The 38th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show comes to a close at its jam-packed VIP day, featuring the FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier, and the Hermès Hunter Classic. Watch local equestrians, Olympians, and world-class riders compete, while enjoying boutique shopping, international food, pony rides, and more. 8 a.m. Bridgehampton. Call: 631-537-3177.

FOR THE CHILDREN

Join cochairs Oscar de la Renta, and Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman at the New Yorkers for Children’s Fall Gala, honoring NYFC founder Nicholas Scoppetta and benefiting youth in foster care. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-867-1117

Fashion returns to the NYC Ballet with its Fall Gala, marked by world premiere ballets from Angelin Preljocaj, Benjamin Millepied, and Justin Peck, and costumes by designers Olivier Theyskens, Iris van Herpen, and Prabal Gurung. 5:30 p.m. David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Call: 212-870-5585.

PAL SPORTS DINNER

Al Trautwig hosts the Police Athletic League’s 19th annual SportsNite Dinner, honoring Madison Square Garden Company. The evening features a Celebrity Chef food court, blockbuster auction, and musical performance by Son de Madre. 6:30 p.m. The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. Call: 212-477-9450.

The Opening Gala of the New York Philharmonic’s 172nd season will be music to your ears! Conductor Alan Gilbert joins cellist Yo-Yo Ma at Avery Fischer Hall for an evening of champagne, classical music, and the commencement of a new season. 6 p.m. Lincoln Center. Call: 212-875-5757.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center celebrates its 51st annual New York Film Festival, which continues through October 13. For tickets and showtimes, call: 212-875-5601.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29

WANNA DANCE?

Catherine Zeta-Jones is guest of honor at the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation Gala, Bright Lights Shining Stars. The evening, which includes performances from Broadway and dance communities, benefits the foundation’s college scholarship programs. 7:30 p.m. NYU Skirball Center. Call: 855-692-5678.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30

IT’S AN HONOR

Socialize with sports legends like honorees Terry Bradshaw, Shawn Johnson, Jim Kelly, Nick Faldo, and Dave Winfield at the 28th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner, benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. The evening features a performance from the cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. 5:30 p.m. The Waldorf. Call: 305-243-4656.

MAD ABOUT LOOT

The Museum of Arts and Design launches its pop-up shop—LOOT 2013: MAD about Jewelry—with an opening benefit to support MAD’s exhibitions, jewelry gallery, and public programs. The cutting-edge jewelry sale runs through October 5. 6 p.m. Museum of Arts and Design. Call: 2120229-7712.

NEW YORK POPS

Music director Steven Reineke leads the New York Pops orchestra in its 2013–2014 season, featuring a five-concert series opening with international jazz trumpet superstar Chris Botti. 8 p.m. Stern Auditorium Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall. Call: 212-247-7800.

HONORS DINNER

Patti Smith, with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Glenn Kotche, perform at the Mario Batali Foundation’s second annual MBF Honors Dinner celebrating Jamie Oliver and cochaired by Jimmy Fallon. 6 p.m. Del Posto restaurant. Call: 773-679-1633.

FRICK FETE

The Frick Collection honors philanthropist and collector Michel David-Weill at its annual Autumn Dinner, supporting its full range of programs including educational and curatorial initiatives, as well as the Frick Art Reference Library. 7 p.m. The Frick. Call: 212-547-0705.

DANCING QUEEN

Ann-Margret receives the 2013 Rolex Dance Award at the Career Transition for Dancers 28th anniversary Jubilee Gala, Broadway & Beyond!, featuring appearances by Kelly Bishop, Rosie O’Donnell, and more. 7 p.m. City Center. Call: 2120228-7446 ext. 33.

HAMPTONS FILM FESTIVAL

The Hamptons International Film Festival, running through the 14th, offers up five days of international films (many of which often find themselves among the winners during awards season). Visit HamptonsFilmFest.org for event updates and tickets, or call: 631-747-7978.

STAYING ABREAST

Celebrate life, and breast cancer research at the Mount Sinai Breast Health Resource Program’s 21st annual Celebration of Life Gala. 7 p.m. The Pierre. Call 212-824-8250.

SYMPOSIUM LUNCH

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation hosts its signature annual event, the Symposium and Award Luncheon. This year, it commemorates beloved board member Cynthia Lufkin and honors Titia de Lange and Gail Siegal. 9:30 a.m. The Waldorf. Call: 646-497-2622.

RITA HAYWORTH GALA

Join chairs Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Nicole Sexton at the 30th anniversary Rita Hayworth Gala, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. 6:30 p.m. The Waldorf. Call: 212-843-1712.

