Labor Day 2012: Celebrate the last weekend of summer

Make the most of Labor Day 2012 and your three-day weekend with the best parties, beaches and barbecues in and outside NYC.

McCarren Park Pool

McCarren Park Pool Photograph: Marielle Solan

Before you bid summer adieu, go out with a bang on Labor Day 2012. Whether you're heading out of town or staying in the city, we've listed events, exhibitions, beaches, parks, parties, vacation spots and other things to do over the three-day weekend.

Things to do for Labor Day 2012

Your perfect Labor Day weekend

The best things to do during your three days off.

West Indian–American Day Carnival

Celebrate Caribbean culture and heritage at this huge seven-hour blowout.

Electric Zoo

A guide to the New York City's biggest electronic-dance-music festival, held over Labor Day weekend.

US Open 2012

Tennis stars and their celebrity fans swing in to Flushing, Queens for the sport's final grand slam of the year.

Staycation guide

Take a three-day holiday without leaving the city for Labor Day 2012.

Weekend getaways from NYC

Get ready to escape for the holiday weekend.

New York beaches: Beaches off the beaten track

These New York beaches are all within one hour of the city.

Best swimming pools to cool off this summer in New York City

We break down New York City’s top summer swimming pools.

Park barbecues

Gather your friends and fire up the grill for Labor Day 2012.

Five movies for Labor Day

Settle in for the long weekend with these tributes to the working person.

Related Labor Day coverage

West Indian–American Day Carnival: Caribbean culture in New York

Close to two million people to Crown Heights in Brooklyn each year for calypso bands, elaborate costumes and island grub.

Electric Zoo guide

Electronic dance music's leading lights and superstars-in-the-making visit NYC over Labor Day weekend.