Labor Day in New York City
Make the most of Labor Day 2014 and your three-day weekend with the best parties, beaches and barbecues in and outside NYC
Posted: Thursday August 21 2014
Before you bid summer adieu, go out with a bang on Labor Day. Whether you want ideas for weekend getaways from NYC or just want a staycation, we've listed all the best events, exhibitions and other unmissabale things to do on Labor Day Weekend. Want to cool off? Dip into our guides to the best swimming pools and best beaches in New York city.
When is Labor Day?
Labor Day is September 1, 2014. Labor Day is an annual workers' holiday on the first Monday in September. The first Labor Day was organized by the Central Labor Union of New York in 1882.
Unmissable Labor Day Weekend events
West Indian–American Day Carnival
Every Labor Day, the West Indian–American day carnival celebrates Caribbean culture and heritage in New York. The annual West Indian–American Day Carnival draws close to two million people to Crown Heights in Brooklyn each year. During the seven-hour New York carnival, steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes march down Eastern Parkway, and vendors sell homestyle island grub along the route. The pre-parade festivities begin before dawn with J’ouvert ("daybreak" in French), an irreverent festival held before the main event. Revelers often dress up as political figures or celebrities and throw powdered paint at each other, while steel drums and whistles provide the celebratory soundtrack. RECOMMENDED: Labor Day weekend guide West Indian-American Day Carnival This Caribbean celebration, known for having lively music and lots of skin, is never short on costumed stilt dancers, floats blaring soca and calypso music, and plenty of flags from countries such as Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Look for vendors stationed along Eastern Parkway selling island eats like jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail. Early risers can preparty at J’ouvert (pronounced “joo-VAY”), a predawn festival in which revelers throw powdered paint at each other. Head to Grand Army Plaza around 4am when the high jinks really get going. Eastern Pkwy from Schenectady Ave to Flatbush Ave, Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Subway: 3, 4, 5 to Crown Hts-Utica Ave. West Indian–American Day Carni
The US Open
Get ready for all the US Open tennis action you can handle Most popular in Things to Do Things to do in New York today Free things to do today More things to do this week Best things to do this week TONY Food & Drink Offers $55 | Homebrewing 101 Class Buy now Just Food tasting benefit on Oct 2 Buy now Big Boi and Killer Mike Two Southern hip-hop heroes get together in celebration of their forthcoming collaborative venture. Liam McEneaney The Tell Your Friends host celebrates his new stand-up album, Comedian, alongside Jim Gaffigan, Todd Barry, Hannibal Buress and others. Kode9 The London dubstep bigwig and his Hyperdub crew bring the bass to Brooklyn—specifically, to Williamsburg’s mighty Output. Well-Strung After making its international debut, the hunky, cheeky string quartet brings its classical-pop mashups back home to New York. The New Yorker Festival Staffers from the preeminent pub interview anyone who’s anyone from a variety of fields. Identità New York Michelin-starred Italian chefs pair up with local phenoms like Mario Batali for a weekend of world-class dining and demonstrations. Sleigh Bells Brash, bombastic and buzzed to the hilt, the electropop duo celebrates its latest LP at LPR. A Touch of Sin Celebrated Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke has his violent cake and eats it too with this grisly sociopolemical thriller. The Fourth Annual Havemeyer Sugar Sweets Festival This humongous bake sale lures sweet-tooth favorites Momofuku Milk Bar, Saltie and Peter Pan Donut
Outdoor movie screenings in NYC
