From classic movies to hands-on activities and educational resources, there are plenty of ways older adults can relax and socialize together at local libraries, cultural institutions, and the town senior center. Here is a curated selection of upcoming events that promise to be entertaining and informative (mainly free, unless otherwise indicated).
Live Theater: "A Streetcar Named Desire"
Ongoing through Dec. 1, show times vary
Bay Street Theater, 1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
Admission: $49.99 to $119.98
The iconic Tennessee Williams play is this year's Literature Live! selection at Bay Street Theater, featuring professional actors in "a powerful exploration of desire and mental fragility." The play won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1948 and has been acclaimed "for its profound impact on American theater."
Dance Jam and Barre Fitness Classes
Ongoing, Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Most Holy Trinity School, 44 Meadow Way, East Hampton
Admission: $35 per class
Our Fabulous Variety Show educates dancers of all ages, with programs for adults on Tuesdays. There is a ballet-inspired barre fitness class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and a cardio dance jam from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Teachers can modify movements for participants based on their varying abilities and experiences. Sign-up is online at ofvs.org.
Mixed Age Group Basketball
Ongoing, Fridays, 6 to 8:45 p.m.
Montauk Playhouse, 240 Edgemere Street, Montauk
Feel and stay young with pickup games alongside friends and fellow community members of all ages, from teens up to adults. Registration is online via the calendar at ehamptonny.gov, or on site at the start of each session.
Movie Screening: "Fly Me to the Moon" (2024)
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street, East Hampton
The year is 1969 and man is about to walk on the moon. The stakes are high for NASA -- but there's still room for mischief, mayhem, and romance in this lively film starring Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, and Woody Harrelson.
Ukeladies Holiday Concert
Sunday, Nov. 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Montauk Library, 871 Montauk Highway, Montauk
A grassroots group of women who have been playing the ukulele at libraries, churches, nursing homes, and other East End venues since 2016, will bring holiday cheer to the Montauk Library. Feel free to sing along.
60+ Knitting Circle
Ongoing Mondays and Fridays. 10:30 a.m. to noon
East Hampton Senior Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road, East Hampton
Knitters and crocheters 60 and up, and from all skill levels, are invited to the senior center on Mondays to "get ideas, share laughs, create gifts for friends and family, or work together on a charity project." The current project is winter hats and scarves for St. Joseph's Indian School in South Dakota. The phone number for more information is 631-329-6939.
Crafts at the Senior Center
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to noon
East Hampton Senior Center
Twice a month, the town senior center offers arts-and-crafts classes for its patrons. The Nov. 26 project is a keepsake pendant, in which the maker can preserve pressed flowers, photos, or other small mementos. All supplies are provided. The phone number for more information is 631-329-6939.
Movie Screening: "Singin' in the Rain" (1952)
Friday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m.
Amagansett Library, 215 Main Street, Amagansett
The beloved musical, telling the tale of a silent-movie star coming to terms with the advent of talking pictures, is presented in a newly remastered, high-definition format. This screening also includes a special additional documentary feature saluting the musical legacy of Arthur Freed, the film's songwriter and producer.
Movie Screening: "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964)
Saturday, Nov. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
East Hampton Library
Catherine Deneuve stars in a dramatic musical romance set in 1950s France, where the Algerian War separates young lovers. In French with English subtitles.
Author Talk: The East End Trilogy With Shelby Raebeck
Saturday, Nov. 30, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Amagansett Library
Shelby Raebeck, author of "East End Trilogy," will be on hand to read from and discuss the three stories in the box set, all set here and all of which feature characters including "fathers, daughters, fishermen, schoolteachers, and ballplayers," who are "filled with heartbreak but also tenacity." Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the presentation. Registration is required ahead of time by phone at 631-267-3810 or via the event calendar at amagansettlibrary.org.
Author Talk: "Bandit Heaven" With Tom Clavin
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 to 3 p.m.
John Jermain Memorial Library, 201 Main Street, Sag Harbor
Tom Clavin, a Sag Harbor author whose history books are popular across the country, returns to his hometown library to discuss his latest work, "Bandit Heaven: The Hole-in-the-Wall Gangs and the Final Chapter of the Wild West." Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end. Advance sign-up is required at 631-725-0049 or via the program calendar at johnjermain.org.
Adult Ballet Classes With A&G Dance Company
Ongoing Thursdays, 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton
Admission: $25 per class
Gail Baranello, a veteran teacher and performer, hosts ballet classes for adults on Thursday evenings. Students should have some experience -- even if it was childhood dance lessons long ago -- but those with a thirst for learning and a good sense of humor will also find the classes productive and enjoyable. More information is available at scc-arts.org.
Silent Book Club in Sag Harbor
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
John Jermain Memorial Library
Silent book clubs, in which people read their own selected titles independently and then discuss them in a group setting, are growing in popularity at libraries and bookstores across the country. Choose your own book to read for an hour in the Rotunda Room, then chat with like-minded readers during the last half-hour.
Defensive Driving With the Empire Safety Council
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
East Hampton Library
Registration fee: $33 check, money order, cash, or credit card
Keeping your driving skills sharp is one way to maintain long-term independence. This state Department of Motor Vehicles-approved workshop will cover important safety information, allow participants to get a discount on their car insurance rates, and can even reduce points from driving records. Sign-up is in person at the library or by calling 631-324-0222, extension 3. Plan ahead, because these classes often fill up early.
One-on-One Counseling and Medicare Assistance
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
East Hampton Library
An adviser with Suffolk County's Retired Senior Volunteer Program will be present for one-on-one counseling sessions pertaining to all things Medicare. They will "answer questions and provide information specific to your own needs." Those who sign up must be eligible for Medicare. For those who are homebound, a phone option is also available. Registration is by calling 631-324-0222, extension 3, or emailing [email protected].
Beginner Ballroom Dancing
Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 to 8 p.m.
John Jermain Memorial Library
For those with the desire to dance, here's a chance to learn some beginner ballroom dance skills in a fun, stress-free group setting. This session will focus on the Lindy and the fox trot. A partner isn't necessary, but comfortable shoes are. Sign-up is by calling the library at 631-725-0049 or accessing the calendar form at johnjermain.org.