Things to Do: Labor Day Weekend in NYC

Before Summer 2018 comes to a close, everyone is privy to a weekend of partying, sports, and all the food you can handle. This year’s Labor Day Weekend in NYC will include the annual West Indian Day Parade and the U.S Open, not to mention the premier EDM festival Electric Zoo. And in addition to these premier events, there are plenty of BBQs, dance parties, and designated getaways to splurge on. Here are what we suggest to do this Labor Day Weekend in NYC.

Caribbean Carnival Parade

There isn’t a more colorful way to spend Labor Day weekend than witnessing the West Indian American events. On Labor Day, the conclusion of the festivities will take form in the Caribbean Carnival Parade, beginning at Schenectady Avenue with a grand finale at Grand Army Plaza. Live music, floats, dancers, rows and rows of vendors selling Caribbean food, not to mention other carnival style fares. Both family friendly and a beautiful cultural event, the West Indian Day parade is something everyone should see at least once!

 

Wave Hill

 

Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. Considered one of the best gardens in the whole country, Wave Hill is the perfect place to get away this Labor Day Weekend. Removed from the craziness of the city, you could easily spend a whole afternoon perusing the views, manicured lawns, and greenhouses. Pack a picnic, as there is just a small cafe with limited (and pricey) offerings on the premises.

 

Jerk Chicken Day Rave

Looking to party a little harder this Labor Day? VM Events is throwing quite the shindig at Hudson Terrace. For just $20, you can enjoy unlimited jerk chicken, rum punch (and other open bar offerings), and two floors of music. Though the drink and food specials are unlimited, these things can only last for 2 or 3 hours before supplies run out. The Jerk Chicken Day Rave would be a strong start to anyone’s labor day.

 

Rockaway Beach

 

Beach lovers, there are just two weekends left to enjoy the open shores of Rockaway Beach, which will close for the Summer September 9th. What better way to soak up the remaining rays of the season than at one of the chillest beaches NYC has to offer? Don’t worry about bringing a cooler. There are some killer drink and food vendors around, such as the classic boardwalk snack shop Rippers, and the fresh fish taco spot Tacoway Beach.

 

U.S Open

 

This year, the incredibly popular sporting event will take place in Flushing, Queens. Running from August 21st – September 9th, the U.S Open would be a great way to spend part of your Labor Day Weekend, surrounded by excited fans witnessing feats of tennis stars. And since NYC embraces the Open wholeheartedly, fans don’t have to search very far for a venue with food + drink specials in support of the events. Family friendly and festive, the U.S Open has arrived.

 

Beats and BBQ

Reside in BK and living the true brokelyn life? Beats and BBQ, a summertime event series founded in Brooklyn, is hosting a free event that runs from 3PM to midnight, offering DJ sets, free food, and good vibes. The “Labor Day Wind Down” will take place at 683 Grand Street in Williamsburg. So if you find yourself in the neighborhood, stop by the “Labor Day Wind Down” for a chill time, and to rest your wallets this holiday.

 

Electric Zoo

 

Electric Zoo, New York City’s premier electronic music festival, will take place at Randall’s Island Park this Labor Day Weekend. This year, Electric Zoo is celebrating the Big 10, and have provided a lineup worth celebrating. Tiesto, Kaskade, Alesso, and Martin Garrix will be heading the festival, which is more diverse than ever, and will have something for just about any EDM aficionado. So if you’re a fan of EDM and don’t mind when things get a little rowdy, E Zoo is definitely the festival to save up for this summer.

Get a Boat

Thought we were kidding? It’s actually pretty easy to rent a boat for a day in NYC, not to mention its dazzling aspects of seclusion, and feeling fancy. You can rent a beautiful small vessel or sailboat with a captain (so you can sit back, relax, drink more) starting at around $350. A private schooner or a yacht experience, however, will set you back something in the range of $1,600 per day, but can accommodate up to a dozen of your closest friends. Check out Sailo.com, Atlantic Yachting and Prestige Yachts for options.

Labor Day Clam Bake

 

Brooklyn Cider House, one of the most exciting, alcohol-driven ventures to arrive to the area, is hosting a Labor Day Clam Bake in Bushwick. The venue is opening up the whole outdoor space and patio and cooking up a clambake of shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, corn and potatoes. Afro funk, latin, and jazz music will be played all day by the Underground Horns. And of course, hard cider all day! Your ticket (sold for a low price of $27) includes a clambake platter and a free bag of apples from their farm, Twin Star Orchards, to celebrate the start of apple picking season. How cute is that?