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2023 Hamptons Labor Day Travel Guide
Thinking about celebrating Labor Day in the Hamptons? This is a great time to visit the area, because there are many exciting events scheduled.
But before you visit, make sure to plan your travel carefully. Traffic can get especially busy on Long Island during Labor Day weekend. So whether you’re driving from the city or coming from the airport, you’ll want to avoid the congestion as much as possible.
Use the information below to find out what’s happening for Labor Day 2023 in the Hamptons and how to approach your travel plans.
Labor Day Events in the Hamptons: 2023
- The Hampton Classic Horse Show, Aug. 27 to Sept. 3 – Bridgehampton: This is a Hamptons Labor Day Tradition! The Hampton Classic is a prestigious annual event that brings out celebrities and visitors from around the world. Enjoy the incredible horse competitions, plus boutique shopping and dining from dozens of on-site vendors.
- 77th Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow, Sept. 1 to Sept. 4 – Southampton: This popular 4-day event is one of the largest Native American gatherings on the East Coast. Celebrate Native American traditions with arts and crafts, ceremonies, dancing and great food. Great for families!
- Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts, Sept. 2 to Sept. 3 – Westhampton: 15th annual fine arts and crafts festival featuring original works by artisans from throughout New York and across the United States.
- End of Summer Silent Disco Dance Party, Sept. 2 – Guild Hall, East Hampton, 7pm: A fun night of dancing in the garden at Guild Hall with live DJs spinning tunes on wireless headphones.
- Live Music at Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Sept.1-3 – Sagaponack. 4-7pm: Enjoy live music at one of the most popular wineries in the Hamptons. Music by Dan Bailey, Hello Brooklyn and Rum Punch Mafia.
- Steve Earle – Live, Sept. 1 – Stephen Talkhouse, 7pm: Legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle performs some of his biggest hits from the past 4 decades.
- Live Motown-Inspired Music, Sept. 2 – Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 8-10pm: “That Motown Band” performs beloved Motown hits by The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and more.
Other Labor Day Activities in the Hamptons
For many, Labor Day marks the end of summer. So be sure to visit one of the many beautiful beaches in the Hamptons, where you can enjoy sunbathing, fishing, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. (Each beach has its unique features and rules, so be sure to get beach-specific info before you go.)
Besides the beach, some of the most popular Labor Day activities in the Hamptons include shopping, dining, museums and wine tours. Browse our website to find helpful guides for each Hamptons community (see “The Hamptons & NOFO” in our main menu).
Hamptons Labor Day Travel Tips
Regardless of when you travel to the Hamptons, the easiest and most comfortable way to get here (and get around) is to use an experienced Hamptons car service. Our professional chauffeurs here at Jackrabbit Limo are deeply familiar with the area. We can advise you on the best times to travel and which roads to use to avoid traffic. If desired, we can also recommend places to see and explore during your visit.
That said, if you plan to drive or fly here yourself, here are some tips to keep in mind:
ARRIVAL TIMES
- If you plan to arrive on Saturday or Sunday, it’s best to leave early. Traffic on Long Island and the Hamptons tends to be heaviest in the afternoon, especially on holiday weekends. If you’re arriving during the week, Monday through Friday, avoid the early morning traffic (7-9am), when a lot of local workers are driving into the Hamptons. If you’re coming from NYC, try to hit the road before 1pm.
- JFK Airport or LaGuardia (LGA), try to choose a flight that lands before noon, then use a car service to the Hamptons. If you’re flying into Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), choose a flight that lands before 3pm. For private planes and charters, look for flights direct to East Hampton Airport (HTO) or Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK) in Westhampton.
LEAVING THE HAMPTONS
- Unless you’re staying late on Labor Day (Monday), it may be best to leave before 3pm. That’s also true if you’re leaving Tuesday through Friday. Saturday will have the least amount of westbound traffic, so any time of departure should be fine. On Sunday, however, traffic will ramp up between 2-9pm, so if you can wait to depart until after 9pm, you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic. If you must leave earlier, watch out for additional traffic around NYC for events such as marathons, parades and cycling tours. If an event is taking place as you’re driving in the city, consider entering Manhattan from the North via the RFK Bridge or from the South via the Williamsburg Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge.
- For flights departing Monday through Friday, try to book a midday flight, and avoid flights between 7-9:30am to avoid the heavy commuter traffic.
Need help with transportation?
Jackrabbit Limo can accommodate all your transportation needs in the Hamptons for Labor Day weekend and beyond. We offer a variety of luxury vehicles to choose from, including black car sedans, SUVs and Sprinter vans for groups. Our chauffeurs are professional, courteous and dedicated to making your trip comfortable and safe.
Call us today at (631) 600-7700 or reserve your vehicle online. Happy Labor Day!