CENTER COURT
Leave your rackets at home and stop by to honor your favorite tennis stars at the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s 23rd Annual Gala: “Newport in New York.” Tennis stars of the past and present unite for this very special black tie event. 7:15 pm at the Waldorf. Call 917-663-4179.


OPENING NIGHT AT THE OPERA
New York City Opera hosts its Opening Night Gala, which includes a cocktail reception, a very special performance of Handel’s Alcina, and a dinner dance with Peter Duchin and his orchestra. Susan Baker, Mark Newhouse, and Philip Scaturro chair the event. 5:30 pm at the New York State Theater. Call 212-870-5627.

RENDEZVOUS FOR RESEARCH
Don’t miss a special performance by Wynton Marsalis to benefit the 185th Anniversary Gala hosted by Katie Couric. The gala benefits the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. Brooks Brothers (Madison Avenue). Call 212-935-1558.


DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
The Museum of the City of New York hosts the Director’s Council Summer Party, “New York After Dark in Black and White,” attracting young professionals. Director’s Council Chairmen include Allison Rockefeller, Andrew Roosevelt, Calvert Moore, Cynthia Lufkin, Rachel Hovnanian, and Mark Gilbertson. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served on the terrace before a buffet supper. Guests will dance the night away to DJ Tom Finn. 8:00 pm at the Museum of the City of New York. Call 212-534-1672.


SEVENTH ON SIXTH
Fashion Week kicks off by showcasing spring 2004 collections. The show runs through September 19th at Bryant Park and other Manhattan locations. Call 212-253-2692.


IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD
Celebrate Central Park’s 150th anniversary at one of “150 Dinners on the Park.” Cocktails and dinner will be served at 150 homes, restaurants, hotels, and clubs around New York’s own special oasis. Guests are in for a special treat at 7:45 pm when they view a spectacular light show sponsored by Haagen-Dazs. 6:30 pm. Call 212-310-6616.


STAR-STUDDED SYMPHONY
Attend this year’s New York Philharmonic Opening Night Gala. Cocktails and dinner will be followed by performances of Verdi and Tchaikovsky. Diane and Paul Guenther, Christina and Alan MacDonald, Paula and Leon Root, and Daisy and Paul Soros chair the black tie event beginning at 6:00 pm at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. Call 212-875-5757.


FLOWER POWER
Take part in the 13th Annual Rose Garden Dinner Dance honoring Thomas and Anne Hubbard. Pleasure your sight on a sea of flowers while enjoying cocktails; then tour the New York Botanical Garden before enjoying a gourmet dinner and dancing. 6:30 pm at the New York Botanical Garden. Call 718-817-8775.


AN AUSSIE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a “Taste of Down Under” by sampling the wine and food of New Zealand and Australia provided by the city’s top restaurants. They include Ocean Grill, Delectica, Ciao Bella, and Gelato Café. This benefit raises bucks for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and includes celebrity appearances, live entertainment, and a live and silent auction. Don’t miss it mate! 6:00-10:00 pm at The Museum Club at Bridgewaters. Call 212-689-9040.

POLITICS ANYONE?
Join Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as Mayor Michael Bloomberg presents her with the 3rd Annual Nicholas Scoppetta Award at the New Yorkers for Children’s Fall Gala. The event, chaired by Amy Astley, Oscar de la Renta, and Hugh Jackman, takes place at 6:30 pm at Cipriani 42nd Street. Call 212-921-9070.


UPTOWN TOUR
Be sure not to miss the Uptown Designer House Tour to benefit the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. After breakfast, enjoy a tour of top designers’ Upper East Side homes. Call 718-893-8600 ext 245.


CARNEGIE HALL
The Carnegie Hall Gala Opening Night of the 113th Season includes cocktails and dinner before a performance by the Kirov Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev. 5:30 pm at Carnegie Hall and the Waldorf. Call 212-903-9682.


LIGHTS, CAMERA...
The 41st Annual New York Film Festival Opening Night kicks off the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s film festival, which runs thru October 19th. Opening Night will showcase Mystic River, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laura Linney. Lincoln Center. Call 212-875-5610.


MARDIS GRAS MAGIC
The 19th Annual Rita Hayworth Gala is bringing out the big names to help raise big bucks for Alzheimer’s research. Chairpersons include Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Andrea Stark, Muffie Potter Aston, Claudia Cohen, Margo Catsimatidis, and Anne Hearst. Deborah Norville will emcee the event, which features a live auction and performance by Dan Aykroyd and the Blues Brothers. 6:30 pm at the Waldorf. Call 212-843-1712.


DISCOVER IT ALL
This year’s Discovery Ball, which raises funds for the Lymphoma Research Foundation, fêtes a live and silent auction, dinner, and awards. 6:30 pm at the Waldorf. Call 212-213-9595.


AT THE ARMORY
The 15th Annual Preview Party for the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show benefits the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Chairing the event is Jamee Gregory and Leslie Jones. 6:00 pm at the Park Avenue Armory. Call 212-874-5457.


MANGIA, MANGIA!
The Boys Town of Italy is bringing Italy to New York with Festa: A Taste of Italy. Food and wine from New York’s finest restaurants and bakeries will be served at this elegant affair for young professionals. 7:00 pm at the Columbus Town House. Call 212-980-8770.


OPENING NIGHT AT THE BALLET
The American Ballet Theater hosts the City Center Opening Night Gala. A cocktail reception, performance, and dinner dance will entertain guests for the evening. 7:00 pm at City Center. Call 212-477-3030.


A ROYAL AFFAIR
Crown Prince Albert of Monaco welcomes guests at the 2003 Princess Grace Awards Gala, which honors young artists in theater, dance, and film; and benefits the Princess Grace Foundation. Thierry and Marie-Louise van Essche and Yves and Helga Piaget chair the event. Guests will enjoy a silent auction followed by a reception, awards program, dancing, and a comedic performance by French comedian Monsieur Michel Leeb. 6:00 pm at the Waldorf. Call 212-997-0100 ext 214.