Discover where to catch movies in the park this summer with our handy calendar of free outdoor screenings in NYC The best films now showing Love Is Strange Playing a longtime New York couple suddenly without a home, Alfred Molina and John Lithgow commit to one of the year’s best dramas, a story of ill-fated unraveling. To Be Takei You know him as Star Trek’s Sulu—and one of Facebook’s finest practical jokers. But George Takei has an incredible life story, always toward a higher state of selfhood. Level Five Celebrating the work of France’s one-of-a-kind cine-diarist Chris Marker, BAM highlights the director’s 1997 curiosity, a heady swirl of computer games, WWII history and thoughtful sci-fi. Break out your blankets, vino and snacks: Outdoor movie screenings are here. We’ve rounded up the top spots for enjoying movies in the park this summer—be they along the water, on a rooftop or in midtown. And best of all, every one of these showings is free.RECOMMENDED: Get outdoors in NYC May May 23 Mission: ImpossibleSouth Street Seaport, Front/Row Cinema May 24 RatatouilleSouth Street Seaport, Front/Row Cinema May 25 Breakfast at Tiffany’sSouth Street Seaport, Front/Row Cinema Police AcademyHabana Outpost, Habana Outpost Movie Night May 28 The Princess BrideSouth Street Seaport, Front/Row Cinema May 30 Purple NoonCentral Park, Cedar Hill, Films on the Green May 31 JawsSouth Street Seaport, Front/Row Cinema June June 1 Poetic JusticeHabana Outpost, Habana Outpost Movie Night June 4
Get outside
Best beaches in New York City
Summer's here! Plan a beach outing with our guide to New York City's best seaside retreats. Most popular in Attractions & Days Out Popular features in Things to Do The New York bucket list Here are the ten New York experiences you simply can’t miss. Cheap date ideas for fun-seeking New Yorkers Don’t fret, penny-pincher—each of these fun cheap date ideas will cost you $30 or less. Don’t be a tourist: Find in-the-know things to do in New York Tired of swamped tourist traps, huh? Check out these alternative things to do in New York. A visit to one of NYC's beaches is a great way to cool off during the city's sticky summer. The best part: They're totally free. Visit these spots if you need a weekend escape. Or if you'd like to go further out, see our list of off-the-beaten-track beaches, all an hour away or less. The city-run beaches are open for swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. RECOMMENDED: Summer in New York guide Tweets about "@timeoutnewyork" !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 1. Fort Tilden Beach NYC’s best-kept secret is open again after its year-and-a-half-long rehabilitation following Hurricane Sandy. This lifeguard-free three-mile stretch of clean sand, trees and grassy dunes is so isolated that even on a summer weekend you’ll get a good 50 yards of bea
Parks in NYC
NYC is home to some of the finest parks in the country. Here’s how to make the most of New York’s public spaces, from Central Park and the big boys to beyond. Most popular in Things to Do There are more than 1,700 parks in New York City—an urban jungle, indeed. We’ve picked the choicest spots for everything from skate parks and picnic spots to watching the sun set and lounging on the grass. Whether you are looking for relaxing, secluded spots in NYC or want to catch summer movies in the park, head to one of these great green spaces. Popular stories in Things To Do The New York bucket list Here are the ten New York experiences you simply can’t miss. Cheap date ideas for fun-seeking New Yorkers Don’t fret, penny-pincher—each of these fun cheap date ideas will cost you $30 or less. Don’t be a tourist: Find in-the-know things to do in New York Tired of swamped tourist traps, huh? Check out these alternative things to do in New York. Best NYC parks 10 best parks in New York City Take advantage of warmer temperatures at ten of New York City's best public parks. Things to do in NYC parks We've picked out the perfect places to watch the sun set, grab a drink, fly a kite and much more. Where to find quiet in NYC parks Yes, it is possible to find pockets of quiet amid New York City's madness. Get away from it all at these relaxing, secluded spots New York’s parks and gardens offer cheap, easy trips to hidden spots of natural beauty. Tweets by Time Out NY Tweets by @TimeOutNewYor
Swimming pools
