What's happening this weekend in the Hamptons

The Hamptons Institute

The first Hamptons Institute occurs Friday through Sunday at Guild Hall in East Hampton, with panel topics including “Restoring the Integrity of the U.S. Financial Markets,” “Building the Infrastructure for a New Economy,” “Investing in Arts and Culture” and “The Future of News and Media.” Lecture topics include “Mercedes Matter in the 1930s and 1940s” and “The Good, the Bad and the Very Bad: An Art Critic Talks About Art, Demons, and other things that have to do with Making Art Today.” (Friday through Sunday at Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806, 631-324-4050 box office; guildhall.org, prices depend on events attended)

Rock The Dock

Flaming funnyman Mario Cantone of "Sex And The City" is set to rock the dock when he hosts Bay Street Theatre’s Summer Gala Benefit Bash Saturday night in Sag Harbor. The spinning stylings of DJ Tom Finn, a special performance by Escola de Samba Boom, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, dancing and a live auction with guest auctioneer Richard Kind of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" will round out the evening at the Long Wharf. (starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-0818, events@baystreet.org, tickets start at $500)

Longhouse Reserve Summer Benefit

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Edward Albee and eclectic musician Lou Reed are set to present performance artist Laurie Anderson with the Longhouse Art Leadership award on Saturday at the annual Longhouse summer gala in East Hampton. A special performance by Anderson, luscious food and drink and a diverse auction is also in store for the night. (6 p.m. Saturday at 133 Hands Creek Rd., East Hampton, for tickets contact Joanne Sohn at 631-329-3568)

Art Box At Ross School

Nibble on hors d’oeuvres, sip wine and check out the works of Frank Stella, Louise Bourgeois and Jimmy Ernst, and mingle with 100 well-known artists at the 10th annual Box Art benefit. Each artist has created unique, varied works of art to benefit East End Hospice and each piece will be on display for your critical eye on Saturday night. Invited guests include Sheldon Harnick, Alec Baldwin, Mercedes Ruehl, Edward Albee, Arlene and Alan Alda and April Gornick. (6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ross School Lower Campus, Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, 631-288-7080, eeh.org, tickets $60)

Simon Spurr Fall Preview

Enjoy an evening of shopping and cocktails Saturday at Blue & Cream in East Hampton during the Simon Spurr Fall 2010 Collection Preview. (6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Blue & Cream, 60 On The Circle, East Hampton, 631-329-1392, free)

Rufus Wainwright to sing

Rufus Wainwright will perform a private, invitation-only performance at the Bing Concert series at Sole East in Montauk on Saturday night. (Saturday at Sole East, 90 Second House Rd., Montauk, 631-668-2105, soleeast.com)

Mike Posner at Bamboo

Mike Posner is set to perform “Cooler Than Me” at the Eldridge East at Bamboo in East Hampton. DJ Mia Moretti accompanied by electric violinist Caitlin Moe will also perform. Table reservations are suggested. (doors open at 11 p.m. Saturday, with the performance by Posner at about 12:30 a.m., at Eldridge East at Bamboo, 47 Montauk Hwy., East Hampton, 212-966-7909, reservations@brandswaycreative.com, no cover charge)

Hamptons Magazine’s Annual Clambake

Haley & Jason Binn, Debra Halpert and Samantha Yanks host the Hamptons magazine’s Annual Clambake, rain or shine, on Sunday in Montauk. Entertainment by DJ Chris Bachmann. (5 to 10 p.m. Sunday at the Montauk Yacht Club, 32 Star Island Rd., Montauk, 631-668-3100, montaukyachtclub.com)

Mario Cantone performs a one-man Broadway show, "Laugh Whore." (Oct. 11, 2004)