Polo Hamptons Weekend Itinerary: Making the Most of July in the Hamptons

Polo Hamptons runs from 4 PM to 7 PM. That leaves hours before and after to fill with experiences that transform a polo match into a full Hamptons weekend. The difference between rushed attendance and memorable weekend lies in planning.

This itinerary covers the full Saturday-Sunday arc around Polo Hamptons 2026—July 18 and 25 at 900 Lumber Lane, Bridgehampton. Adapt it to your preferences, but use the framework to maximize your time in the Hamptons.

Tickets are available now. Plan the weekend while you book.

Pre-Event: Saturday Morning and Afternoon

How you spend the hours before polo affects how much you enjoy the event itself. Arrive energized, not exhausted.

Option A: The Early Arrival

Leave Manhattan early (7-8 AM) to beat traffic and maximize Hamptons time.

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Drive to Hamptons. Traffic should be manageable at this hour. Arrive with the day ahead of you.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Check into accommodation if available. Otherwise, drop bags and explore.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch at a Bridgehampton or nearby village restaurant. Keep it light—you’ll have open bar and hors d’oeuvres starting at 4 PM.

Lunch options near Bridgehampton:

• Bobby Van’s (Bridgehampton) – steakhouse classics
• Pierre’s (Bridgehampton) – French bistro atmosphere
• Nick & Toni’s (East Hampton) – Mediterranean, worth the drive

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Relax before polo. Options include: beach time if you’re staying near one, pool at your accommodation, wandering village shops, or simply resting to arrive fresh.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Final preparation. Change into polo attire, touch up appearance, gather what you need for the event.

3:45 PM: Depart for 900 Lumber Lane to arrive at 4 PM gate opening.

Option B: The Midday Arrival

Leave Manhattan late morning for a more relaxed departure with abbreviated pre-event time.

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Drive to Hamptons. Traffic begins building—expect some delays but not worst-case scenarios.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Quick lunch in Hamptons or pack lunch to eat upon arrival.

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Check in, settle, and prepare for polo.

3:45 PM: Depart for venue.

This option reduces morning stress but eliminates beach time and exploration before polo.

Option C: Already in the Hamptons

For those with Hamptons residences, staying with friends, or renting for the week, your schedule is your own. Just ensure you leave adequate time to arrive at polo fresh and on time.

The Main Event: 4 PM – 7 PM

Polo Hamptons itself—see our Guest Experience Guide for complete event coverage.

Key timing within the event:

4:00 PM: Gates open. Arrive now for best step-and-repeat access and venue orientation.

4:00 – 4:30 PM: Initial photography, bar visit, positioning.

4:30 – 5:30 PM: Polo match and social engagement.

5:30 – 6:30 PM: Peak social hour. Post-match energy highest.

6:30 – 7:00 PM: Golden hour. Best photography light. Final conversations.

7:00 PM: Event concludes.

Post-Event: Saturday Evening

The evening after polo offers multiple paths depending on your energy, companions, and objectives.

Option A: Quality Dinner

Continue the evening at a quality Hamptons restaurant. Book reservations in advance—July Saturday nights fill completely.

7:00 – 7:45 PM: Return to accommodation to freshen up if desired. Or proceed directly to restaurant if no change needed.

8:00 – 10:00 PM: Dinner at reserved restaurant.

Dinner options worth considering:

Bridgehampton Area:

• Topping Rose House – Jean-Georges cuisine, excellent for polo proximity
• Almond – reliable French-American bistro
• Bobby Van’s – steakhouse tradition

East Hampton:

• Nick & Toni’s – Hamptons institution, book well ahead
• The Maidstone – hotel restaurant with excellent quality
• Dopo La Spiaggia – Italian with ambiance

Sag Harbor:

• The American Hotel – historic setting, classic cuisine
• Lulu Kitchen & Bar – Mediterranean with harbor views
• Le Bilboquet – Parisian bistro energy

Southampton:

• Southampton Social Club – scene and quality combined
• T-Bar Southampton – reliable steak and seafood

  

Option B: Casual Evening

Three hours of polo in July heat can be tiring. A low-key evening sometimes serves better than ambitious dining.

