ART & SOUL: Hamptons Celebrates Black Art, Culture and Community With a Sold-Out Fifth Anniversary Weekend

ART & SOUL: Hamptons returned to Southampton from July 17–19, 2026, for its fifth anniversary, bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, collectors and tastemakers for a sold-out weekend celebrating Black creativity, wellness and community.

Credit: Kurt Leggard

Produced in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center and Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, the three-day festival featured art exhibitions, museum tours, culinary tastings, live performances, film, wellness activations and conversations designed to inspire connection and collaboration.

“This year’s festival demonstrated exactly why spaces like ART & SOUL: Hamptons matter,” said founder Yaya Reyes. “We are intentionally creating opportunities where Black artists, entrepreneurs and culture are not simply included—they are centered and celebrated.”

A Weekend of Art, Food and Culture

Credit: Kurt Leggard

Opening night took place on the lawn of Southampton Arts Center, with Kevin Thompson serving as host. Guests explored an outdoor exhibition featuring original work by ARTBOii, along with culinary presentations from Chef Cheryl Grigg, Chef Sakari Smithwick, Chef Leighton Murdock, Chef Doug Gee and The Long Island Shucking Truck.

New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery presented a whiskey tasting, while sommelier Charles Springfield of The Wine Stylings led a Champagne and wine experience with Lea Williams of Let’s Talk Wine. Featured wine partners included The Vice Wines, Vineyard Brands, J. de Villebois, Mohua Wines, Marqués de Cáceres, Miguel Torres Wines and La Vieille Ferme.

Credit: Kurt Leggard

The evening also included wellness beverage activations from The Nourish Spot, Love You More Seamoss, PAIJA Tea Co. and K Bloody Mary Mix, with Long Island Ice & Fuel serving as the official chill sponsor.

Entertainment ranged from a screening of the short film “Crossroads” and a filmmaker discussion to performances by flutist Dwayne Kerr and the Rum Punch Mafia. DJ CJ closed the evening with the “Art After Dark” afterparty.

Credit: Kurt Leggard

Saturday’s programming included a private tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio led by Shinnecock artist Jeremy Dennis and visual artist Denise “WeeTahMoe” Silva-Dennis. Guests also participated in an art walk connecting the Southampton African American Museum, the Hidden Gem NY pop-up at Gary Hartmann Gallery and Southampton Arts Center.

Credit: Kurt Leggard

Additional highlights included a VIP brunch at 75 Main, the opening reception for Damien Davis’ “Hedges and Edges,” a performance by Yacouba Sissoko and SIYA African Band and cocktail and wine experiences.

The festival concluded Sunday with the Bubbles & Bloom Brunch benefiting the Southampton African American Museum. Chaired by philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, the event honored Claude and Yvette Weir, Southampton Inn owner Dede Gotthelf and Harlem Commonwealth Council President and CEO Sharon Joseph for their contributions to the arts and community.

Inside the ART & SOUL: Hamptons VIP Gift Bags

Credit: Kurt Leggard

Credit: Kurt Leggard

One of the weekend’s most anticipated elements was the collection of VIP gift bags. The thoughtfully curated bags introduced attendees to an extensive group of beauty, wellness, haircare, skincare, beverage, lifestyle and accessories brands.

The 2026 VIP gifting sponsors included:

Credit: Kurt Leggard

• Miss Jessie’s — @miss_jessies

• No Makeup Makeup — @originalnomakeupmakeup

• White Rain+ — @whiterainproducts

• Stanley 1913 x NEST Collection — @stanley1913_brand

• DermHairDoc — @dermhairdoc

• Tea Forté — @teaforteofficial

• Kiyomi Skin — @kiyomiskin

• VRAI Cosmetics — @vraiofficial

• Perseve Hair — @persevehair

• The Best Friend — @bestfriendzip

• Beautiful Amore Skincare — @beautifulamoreskincare

• SASS BK — @cultivate.sass

• Graasi — @drinkgraasi

• British M — @britishm_usa

• Still Standing — @bystillstanding

• DAX Hair Care — @daxhaircare

• Pause by BBraxton — @pausebybbraxton_

• Cambridge Chemists — @cambridgechemistsnyc

• New England Sweetwater — @nesweetwater

• LumiCup — @thelumicup

• Epsom-it — @epsom_it

• Überlube — @uberlube

• Purpose Jewelry — @purposejewelry

• Brownkind — @brownkindskin

• Afrevia — @afrevia

• SPRY — @sprysmile

• Southforker Magazine — @the_southforker

• Bespoke Flowers — @bespokefloinc

The bags offered participating brands direct visibility among an audience of media professionals, cultural leaders, creators and influential guests traveling from the Hamptons, New York City and cities across the country.

Credit: Kurt Leggard

Looking Ahead to 2027

Guests traveled from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, South Florida, Seattle and other destinations for the anniversary weekend, underscoring ART & SOUL: Hamptons’ growing presence as a cultural destination on the East End.

Planning is already underway for the 2027 festival, with expanded partnerships and new opportunities to celebrate Black art, culture, entrepreneurship and excellence in the Hamptons.

Credit: Kurt Leggard

East End Taste joined DION Magazine, S.E.T. Squad, Hamptons Mouthpiece, PULSE by NYABJ and Celebrate, Socialize and Explore as a media sponsor.

For announcements about next year’s festival, visit ART & SOUL: Hamptons and follow @artandsoulhamptons