We break down New York City’s top summer swimming pools where you can escape this season's unbearable heat with a refreshing dip It's hot outside; good thing the water at New York City's public pools is fine. There are more than 60 public swimming holes scattered around the five boroughs (not counting the swanky rooftop and hotel pools); opening day is June 27, 2014. And since we don't recommend trying to sneak your flask past the locker room (you're only allowed to bring water, a towel and bound summer reading material with you), we've suggested some postbathing spots to rehydrate with a summer drink or refuel with a yummy snack. For additional information on all oudoor city pools, call 311 or go to nyc.gov/parks.RECOMMENDED: Summer in New York Most popular in Things to Do Time Out videos Astoria Pool The Olympic-size lanes, ample waterside lounging and WPA-era Art Deco interior have made it a city favorite for decades. But before you dive in, be sure to check out the sights: The summer oasis, located between the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate Bridges, offers a spectacular view of the Upper East Side, quite the setting for laps anytime. Afterward, grab a stein at the nearby Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave between 29th and 31st Sts, Astoria, Queens; 718-274-4925, bohemianhall.com) on your way back to the N. Douglass and DeGraw Pool This small spot attracts a rotation of neighborhood kids, but it stays quiet, especially during midday hours. Benches and a
Fantastic Citi Bike routes
You still haven’t given the NYC bike-share program a go? We’ve mapped out rides—packed with awesome activities—that will each take you 30 minutes or less. So you’re a Citi Bike newbie, huh? Don’t worry. We’ve concocted a quartet of easy, scenic bike paths—complete with New York attractions and spots to check out—that are perfect for first-timers.RECOMMENDED: Summer in New York guide Most popular in Things to Do Gramercy–Flatiron to Upper East Side Start station: Broadway at 24th StEnd station: Central Park South at Sixth AveDon’t waste an hour queuing up at Madison Square Park’s Shake Shack when, in the same amount of time, you can book it from there to Central Park and have a nice picnic. How, you ask? Stock your bike-friendly bag with gourmet goods at Mario Batali’s Eataly (200 Fifth Ave at 23rd St; 212-229-2560, eataly.com), such as Agricole Del Sole bruschette ($2.20), a jar of Roi basil pesto ($8.80) and Geraci green olives in brine ($8.80). After nabbing your ride, breeze up Sixth Avenue and mutter awww while passing the beautiful tourist traps you take for granted (Bryant Park, the Empire State Building et al.). Once docked, scope out a grassy area near The Pond (Central Park, east side between 59th and 63rd Sts; centralparknyc.org) and toast to your pastoral lunch, the summer season and not having to wait the length of a movie for a burger. Midtown to Chelsea Start station: 59th St at Eleventh AveEnd station: 16th St at Tenth Ave News flash: Getting around midto
Take a break
Weekend getaways from NYC
Escape the city at the drop of a sun hat with these weekend getaways, including easy day trips to classic summer destinations like the Hamptons and Fire Island Travelzoo getaways Don’t spend your precious days off waiting around in airport lounges; easy day trips and overnights are just a car, train or bus ride away. Whether you’re looking for adventurous outdoor activities, sunbathing, beaches off the beaten track, culinary destinations (lobster-shack road trip!) or culture, we’ve found plenty of weekend getaways to satisfy your wanderlust.RECOMMENDED: Summer in New York guide Popular features in Things to Do The New York bucket list Here are the ten New York experiences you simply can’t miss. Cheap date ideas for fun-seeking New Yorkers Don’t fret, penny-pincher—each of these fun cheap date ideas will cost you $30 or less. Don’t be a tourist: Find in-the-know things to do in New York Tired of swamped tourist traps, huh? Check out these alternative things to do in New York. Weekend getaways and day trips from NYC The 10 best weekend getaways We've got weekend getaways for adventurers and lazybones alike—all so close, you can go right now See the 10 best Most popular in Travel Weekend trips Escape to a beach town in Delaware, lake resort in New York State, mountaintop retreat in New Hampshire or lobster hot spot in Maine Day trips Find easy, affordable excursions to visit sculpture gardens, hiking trails, fishing towns, whitewater rapids, zip-line courses or beaches Twe
Staycation guide
