Labor Day is always something people both dread and look forward to, the end of summer and start of fall. NYC is one of the most popular destinations for Labor Day weekend, and the city is even busier than on a usual weekend. Find out what all the fuss is about with these Labor Day activities, soaking up the last of that summer sun and fun before Fall sets in.
Sports Season: Baseball, Tennis, etc.
The US Tennis open is held in Flushing, NY every Labor Day weekend. Get your tickets here to see players like Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic or Stefano Tsitsipas. If Tennis isn’t your cup of tea, catch one of the Yankee or Mets games happening this weekend, against Toronto Bluejays and Baltimore Orioles. Check out the different games and reserve seats here.
Festivals and Party Time
There are plenty of celebrations happening this weekend. Some more family friendly ones include the Unifest, New York’s annual unicycle festival with rides from Battery Park to Central Park, Grant’s Tomb, and etc. They welcome beginners too! The annual Labor Day parade, actually a celebration of West Indian American’s, takes place in Crown Heights, marching down the Eastern Parkway. It’s a celebration of Caribbean culture, with dances, costumes, etc. Check it out here and here. Other options are the New York State Fair, which ends on September 6th. Take some crazy roller coaster rides, eat amazing food and have all types of fun.
The fun continues into the nights with events like Electric Zoo, an electronic music festival. It’s on Randall’s Island, and promises to be loud, wild and crazy, with colorful entertainment to keep you busy all night long. There are several parties happening at the Delancey, one is even glow in the dark. Several boat parties will be happening, take a look at Labor Day events on Eventbrite.
Arts and Theater, Indoor and Out
Use the weekend to take in the culture of New York city, home to Broadway and world famous museums like the Met. There are plenty of ways to take in the arts in New York City, and Labor Day weekend is the best time to do it. Broadway returns for the fall with classics like The Lion King, Wicked, and newer shows like Hadestown and Waitress.
Museums like the Met often give free admissions to military families on Labor Day weekend. The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit happens every Labor Day and Memorial Day weekend. In Greenwich Village, artists display their work which are judged by and voted on for cash prizes. It’s a great way to see the talent that the city fosters.
Boats, Beaches and Islands
Use the chance and good weather to explore some of New York’s Islands, outside of Manhattan. Visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, discover the story of immigrants on Ellis Island, or explore Castle Williams and Fort Jay on Governors Island. Here is a list of NYC parks and Islands. Or walk to Little Island, right near the Highline.
Another great activity is to take one of the many boat tours on the Hudson or East Rivers. Take your own food and visit the Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse, the Honorable William Wall, anchored north of Ellis Island for a view of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Cruise with Classic Harbor Line or the North River Lobster Company for a great dining experience and sightseeing experience from the water. Or go Kayaking for free at one of these places.