7:00 – 8:00 PM: Return to accommodation, change into comfortable clothes.

8:00 – 9:00 PM: Casual dinner at lower-key restaurant, room service if available, or prepared food at rental.

9:00 PM onward: Rest, pool/beach if available, or quiet evening before Sunday departure.

Option C: Extended Social

For those with Hamptons social connections, the evening may extend to private gatherings, after-parties, or continued socializing at bars and venues.

This path depends on invitations received and relationships developed during polo. Position yourself during the event to receive these invitations by being genuinely good company.

Sunday: Departure or Extended Stay

Sunday options depend on your obligations and whether you’re attending the second polo date.

Returning to Manhattan

If returning to the city, timing matters significantly.

Best Departure Window: 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Before beach traffic builds, roads remain manageable. Drive time: approximately 2-2.5 hours to Manhattan.

Breakfast Before Departure:

• Provisions (Sag Harbor) – excellent bakery and breakfast
• Hampton Coffee Company (multiple locations) – coffee and pastries
• Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee (Bridgehampton) – quick quality coffee
• Hotel breakfast if staying at property with good options

Avoid: Departing after 12 PM. Sunday afternoon traffic westbound becomes frustrating as weekenders all head home simultaneously.

Staying Through to July 25

For those attending both polo dates, the week between offers full Hamptons summer experience.

Sunday – Friday Options:

• Beach days – the primary Hamptons summer activity
• Village exploration – East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor each have distinct characters
• Work remotely – many accommodations provide Wi-Fi; work during day, Hamptons evenings
• Golf – multiple courses including Maidstone, Sebonack (if you have access), and public options
• Winery tours – North Fork wineries accessible for day trip
• Farm stands and local food – the agricultural Hamptons beyond the social scene

July 25 Preparation: Second polo date follows same structure as first. Your experience from July 18 informs July 25 approach—you know the venue, understand the rhythm, and may have relationships to continue from the first event.

Beach Considerations

If Sunday includes beach time before departure:

Public Beach Access: Most Hamptons beaches require permits for parking. Some villages offer day passes; others restrict access. Research before assuming beach availability.

Hotel/Rental Beach Access: Many accommodations provide beach access or passes. Confirm at check-in.

Timing: Early beach visit (before 10 AM) avoids crowds and provides relaxation before driving. Extended beach time into afternoon creates traffic risk.

Two-Weekend Itinerary

For those attending both July 18 and July 25, a strategic approach maximizes both weekends.

July 18 Weekend

First polo date focuses on orientation, initial relationship building, and learning the event dynamics.

• Observe how the event flows
• Identify people you want to know better
• Note which hospitality areas have interesting guests
• Establish foundation for July 25 deeper connections

Week Between

Follow up on July 18 connections. Confirm July 25 plans with people you want to see again. Rest and prepare for second weekend.

July 25 Weekend

Second polo date builds on first weekend’s foundation.

• Continue relationships initiated July 18
• Deeper conversations with now-familiar faces
• Connect your contacts to each other
• Position for post-summer relationship continuation

Weather Contingency

July weather is usually cooperative but not guaranteed.

If Rain Threatens: Polo Hamptons typically proceeds with contingency plans. Check event communication closer to date if weather looks uncertain.

Backup Indoor Options:

• Parrish Art Museum (Water Mill) – excellent collection, architectural interest
• Village shopping in covered areas
• Spa time at Gurney’s or other properties with spa facilities
• Early dinner at quality restaurant

The Practical Checklist

Before your Polo Hamptons weekend:

• ☐ Polo tickets purchased
• ☐ Accommodation booked
• ☐ Dinner reservations made (Saturday evening)
• ☐ Transportation planned (car, car service, helicopter)
• ☐ Outfit prepared and photographed
• ☐ Business cards if networking is objective
• ☐ Phone charged, charger packed
• ☐ Sunscreen and sun protection ready
• ☐ Contact list of people you want to meet or reconnect with

📅 POLO HAMPTONS 2026
July 18 & 25 | Bridgehampton, NY | 4 PM – 7 PM
Get Tickets at PoloHamptons.com
Plan the weekend. Not just the event.

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