Save money and time with a summer holiday in NYC. Take a staycation and let the city surprise you all over again. Most popular in Things to Do While NYC seems to have been (mostly) spared from swarming cicadas, the heat, humidity and scorching concrete might still have you ready to hop on a plane for a weekend getaway. No need: We'll help you find a respite with a staycation, whether you want to bask in the greenery of gardens, get adventurous or lounge in luxury—all without leaving the boroughs.RECOMMENDED: Summer in New York guide Tweets by Time Out NY Tweets about "@timeoutnewyork" !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Staycation guide The 10 best beaches in New York City Summer's here! Plan a beach outing with our guide to New York City's best seaside retreats. The best parks in the city NYC is home to some of the finest parks in the country. Here’s how to make the most of New York’s public spaces, from Central Park and the big boys to beyond. New York hotels with the best perks for a staycation splurge Why would you stay in a New York hotel when you live in the city? Because of these exclusive perks that help you leave the daily grind behind. Great days out in the city Looking for things to do in New York, intrepid explorer? Try one of these handy itineraries for six neighbor
Hot NYC rooftops
NYC's best rooftop bars
Have a cocktail high above the city and take in spectacular views at one of the best elevated bars in NYC The best NYC rooftops NYC's best rooftop bars Have a cocktail high above the city and take in spectacular views at one of the best elevated bars in NYC Cool things to do on NYC rooftops Don’t limit your rooftop activities to downing 40s, dude. Discover open-air spots where you can rock out, catch a flick, find your center, get dirty and okay, even drink—like an adult. Rooftop Films summer series in NYC It's better than a drive-in! Watch great indie films, documentaries and more under the stars at this outdoor summer movie series. 10 non-douchey rooftop bars We all love a good rooftop bar with the breeze and the booze and the pretty sites for our eyes. But nothing ruins a night out or a nice bit of day drinking like an obnoxious crowd. You know the kind. The Beckys and Chads of the world. Lucky for us, non-douchey rooftop bars do exist. Here are 10 of the best ones for you to check out, asshole-free™. From trendy Midtown clubs to laid-back Park Slope hidden gems, Time Out has found the best rooftop bars in NYC. Read on for our guide to the city’s 30 coolest elevated drinkeries, and find out where you can sip a cocktail or a beer with a gorgeous view of the city surrounding you. RECOMMENDED: Best summer drinks in NYC Summer drinking in NYC Best rooftop bars Have a cocktail high above the city and take in spectacular views at one of the best rooftop bars in NYC. Summ
Rooftop restaurants in NYC
Glorious views and delicious food all at the same time? Here’s our essential guide to dining outdoors. The best NYC rooftops NYC's best rooftop bars Have a cocktail high above the city and take in spectacular views at one of the best elevated bars in NYC Cool things to do on NYC rooftops Don’t limit your rooftop activities to downing 40s, dude. Discover open-air spots where you can rock out, catch a flick, find your center, get dirty and okay, even drink—like an adult. Rooftop Films summer series in NYC It's better than a drive-in! Watch great indie films, documentaries and more under the stars at this outdoor summer movie series. 10 non-douchey rooftop bars We all love a good rooftop bar with the breeze and the booze and the pretty sites for our eyes. But nothing ruins a night out or a nice bit of day drinking like an obnoxious crowd. You know the kind. The Beckys and Chads of the world. Lucky for us, non-douchey rooftop bars do exist. Here are 10 of the best ones for you to check out, asshole-free™. Gazing at the NYC skyline and eating out are two of the greatest pleasures available to New Yorkers; doesn’t the thought of those things just make you feel a little dreamy? Suffice to say, eating alfresco in New York is a one-way ticket to paradise for Gothamites looking for cool things to do on NYC rooftops and great food. Ready to get outdoors? Check out our list of the ten finest rooftop restaurants the city has to offer, then proceed to one of NYC's best rooftop b
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