New York City is a busy place, but everybody needs a day off! Luckily, Labor Day is right around the corner and there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s a selection of our favorite Labor Day activities in New York City.
Electric Zoo Festival –
September 2 – September 4
If you haven’t heard of Electric Zoo, it’s probably not for you. The festival is well known by EDM fans, and will be held at Randall’s Island. Thank god you’ll have Monday to recover!
Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition –
September 4
Watch tugboats on parade, then racing each other, from Pier 84 to the 79th Street Boat Basin. This year marks the 21st annual iteration of this maritime festival.
The Riis Park Beach Bazaar
May 27 – September 5
What can you expect at the historic boardwalk where the Riis Park Beach Bazaar is held? Sand and ocean, of course, as well as food, music, drinks and shopping. Time for a trip to Queens!
West Indian–American Day Carnival and Parade
September 7
This annual takes place in Brooklyn every September. The West Indian-American Day Carnival and Parade is a seven-hour New York carnival. You should expect to see steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes, which then march down Eastern Parkway. Vendors will be around, selling island grub along the route.
NYC Unicycle Festival –
September 1 – September 4
Are you a unicycler? Even if you aren’t, this festival represents three days of one-wheeled races, games and exhibition. The event is put on by Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.
13th Annual West Side County Fair –
September 4
Watch Riverside Park South transform itself from an urban area into a complete circus. Riverside Park South will play host to a mini Ferris wheel, multiple bounce houses, a reptile show, carnival games, stilt walkers, aerialists, a magician, four bands and local food vendors. The only question is, will you have time for all of it?
Governors Island Art Fair –
September 3 – 4
Art lover? Need some new decorations for your place? You’re in luck! The Governors Island Art Fair will be featuring more than 100 artists and many different styles of art.
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit –
September 4 – 5
Not enough art for one weekend? The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibits will have more than 125 artists showcasing their talents during this event.
Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition
September 4
Are you the city’s hairest dude? Come to Coney Island and enter the contest! Don Jamieson of VH1’s “The Metal Show” will be the host. Are you up to the challenge?
Summer Shorts –
September 1 – 3
Would you consider yourself a thespian? Check out this series of new American short plays at 59E59 Theaters.
Miles Thorn –
September 2 – 3
Watch magician Miles Thorn perform amazing illusions and juggle seemingly impossible objects at Elektra Theatre.
Whether you’ll be outside enjoying a festival or inside browsing an art gallery, there really is something for everyone in this list of Labor Day activities in New York City. How will you be spending the weekend, and your day off?
