For many of us, Labor Day weekend is the summer’s last hurrah. It is our final chance to take advantage of warm weather, long weekends, and all the seasonal things we love most about the city.
When is Labor Day this year?
This year, Labor Day weekend falls on September 4 to September 7, 2026.
If you are looking to make the most of the long weekend before the fall chill sets in, we have you covered. Here is a roundup of the best events, festivals, and getaways to check out.
West Indian Day Parade
The end of summer means catching all the vibrant colors, rhythm, and energy along Eastern Parkway. This massive parade celebrates Caribbean heritage with extravagant costumes, feathered headpieces, and massive sound trucks. It is completely free to attend and promises incredible local food and music.
US Open tennis tournament
The world-famous tennis tournament is holding court in Queens all weekend long. You can watch legends compete in person or catch watch parties across the city.
Before the time comes, US Open Fan Week returns to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from Sunday, August 23 through Saturday, August 29
NYC Unicycle Festival
Calling all one-wheel enthusiasts! This quirky annual event runs across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Expect four days of high-energy fun featuring long-distance rides, learn-to-ride areas, workshops, and unicycle basketball games.
46th Annual Richmond County Fair
Head over to Historic Richmond Town for classic fair fun. Guests can enjoy carnival rides, live music, contests, and local food. The fair is set against NYC’s most complete living history village, giving families plenty of space to spread out and explore.
Free Brass Festival at Bryant Park
Bryant Park Picnic Performances is hosting its first-ever festival dedicated to all things brass on Friday, September 4, from 7 PM to 9:30 PM. Headlining the night is two-time Grammy nominee New Breed Brass Band, alongside Aberdeen and Brass Queens. Entry is completely free, with blankets provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Paramount+ Movie Night at Bryant Park
Cap off your long weekend under the stars with a free screening of Galaxy Quest. The lawn opens for picnicking at 5 PM, so arrive early to claim your spot. You can grab food from Hester Street Fair vendors starting at 4 PM or pick up seasonal cocktails at Stout NYC’s bar tent.
The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD festival
The Metropolitan Opera’s 17th annual Summer HD Festival returns to Lincoln Center Plaza just in time for Labor Day weekend. Beginning at sunset, the plaza completely transforms into one of the city’s most picturesque outdoor venues.
It is the perfect chance to enjoy world-class opera right under the stars. There are approximately 2,500 seats available each evening on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets or reservations are required, and every single screening features full open captions.
Soak up the sun at NYC public beaches
Grab your towel and head to the coast before the weather cools off. As a reminder, NYC public beaches officially close for the season after Labor Day.
This is your absolute last chance for a lifeguard-supervised ocean dip.
Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City
If you want an oceanfront getaway, head down the coast to Atlantic City. On Friday, September 4 at 6:30 PM, you can take part in a LALO Blanco Tequila mixology masterclass at Bottled for $55 per person. You can also cap off the weekend with soft-rock hits at the Boat House Row yacht rock show on Sunday, September 6 at 4 PM.
The Great New York State Fair
Take a weekend trip upstate to Syracuse for one of America’s oldest and largest state fairs. The massive festival wraps up on Labor Day and features direct Amtrak train service from NYC.
Expect endless amusement rides, deep-fried state fair food, and free concerts from major artists.
Wander through the immersive Grounds For Sculpture
Located just across the Hudson, this 42-acre open-air museum is the largest sculpture park in New Jersey. You can interact directly with colossal pieces of art, like Roberto Lugo’s 20-foot mixed-media work, “Put Yourself in the Picture”.
No trip to the grounds is complete without booking a table at Rat’s Restaurant to soak in a spellbinding view of a spectacular water lily pond and a replica of Monet’s famous bridge in Giverny.