On the first Monday in September, Americans celebrate Labor Day to honor the vital contributions of workers throughout the nation’s history and their fight for safer working conditions. New York City’s history is closely tied to Labor Day—the city was a hub for unions and labor movements throughout the 19th century and hosted the nation’s first Labor Day Parade in 1882. Ahead, find some great ways to celebrate the long weekend in NYC, from Brooklyn’s colorful West Indian Day Parade to the citywide unicycle festival.
Since 1882, the Labor Day Parade has celebrated the invaluable contributions of the nation’s laborers and union groups who have fought tirelessly to ensure better working conditions for Americans. For this year’s parade, Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, and Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, will serve as co-grand marshals. The event will take place Saturday, September 6, stepping off at 10 a.m. at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue before marching north to 64th Street.
Labor Day’s colorful celebration of West Indian culture returns this weekend to Crown Heights, Brooklyn. First organized in Harlem in the 1930s by West Indian women who hosted indoor costume parties before Lent, the event moved to Brooklyn in the 1960s and has been hosted there ever since. Today, it’s best known for its vibrant and eye-catching costumes, live music, food, and much more.
Catch a free performance of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” over the long weekend at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The beloved home of Shakespeare in the Park reopened in July after an $85 million upgrade, the most significant in its 63-year history. The project introduced a striking new exterior, modernized infrastructure, and critical safety upgrades—ensuring a more comfortable and accessible experience for both audiences and performers.
To get the tickets, there are in-person distributions in Central Park and at different locations across the city, as well as an online lottery. Learn more here.
Returning for its 16th year, the NYC Unicycle Festival will roll across the five boroughs from August 28 to 31, bringing four days of one-wheel fun. Produced by the Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, the free annual event attracts riders from around the world—from seasoned professionals to first-timers and anyone in between. On August 28, riders can take part in a long-distance ride from Battery Park to Central Park; on August 29, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Coney Island. The festival continues on August 30 and 31 at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 with games, unicycle basketball, a learn-to-ride area, and other one-wheel activities.
This Labor Day weekend, Lincoln Center will once again host the Summer HD Festival, now in its 16th year. The free outdoor series will showcase 10 screenings from the Met’s “Live in HD” series alongside a special presentation of the Oscar-nominated biopic “Maestro.” Screenings run nightly through September 1, with roughly 2,500 seats set up in front of the opera house on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance tickets or reservations are required.
Witness as some of tennis’ biggest stars go head-to-head at one of the world’s most esteemed tournaments at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are the men’s and women’s singles defending champions. This year’s tournament takes place through September 8. Tickets can be purchased here.
Staten Island’s Richmond County Fair, the biggest annual fundraiser for Historic Richmond Town, returns for its 45th year from August 30 to September 1. The event draws over 15,000 visitors to the town each year, with attractions such as live music, dance and puppet performances, carnival rides, family-friendly activities, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.
One of the best ways to celebrate the long weekend is by catching a game at Citi Field. The New York Mets will take on the Miami Marlins in a three-game series, with matchups on Friday, August 29, Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31. Tickets can be purchased here.
Spend Labor Day weekend alongside a diverse cast of furry friends at one of the city’s zoos. The Bronx, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoos feature everything from sea lions to gorillas—and now, the Bronx Zoo’s famed World of Darkness is back for the first time in 16 years. Reopened in July, the exhibit highlights nocturnal species that thrive in the dark. Learn more about the city’s zoos here.
Witness the world-record pierced face-lifting attempt
Bear witness to what might be a record-breaking face-lifting feat by a Coney Island Circus Sideshow performer this Labor Day weekend. On Sunday, August 31, the Pirate Queen of Coney Island, Faux Pas le Fae, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “Heaviest Weight Lifted Through Cheeks” by piercing two large hooks through her cheeks and hoisting an extremely heavy object. One of the last living performers to regularly undertake the infamous “face lift” act, she will make the attempt at 6:30 p.m., immediately following the 5:45 p.m. sideshow performance. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for children.
Spend Labor Day weekend soaking up the last of the summer sun on one of NYC’s beaches, weather permitting. The city’s 14 miles of beachfront across the five boroughs offer plenty of places to catch some rays. You can view the full list of beaches here.
If you can’t make it out to the beach, cool off at one of New York City’s free outdoor public pools. Each borough has plenty to choose from, ranging from Olympic-sized facilities to smaller wading pools. Pools are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a one-hour cleaning break from 3 to 4 p.m. Find a pool near you here.
Keeping with the aquatic theme, another great Labor Day weekend activity is a visit to the New York Aquarium on Coney Island. The institution cares for more than 500 species of marine wildlife across 14 acres, including 18 species of sharks and rays. Visitors can discover the vibrant underwater ecosystems often overlooked amid the city’s grandeur, home to thousands of sea creatures living just beyond the shoreline. Tickets can be purchased here.
Indulge your taste buds this Labor Day weekend with a visit to Smorgasburg. The renowned open-air food market brings together top vendors from across the country, offering a wide range of cuisines. Smorgasburg runs Fridays at the World Trade Center, Saturdays in Williamsburg, and Sundays in Prospect Park. Learn more about their hours of operation here.
A great way to spend the long weekend is on a scenic bike ride through the five boroughs. With 1,550 lane miles, NYC has the largest bike lane network in North America, offering safe cycling for New Yorkers as they traverse the city streets. Take your own bike, or rent one through bike-sharing systems like Citi Bike, and explore all the city has to offer.
With the U.S. Open already underway at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, another way to enjoy Labor Day weekend is by picking up a racquet yourself. You don’t need to be a Grand Slam contender to play, with plenty of free public courts available on a first-come, first-served basis. 6sqft has rounded up some of the best places to hit the courts across the five boroughs.
Take in acclaimed films with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop at Rooftop Cinema Club’s Midtown location. The open-air venue pairs comfortable seating with wireless headphones, so you get fresh air and city views without the noise. This Labor Day weekend’s lineup includes classics like “The Notebook,” “LA Confidential,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “La La Land,” and more. Learn what’s playing here.
Kel Mitchell, who, with co-star Kenan Thompson, turned Nickelodeon’s 1997 slapstick comedy “Good Burger” into a cult classic, is inviting New Yorkers to share a burger with him in Williamsburg on August 30. Hosted by Bucketlisters at BK Backyard Bar (151 Banker Street), Kel’s Burger Fest will showcase chefs serving up delicious burgers, vegan stacks, and much more. Tickets cost $33 and can be purchased here.
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