SOUL FOOD

Sink your teeth into City Harvest’s 19th annual Bid Against Hunger restaurant tasting, honoring Stacy and Joel Hock. The evening offers the opportunity to taste foods from over 70 of NYC’s top restaurants, as well as bid on extraordinary culinary, travel, and entertainment packages. 7:30 p.m. Metropolitan Pavilion. Call: 646-412-0656.

PAL AROUND

The Police Athletic League celebrates the real estate industry at its eighth annual Building New York’s Future Luncheon, chaired by David Arena and Mitchell Rudin. The evening benefits academic and athletic programs for PAL youngsters. 6:30 p.m. The Pierre. Call: 212-477-9450 ext. 310.

EMPOWERMENT GALA

Padma Lakshmi hosts the Ali Forney Center’s A Place at the Table fundraiser, honoring Frank Selvaggi and Isis King. The evening benefits AFC’s efforts to protect and empower homeless LGBT youth. 6 p.m. Capitale. Call: 917-757-6163.

ANGELIC AFFAIR

Denise Rich, Daniella Rich Kilstock, and Ilona Rich Schachter host Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research Angel Ball. The evening, cochaired by Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness, honors Simon de Pury, Fay Duncan, and Clay Siegall. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani Wall Street. Call: 212-254-6677.

CLOWN AROUND

Join the Big Apple Circus Opening Gala under the big top for its Family Benefit, honoring Clown Care and its creator Michael Christensen. 6:30 p.m. Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center. Call: 646-616-6812. 

TEMPTING TUTUS

The American Ballet Theatre returns with its opening night gala for the fall season, featuring the world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s The Tempest as well as revivals from Twyla Tharp, Michel Fokine, Mark Morris, and Stanton Welch. 6:30 p.m. David Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Call: 212-477-3030 ext. 3310.

FIT FOR A PRINCESS

The Princess Grace Foundation celebrates excellence in theater, dance, and film with its annual awards gala. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-245-6570 ext. 15.

Hamish Bowles and Olivia Palermo are among the honorees at the Accessories Council’s ACE Awards Gala. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-947-1135.

LIONS’ PRIDE

The New York Public Library honors Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Katherine Boo, Junot Diaz, Marilynne Robinson, and Stephen Sondheim at its Library Lions black-tie gala. 7 p.m. Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York Public Library. Call: 212-930-0671.

FUN DOWN UNDER

The American Australian Association honors Wes Bush and David Cote at its annual benefit dinner. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani Wall Street. Call: 212-997-0188.

Terry Bradshaw is the guest speaker at Audrey Gruss’ Hope for Depression annual luncheon. Jay McInerney, Anne Eisenhower, Kim Heirston, and Alexandra Lebenthal cochair the event, revolving around the special topic of depression in men. 11:30 a.m. 583 Park. Call: 212-477-9450.

INNER CHILD

Mingle among masterpieces and chefs-d’oeuvre at the Children’s Museum of the Arts’ ninth annual Art Auction. 7 p.m. Dream Downtown. Call: 917-409-1211

Icons of art and design will be honored at Legends 2013: A Pratt Institute Scholarship Benefit. Raise a glass to art legends while raising vital funds for Pratt scholarships. 6 p.m. Mandarin Oriental. Call: 718-399-4548.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 20th annual Living Landmarks Gala, hosted by Liz Smith, honors Brooke Shields, Joel Grey, Robert Grossman, William vanden Heuvel, Ann Buttenwieser, and Mary Wells Lawrence. 7 p.m. The Plaza. Call: 212-995-5260.

The Museum of Art and Design’s Visionaries! Gala honors artist Frank Stella and jewelry designers David and Sybil Yurman. 7:15 p.m. Mandarin Oriental. Call: 212-299-7729.

The Little Baby Face Foundation honors Eric Trump at its 11th annual Believe in Miracles Gala, raising funds for children born with disfiguring facial deformities worldwide. 7 p.m. The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. Call: 516-876-8006.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation hosts it’s A Magical Evening gala, honoring Francesco Clark and Karen LeGrand. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani Wall Street. Call: 212-763-8594.

UNICEF SNOWFLAKE

Mark Lee receives the Spirit of Compassion Award at UNICEF’s annual Snowflake black-tie ball. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani Wall Street. Call: 212-880-9131.

LADIES WHO LUNCH

The Police Athletic League honors the impressive women of New York and beyond at its 25th annual Women of the Year Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Plaza. Call: 212-477-9450 ext. 310.