Hampton Classic Horse Show Returns to Bridgehampton for 51st Annual Competition (Updated for 2026)

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – One of the Hamptons’ signature end-of-summer traditions returns in 2026 as the Hampton Classic Horse Show brings eight days of world-class equestrian competition to Bridgehampton from Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, August 30.

Celebrating 51 years of competition, the Hampton Classic will feature FEI CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping, USEF Premier hunter competition, more than 200 classes across six show rings, and more than $1 million in prize money. Competitors range from young children participating in leadline classes to Olympic medalists and other leading international riders.

The weeklong event is held on a 60-acre showgrounds at 240 Snake Hollow Road. In addition to the equestrian competition, visitors can explore the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden, Stable Row, food concessions, souvenir vendors, and activities for children and families.

Approximately 50,000 spectators attend the Hampton Classic each year, including equestrian enthusiasts, summer visitors, local residents, and celebrity guests. The event has become both a major sporting competition and one of the best-known social traditions of the late-summer season in the Hamptons.

Highlights of the 2026 Hampton Classic

• Opening Day, Sunday, August 23: The show begins with a full day of competition, shopping, dining, and special opening-day events. Traditional highlights include the leadline division, featuring some of the show’s youngest riders, the $30,000 Jumper Challenge, and the Marders Local Hunter Derby.
• Monday, August 24: General admission is free. Monday includes equestrian competition, the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Finals, and Animal Adoption Day, with adoptable dogs, cats, horses, miniature horses, and donkeys expected to participate.
• Tuesday through Thursday, August 25–27: Hunter and jumper classes continue throughout the showgrounds. Seniors, veterans, current members of the military, and visitors bringing at least three nonperishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry receive free general admission.
• Thursday, August 27: FEI show-jumping competition gets underway as the international portion of the Hampton Classic moves into the Grand Prix Ring.
• Friday, August 28: Major jumper competition leads into the final weekend, including the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier and additional junior, amateur, hunter, and jumper classes.
• Saturday, August 29: Kids Day brings pony rides, entertainment, and family activities to the showgrounds while championship competition continues in the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions.
• Grand Prix Sunday, August 30: The final day features the $70,000 CSI2* Grand Prix at 10:30 a.m., followed by the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix at 2:00 p.m. Reserved grandstand seating is required to watch both Grand Prix events.

The competition schedule and individual class times remain subject to change. Visitors planning to attend a particular class should review the official prize list and tentative time schedule before traveling to the showgrounds.

Admission and Tickets

Daily general admission is $25 per carload for parking. Admission may be purchased online or paid at the entrance, but cash is not accepted. The main gates open at 8:00 a.m. each day.

• Monday, August 24: Free general admission.
• Tuesday through Thursday: Free admission for seniors, veterans, current members of the military, or visitors donating at least three nonperishable food items to the Sag Harbor Food Pantry.
• Grand Prix Sunday: Reserved grandstand tickets are required for the $70,000 CSI2* Grand Prix and the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale July 20.

General admission parking is not included with a Grand Prix grandstand ticket and must be purchased separately. There is no standing-room viewing option for the two Grand Prix events on Sunday. Grandstand seating is available without an additional ticket on the other days of the show and before 10:00 a.m. on Grand Prix Sunday.

The Hampton Classic also offers Classic Club tickets from Thursday through Sunday. The ringside lounge includes food and soft drinks, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Classic Club tickets are sold separately and do not provide access to the event’s other VIP areas.

Shopping, Dining and Family Activities

The Hampton Classic is designed as more than a spectator sporting event. The showgrounds include more than 70 boutique vendors, a selection of food and dining options, the Hampton Classic souvenir shop, and areas where visitors can watch competition in several rings throughout the day.

Families can attend leadline competition on Opening Day, Animal Adoption Day on Monday, and Kids Day on Saturday. The show’s youngest visitors can also enjoy activities such as pony rides and children’s entertainment, although individual programs and times may change before the event.

A Hamptons Tradition

Since its earliest years, the Hampton Classic has developed into one of the nation’s most prominent equestrian events. Its combination of elite competition, community programs, shopping, dining, and social gatherings has helped make it a recognizable part of the Hamptons summer calendar.

The event also provides opportunities for local riders, therapeutic riding programs, animal rescue organizations, and charitable initiatives. Programs such as the Riders with Disabilities Finals and Animal Adoption Day broaden the show’s community role beyond its international hunter and jumper competition.

Hampton Classic Horse Show – Key Facts and Details

With eight days of equestrian competition, family programming, boutique shopping, and internationally recognized Grand Prix events, the 2026 Hampton Classic will once again bring riders and spectators together in Bridgehampton. Its August 23–30 schedule positions the show as a fitting conclusion to another summer season on the East End of Long Island.