The Best Things to Do in NYC on Labor Day

West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn Photo credit Yana Paskova / Getty Images

Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, Manhattan becomes an epicenter for end-of-summer concerts and events, but holiday festivities spread out all across the city. No matter where you live or find an Airbnb for the weekend, there’s likely a street party, a sporting event or a pristine beach somewhere nearby. In case you don’t stumble out your front door to something fun, here are our favorite things to do over the three day weekend across the five boroughs.

Dance Down Eastern Parkway to Caribbean Rhythms

The West Indian Day Parade, which marks Caribbean Carnival, turns Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn into a complete street party. Massive floats roll down the street with huge speakers blasting music from different islands, groups of dancers decorate their bodies in feathers and elaborate headdresses, and vendors sell all sorts of edible and decorative items along the route.
West Indian Day Parade

Watch Tennis Elite Battle It Out

The U.S. Open kicked off on August 26, but things really heat up by the holiday weekend, as Federer, Djokovic and Nadal vie for dominance. Put on your best fancy tennis watching outfit, be on the lookout for celebs in the stands, and be sure to hydrate (it’s hot out there, and not just for the athletes).
U.S. Open
Flushing Meadow - Corona Park, Flushing, NY 11368

Tan and Rock Out at Riis Park

Riis Park Beach Bazaar out in the Rockaways combines the best of the sunny shore with the best of a daytime festival. DJs and bands set up on the boardwalk throughout summer, but Labor Day is the perfect time to join the buzzy party. There are tons of food vendors around as well, and of course plenty of beach to spread out a blanket and get in those last rays before summer ends.
Riis Park Beach Bazaar
16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Root on the Bronx Bombers

The Mets are on the road, but the Yankees are home for Labor Day, taking on the Oakland A’s and the Rangers over the course of the weekend. Depending on the day you go, the stadium may even be relatively empty with many New Yorkers clearing out for the weekend, so sit in the outfield for a decent chance at catching a homer.
New York Yankees
1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451

Attend a County Fair Right in New York

It’s rare to find enough space anywhere in NYC to host a county fair, but there’s plenty of room out on Staten Island, home to the Richmond County Fair for 40 years. Classic carnival rides like a ferris wheel and bumper cars, music from four stages, games and competitions for prizes, an escape room and more ensure a full day of fun, and it’s all just a ferry ride away for most New Yorkers.
Richmond County Fair
441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306