel Isaacs, Mitch Karsch, Mark Paviluk, and Alfredo Paredes. 4 p.m. The Diamond Ranch, Water Mill. Call: 212-627-0305.

MIDSUMMER PARTY
Dance the night away at the Midsummer Party hosted by the Parrish Art Museum Board of Trustees in honor of museum director Trudy Kramer. Treat your palate to a delightful dinner and dessert along with lavish cocktails. Honorary co-chairs: Deborah Bancroft, Katharina Otto-Bernstein, and Beth Rudin DeWoody. After Ten Committee co-chairs: Jennifer Blumin, Fernanda Niven, Deborah Schoeneman, Arden Wohl, and Alexandra Wolfe. 7 p.m. Parrish Art Museum, Southampton. Call: 631-283-2118 x41 or 33.


DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE
The Hampton Designer Showhouse, benefiting the Southampton Hospital, will open its doors with a gala preview party that runs through Labor Day. Gala chair is Hilary Geary Ross with honorary co-chairs Catherine di Montezemolo and Mildred Brinn. Regular Showhouse hours will be as follows: Monday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Preview party: 6 p.m. Bridgehampton. Call: 631-745-0004.

MERCEDES-BENZ POLO CHALLENGE
Break out your best equestrian-inspired gear as the Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge rolls into its 12th season and continues for six consecutive Saturdays. As always, the East End's most high-profile and influential audience of VIPs, celebs, and media elite will be in attendance. The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests during the tournament. 4 p.m. Bridgehampton Polo Club. Call: 212-420-9420 x35.

WHITE PARTY
Dress in your sexiest whites with glitters of silver and gold to a gala evening celebrating Jack Lenor Larsen's 80th birthday and LongHouse Reserve's 15th anniversary. On this fabulous evening there will be a special award presented to Yoko Ono. Don't forget to walk the grounds of LongHouse Reserve, explore the auction installation, and tie your wishes to the Yoko Ono Wish Tree. 6 p.m. LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton. Call: 631-329-3568.

BAY STREET GALA
Richard Kind, star of Mad About You and Spin City, will host the 16th annual Bay Street Theatre's Summer Gala Benefit Bash. The cocktail reception, set to the enchanting theme of East Meets West, will include dinner and dancing. This glamorous gala is not to be missed. 6:30 p.m. Harding Farm, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-725-0818 x106.

HATS FOR HOPE
Fashion designer Roberta Freymann will host the benefit party for Project A.L.S. This trendsetter has called upon friends to create summer sunhats, which will be available in a silent auction. Indulge in delicious hors d'oeurves while bidding on these gorgeous creations designed by mad hatters Caroline Rhea, Maura Tierney, Candice Bergen, Adrienne Vittadini, Victoria Hagan, Elaine Scott, and InStyle's Martha McCully. 5 p.m. Roberta Freymann Boutique, East Hampton. Call: 212-358-9516.

COCKTAILS BY THE BAY
Academy Award nominee and Tony winner Joan Allen will guest-host a night of celebration and support for the Miracle House. Munch on hors d'oerves, bid on great items, and listen to live music by the J. Walter Hawkes Trio at the summer sunset cocktail party. 6 p.m. Private residence, Sag Harbor. Call: 212-989-7790.

CHEFS AND CHAMPAGNE
The James Beard Foundation will honor chef and owner Charlie Trotter with a lavish summer tasting party and silent auction. Kick it up a notch and go as a VIP and get the red carpet treatment. You will enjoy a special seating, tastings of a 1999 Charles Heidsieck Rosé Champaign, a photo opportunity with a guest of honor, a take-home gift, and admission to the afterparty. 5 p.m. Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Sagaponack. Call: 212-627-2308.


SUPER SATURDAY
Donna Karan, Kelly Ripa, and Carla Lawhon and InStyle invite you to shop till you drop at this year's Super Saturday 10 to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Don't miss your chance to snag some of the best deals on designer duds from Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Cole Haan, Ralph Lauren, Dooney & Bourke, Diane von Furstenberg, Gucci, Jill Stuart, Vera Wang, and more! 1 p.m. Nova's Art Project, Water Mill. Call: 212-759-2800.

ART FOR LIFE
Calling all art enthusiasts! Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons will host the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's eighth annual Art for Life Benefit honoring the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Judith Jamison of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. This year's auction will highlight the innovative artwork of Francesco Clemente. Chairs include Ivanka Trump, L.A. Reid, Damon Dash and Rachel Roy. 6 p.m. Private residence, East Hampton. Call: 212-810-4560.

WATERMILL GALA
Join the 14th annual Watermill Center Summer benefit to celebrate its first full year of artistic programs. The evening will include cocktails, silent and live auction hosted by star auctioneer Simon de Pury, performances, art installations, dinner, special guest performances, and dancing. This gala brings together the worlds of theater, art, fashion, and society for an evening that is as stimulating as it is fun. 6 p.m. The Watermill Center, Watermill. Call: 212-253-7484 x10.

FAIRY TALES & DREAMS
In a land not so far, far away, the Child Development of the Hamptons Foundation for Special Children (CDCH) will host its 11th annual summer benefit, Fairy Tales & Dreams: An Enchanted Celebration. The evening, set within an enchanted forest, will feature a magical story hour with Emma Walton and friends, cocktails, silent auction, dinner, and dancing to the music of Total Soul. 5:30 p.m. CDCH Campus, Wainscott. Call: 631-267-2734.

