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Summer isn't technically over yet, but Labor Day Weekend counts as the unofficial farewell to the sweltering season. Celebrate the “last” weekend of summer with parades, fireworks, free festivals and more. We’ve rounded up 10 of our top picks to make this Labor Day in NYC a memorable one.
At this point, Saturday, Sunday and Monday look like picture-perfect days with temperatures in the high 70s and plenty of sunshine, so grab the sunscreen and get outside.
RECOMMENDED: The full guide to Labor Day in NYC
1. West Indian Day Parade
For some, Labor Day is just another Monday off, but the costumed gods and goddesses of this wild parade spend the whole year hot-gluing feathers and stones to their magnificent outfits.
Party all the way down Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn and enjoy technicolor floats representing countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago while you indulge in jerk chicken and other delicacies at the West Indian Day Parade.
2. Met Opera’s Summer HD Festival
The sounds of opera are reverberating through Lincoln Center once again because the beloved Summer HD Festival is back with free nightly screenings through Monday, September 1.
Over 2,500 seats will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with no tickets required, for the evening screenings, featuring shows like Verdi’s Aida, Beethoven’s Fidelio, Strauss’ Salome, Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Puccini’s Tosca.
3. Richmond County Fair
Grab the fam and head to Historic Richmond Town, a preserved museum village dating from the late 17th century, for its annual county fair—this year marking 45 years of summer fun. The Richmond County Fair, which runs from August 30 to September 1, combines classic fairground festivities with a unique touch of Staten Island history, including signature demonstrations of historical trades by costumed interpreters.
Play bingo, try a three-legged race, see aerial shows, be awed by stilt walkers, shop for local crafts, hear from storytellers and lots more. Plus, come hungry for fair fare like empanadas, lobster rolls, rice balls, funnel cakes and zeppoles.
4. Unicycle Fest
One-wheel lovers unite and take over the streets of New York every Labor Day weekend at Unicycle Fest.
Activities run from August 28 to 31 and include a group ride over the Brooklyn Bridge, learn-to-ride activities and one-wheel adventuring in Hudson River Park. The free event is presented by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and features dozens of one-wheeled riders sure to turn heads. All ages are welcome to attend. Here’s the full schedule.
5. Coney Island Fireworks
Coney Island sets off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. If you haven’t checked out the beachside show yet, it’s your last chance for the year, as Coney Island’s Friday Night Fireworks only run through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and launch in front of Deno’s Wonderwheel Park, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.
6. Rooftop pools
Give that tan one last boost before sweater weather comes again. Several of New York’s finest hotels offer day passes for their rooftop pools, most of which include chaises and cabanas for lounging in addition to a full-service bar.
One of our faves is TWA Hotel, where you can watch planes take off as you relax in the water.
7. Outdoor movies
If you haven’t checked off “see an outdoor movie” from your summer bucket list, get to it. Free screenings are available across the city, thanks to NYC Parks. You can use their handy map tool to find a screening near your neighborhood.
8. UCBLK
Need a laugh? UCBLK, an all-Black variety show held at the Upright Citizens Brigade in the East Village, is here for you with some of the best Black comedians in the city.
Expect a mix of improv, sketch comedy, music and stand-up. Previous lineups have featured comedians whose credits include SNL, Don’t Tell Comedy and Comedy Central, among others, so you know you’re going to get some pretty funny people in the room. This month’s edition is on Saturday, August 30.
9. Get out of town
Need a little getaway but don't have a car? No sweat. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite public transit-friendly destinations for a quick escape with transit time under two hours. We’ve got last-minute adventures for history buffs, art experts, summer lovers and fall fans. After all, riding a train or cruising on a ferry is way more fun—and sustainable—than sitting in traffic anyway.
10. Labor Day Parade
Yes, it’s called the Labor Day Parade, but it actually happens after Labor Day on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10am. The AFL-CIO hosts the annual event. Whether you’re marching with actors, nurses, engineers and organizers or are just there for support, you’re certain to leave feeling proud of the city.
It steps off from Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and marches north toward 64th Street.