In Manhattan, fund-raising parties are all about glamour and intensity. But on the East End, the party circuit is very different: Leisurely fêtes feature happy chatter about the light on the beach and the berries at the fruit stand. The nonprofit organizations in the Hamptons depend on the influx of patrons during the warm-weather months. What follows are some highlights of the summer social season.

‘By the Sea’ Southampton Hospital Party

For those raring to get started on the party circuit, “By the Sea” is the season’s kickoff gathering. Money raised will fund the hospital’s Westhampton facility. There will be cocktails, dinner, and dancing; the band the Seventies Experience will perform.

(Sunday, May 25, 6 p.m., Westhampton Beach Great Lawn, 631-726-8700, ext. 3, $175 and up.)

Parrish Art Museum’s Landscape Pleasures Weekend

The weekend’s events include a talk by landscape architect David Bennett, who discusses Edith Wharton’s gardens at her estate, the Mount. On Sunday, the museum has arranged self-guided garden tours at private homes, including that of artists April Gornik and Eric Fischl, respectively, in addition to the garden of curator Alexandra Munroe and her husband, banker and event promoter Robert Rosenkranz.

(Lecture on Saturday, June 14, 8:30 a.m., tours Sunday, June 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Museum in Southampton Village, 631-283-2118, ext. 41, $175-$1,000. For more information and to order tickets, go to parrishart.org.)

Guild Hall Theater Benefit

Although the John Drew Theater is still under renovation, Guild Hall launches a theater season with events at other venues. At the benefit, “Grey Gardens” star Christine Ebersole and jazz pianist Billy Stritch will perform.

(Friday, June 20, 7 p.m., East Hampton Point, 631-324-0806, $350-$500.)

LongHouse Reserve Summer Benefit

Jack Lenor Larsen’s impressive home and gardens are the setting for a party honoring sculptor Martin Puryear and the chairman, president, and co-founder of the Storm King Art Center, H. Peter Stern. LongHouse is home to an arboretum and sculpture garden and hosts educational programming.

(Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m., LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton, 631-329-3568, $500 and up. For more information, call or go to longhouse.org.)

Watermill Center Gala

The bold and the beautiful come out for this spectacle-filled event, during which the entrance hall floor is covered with large stones (Taking off your stilettos is advisable.) After that, the obstacles are few, and delights are many — including silent and live auctions, performances, and dancing — at artistic director Robert Wilson’s retreat for artists. (Saturday, July 26, 6 p.m., Watermill Center in Watermill, 212-253-7484, ext. 16.)

Southampton Hospital 50th Annual Summer Party

This “Golden Gala” is the dressiest night of the season. It features dinner and dancing with music from the Alex Donner Orchestra. The event raises funds for the hospital’s emergency services.

(Saturday, August 2, 6:30 p.m., under tents at corner of Wickapogue and Old Town roads in Southampton, 631-726-8700, $500 and up)

Guild Hall Museum Gala and Art Preview

After getting the first look at the Larry Rivers exhibit, guests will head to a tent at Mulford Farm for dinner and dancing. The Peter Duchin Orchestra performs.

(Friday, August 8, 6 p.m., Guild Hall and Mulford Farm, East Hampton, 631-324-0806, $1,200 and up, $250 for young patrons.)