GALLERY RECEPTION
Famed artist Renee Niklan will have her first showing in the Hamptons. Join Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Bonnie and Stewart Lane, Ann Liguori, Colleen and Gary Rein, Sheila Rosenblum, Ann Thomas, Liz Derringer, and Catherine Saxton. Enjoy a glamorous reception while viewing beautiful works of art. 5:30 p.m. R.V.S Fine Arts Gallery (Roberta Von Schlossberg), Southampton. Call: 212-672-0509.


LAMBDA LEGAL
Celebrate with refreshing cocktails and scrumptious hors d'oeurves on the beautiful grounds of Robert Dash's acclaimed gardens in honor of Lambda Legal's many civil rights victories. 5:30 p.m. Madoo Conservancy, Sagaponack. Call: 212-809-8585.

HOSPITAL BASH
Savor the last few weeks of summer at the Southampton Hospital's 49th annual summer party, On the Town, honoring Judith and Rudy Giuliani. The festive evening, emceed by Chuck Scarborough, will include cocktails, a silent auction, and dinner and dancing to benefit Southampton Hospital's Emergency Services. Honorary chair: Jill Stuart. Benefit chairs: Sandra McConnell and Melanie Wambold. 6:30 p.m. Under the tents at the corner of Wickapogue and Old Town Roads, Southampton. Call: 631-726-8700.


WILD WILD WEST
Saddle up and ride over to the 18th annual Family Day Wild Wild West Carnival hosted by Christie Brinkley and benefiting the National Women's Division of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Be sure not to leave the kids in the dust for this day of potato sack racing, hula hoop contests, freeze dancing, and a balloon toss. The afternoon will continue with pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, cupcake making, wagon rides, a rock climbing wall, and much more. 10 a.m. Diamond Ranch, Water Mill. Call: 718-430-3804.


FEINSTEIN PERFORMS
Michael Feinstein will take your breath away with his renditions of timeless love songs by Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, Arlen, Kern, and other legends from the golden era like only he can. It's been said that the pianist/singer/songwriter is "downright intoxicating." This will be a magical evening not to be missed! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. 8:30 p.m. Call: 631-288-1500.


FUR REAL
Society fur designer David Goodman will make a personal appearance at the premiere of his Fall 2007 Luxury Collection! Goodman's signature luxurious Featherweight Fur collection (reversible too!) will be featured along with his sumptuous sable, chinchilla, mink wraps and Italian cashmere knits. Stop by Thursday 16 through Sunday 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dazelle, Southampton. Call: 631-283-8477.


BATTERS UP
Play ball with well-known artists and writers to raise bucks for the East End Hospice, East Hampton Day Care Center, and Phoenix House. Previous attendees have included Alec Baldwin, Rudy Giuliani, Roy Scheider, Bob Balaban, Dan Rattiner, Mercedes Ruehl, Mike Lupica, and Ken Auletta. Batting practice begins at 1 p.m. Game starts at 3 p.m. Herrick Park, East Hampton. Call: 631-288-7080.


DEL ARTE AUCTION
Mingle with Billy Joel, Itzhak Perlman, Betsey Johnson, April Gornik, Jack Lenor Larsen, Judith Jaimson, and Dale Chihuly on the eve of the 12th annual Ellen's Run. Treat yourself to cocktails and bid on gorgeous items. Then wake up refreshed, put your running shoes on, and go on the 5k run. Proceeds provide support for breast cancer survivors on the East End. Saturday evening's cocktail party will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Hayground School. Sunday's run will begin at 9 a.m. at East Hampton High School. Call: 631-907-1952.


GARDEN PARTY
Start your weekend off at a beautiful oceanfront home and garden with an exclusive cocktail party to kick off Guild Hall's Garden as Art tour. The next morning, indulge in a continental breakfast, followed by a lecture given by Dan Hinkley, the founder of Heronswood Nursery. Get ready to embark on a tour of the fab gardens of Alexandra Munroe and Robert Rosenkranz, Chris Browne, Carol and Norman Mercer, Lloyd and Barbara Macklowe, Craig Socia, Long House Reserve, and Madoo. Chairs: Dianne Benson, Abby Jane Brody, and Nina Gillman. Sponsored by: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Friday evening's cocktail party begins at 5:30 at a private residence in East Hampton. Saturday's breakfast begins at 10 a.m. at East Hampton Studios followed by the lecture and tour. Call: 631-324-0806 x13.

UNDER THE STARS
Diana Ross will wow the crowd with her private performance at An Evening Under the Stars. The event, hosted for the second year by Jill and Cliff Viner, and conceived, designed, and produced by Miami-based event virtuoso Barton G., be¬nefits the Kids PumpED project at the Diabetes Research Institute. 7:30 p.m. Quogue. Call: 212-288-2217.


A KOSHER AFFAIR
Join Sam and Marlena Gershowitz to celebrate the sixth annual dinner and silent auction to benefit the Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center. A dinner and a variety of great items to bid on will make this a fabulous evening. 5 p.m. Private residence, Southampton. Call: 631-287-2249.


CLASSIC HORSE SHOW
The 32nd annual Hampton Classic Horse Show gallops into gear with Grand Prix show jumping. Local equestrians, up-and-coming riders, Olympic veterans, and world-class competitors will strut their stuff through Sept. 2, when the event culminates with the FTI Grand Prix, a celebrity-packed finale. Past guests have included Brooke Shields, Jessica Biel, Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky, Katie Joel, Calvin and Kelly Klein, Mayor Bloomberg, Alec Baldwin, Katie Couric, and Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. Bridghampton. Call: 631-537-3177.