Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to enjoy the last days of summer in New York City. From outdoor music and theater to beach days and family fun, the city has plenty of ways to make the most of the long weekend. Here’s a roundup of top events and activities to check out.
Hit the Beaches
Soak up the sun at one of NYC’s many beaches. You’ve got options: Jacob Riis Park Beach in Queens, Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn, Orchard Beach in the Bronx, Rockaway Beach in Queens, South Beach in Staten Island, and even Long Beach just outside the city in Long Island. Pack a towel, grab an ice-cold drink, and make a day of it.
The Met Opera’s Summer HD Festival
Celebrate Labor Day weekend with a little high culture. The Met Opera’s 15th annual Summer HD Festival brings free outdoor screenings projected on the massive screen at Lincoln Center. Around 3,000 seats are available each night, with extra standing room in the plaza. This year’s LDW lineup includes:
- Friday, Aug 30th (7:30 pm): X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X
- Saturday, Aug 31th (7:30 pm): Carmen
- Sunday, Sept 1st (7:30 pm): La Forza del Destino
- Monday, Sept 2nd (8 pm): Madama Butterfly
Labor Day Weekend Boat Parties
Squeeze in one last summer cruise before fall rolls in. NYC boat parties are setting sail all weekend long, giving you skyline views, good music, and plenty of vibes. Some top picks include:
- All-White Attire Labor Party
- Labor Day Weekend Cruises
- Risky Yacht Party: Hip-Hop vs. AfroCaribbean Edition
- Labor Day Weekend All White Yacht Party
The US Open
Nothing says Labor Day weekend like the US Open. Head to Flushing, Queens to catch world-class tennis as stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and Novak Djokovic hit the courts. Second and third round matches are scheduled all weekend, making it the perfect time to see the action live.
Staten Island’s Historic Richmond County Fair
Step back in time at Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town for the 45th annual county fair. This museum-village, dating back to the 1600s, comes alive with live music, rides, food, contests, and living history demos. It’s a family-friendly way to spend Labor Day weekend.
The Great New York State Fair
Want to get out of the city for a day? The Great New York State Fair is the ultimate upstate escape. Fair attendees can experience amusement rides, all kinds of food, and free concerts from major artists. This year, getting there is even easier with direct trains from NYC to the Fairgrounds running four times a day.
Free Museum & Garden Access for Military Families
Active duty National Guard and Reserve military personnel (and their families) can enjoy free admission to over 40 NYC museums and gardens thanks to Blue Star. Explore iconic spots like The Whitney, Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History while taking advantage of this special offer.
Brooklyn West Indian Parade
Wrap up Labor Day weekend with a burst of color and music at the Brooklyn West Indian Parade on Monday, September 2. This National West Indian Day Parade celebrates Caribbean heritage with dancers, singers, musicians, extravagant costumes, feathered headpieces, and vibrant floats parading down Eastern Parkway.
Make the most of the final days of summer with beaches, music, parades, and family-friendly fun. Labor Day in NYC offers something for everyone, so get out there and enjoy it before the season ends!
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