Things to do in New York on Labor Day Weekend

By Adam Fraiel

Labor Day, the first Monday of September, the end of summer, and a national holiday celebrating America’s workers. With the festivities spread across the entire weekend, how will you celebrate yours?

Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do in The Big Apple on Labor Day weekend. Whether you’re a history buff looking for culture, a wild child looking to party the nights away, or just want a weekend getaway for a special family event, NYC is the place to be.

Join the Parade

If you’re playing Word Association, the next word that comes after Labor Day is... Parade!

Cheer on the workers and union members as they parade down Fifth Avenue, or add a dash of spice as you soak in the party atmosphere watching the West Indian Day Parade in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Catch some live sports

There are plenty of sporting events happening over the Labor Day weekend, with 2 of the biggest on your very doorstep.

The US Open is a highlight of the Tennis calendar, where superstars from around the world compete in the world-class Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

New York and baseball are the perfect Labor Day combo. See what all the hype’s about by catching a Yankees or Mets home game. A baseball game can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, with an average of around 3, so block out at least half a day when making plans.

If you’re there outside of game time, consider getting a behind-the-scenes look with a Yankee Stadium Guided Tour.

If you can’t get to a live game, NYC is jam-packed with sports bars where you can watch many sports with a lively NY atmosphere. Check out Timeout’s list of the 16 best sports bars in NYC.

Tick off an iconic museum or two

There are so many incredible museums in New York City (approximately 100) that it can be a little overwhelming to choose where to go. Fear not, as we’ve listed some of the very best below.

The American Museum of Natural History

Made up of 26 interconnected buildings, and housing an expansive collection of over 34 million specimens of plants, fossils, and meteorites, this is the closest you’ll ever come to a time machine.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Named one of the most influential modern art museums in the world, lay eyes on some of the most iconic pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, and Monet.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Detailing the tragic events of September 11, 2001, this moving tribute ensures we never forget the lives lost, nor the resilience and indelible spirit of New York to endure, rebuild and flourish once again.

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

With 30 restored aircraft, a submarine, and a British Airways Concorde Jet alongside the USS Intrepid, history truly comes to life. From high-tech simulators to the torpedo rooms, a trip to the USS Intrepid will ensure it’s a Labor Day you’ll never forget.

Enjoy NYC’s natural beauty

If you don’t want to be stuck indoors this Labor Day, how about stretching your legs and exploring the more beautiful corners of the city?

NYC has 14 miles of beaches, but some are prettier than others.

Coney Island

The most iconic would probably be Coney Island in Brooklyn, with the amusement park providing the perfect backdrop. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of the rides or just chill on the white sands. Both are great options.

Manhattan Beach

Also in Brooklyn, Manhattan Beach is perfect if you get bored just lying around. With basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball courts, it’s fun for all the family.

Main Beach

Head to East Hampton for a little slice of heaven. Enjoy the last days of summer in style, lazing on the white sands in perfect harmony. There are no fairgrounds or sports nuts here... just beautiful tranquility.

Other outdoor attractions

If you’re no fan of sand, there are plenty of other options to get your nature fix.

Central Park

A trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Central Park. Only the fifth-largest park in the city, yet the most visited urban park in the whole United States. Take a two-hour guided bike tour before finding the perfect picnic spot to relax away your Labor Day.

Governor’s Island

Formerly a top-secret US Army base, Governor’s Island is now the perfect day-trip destination. Catching the ferry before noon ensures a free ride, and then spend the day cycling around, exploring the special events, and taking incredible shots of the iconic New York skyline.

Kayak on the Hudson River

Cycling too pedestrian for you? How about spending your Labor Day on the water, kayaking up the Hudson River? If you want an adventure holiday weekend, add some standup paddle boarding or sailing to complete the perfect trip.

Finish your day with fireworks

The fireworks show is a superb end to the Labor Day weekend, but New York can get crowded. You need to know the best spots to get a magnificent view of the light show.

A rooftop bar near the Hudson River or Brooklyn Bridge would be our first choice. Elevated for a panoramic view, a great party atmosphere, and you continue your celebrations without changing seats. Before you travel, do a quick search for ‘labor day rooftop party’ to find the hottest locations.

Coney Island gets another mention on this list, but this time as a prime location for viewing the show. On a clear night, you’ll get breathtaking views of the fireworks over the NY skyline.

However you choose to spend your Labor Day weekend, New York is the dream location.

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NYC Labor Day 2019: Everything You Need To Know

What's the history behind Labor Day in NYC? Why should you celebrate Labor Day? How can I celebrate Labor Day in NYC? Why not celebrate Labor Day in style with the New York Pass? Labor Day is nearly upon us. Raise your glasses, and switch off your alarm clocks. Hopefully you're one of the millions of people celebrating Labor Day this weekend. If you'll be in New York over the holiday, then congrats. You might want some tips on what to do. You may even want to know more about the day itself. Never fear, read on. Here's everything you need to know about Labor Day in NYC. What's the history behind Labor Day? The first Labor Day was observed over 130 years ago, way back in 1882. The ultimate goal - to celebrate the achievements of the American workers who helped the US become one of the most prosperous nations on Earth. To this day, we still don't know who suggested it. Some say it was conjured from the mind of Peter J McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Others posit that one Matthew Maguire, secretary of New York's Central Labor Union at the time, willed it into being. Either way, don't look a gift holiday in the mouth - most of us still get a long weekend. Why should you celebrate Labor Day? Well, you probably work really hard and definitely never call in sick when you want to binge awful reality shows. Right? While you're out gallivanting, spare a thought, and pour a beer out for those of us who sadly find themselves working. Likely the same person who sold you said beer in the first place. Never mind. How can you celebrate Labor Day in NYC? We're glad you asked. Thankfully, this being the greatest city on earth, you're simply spoiled for choice. Here are the 10 best things to do on Labor Day in NYC: Labor Day Parade What better way to spend Labor Day than to go to the parade, aka the West Indian Carnival. It’s back in Brooklyn, so if you’re looking for a good time and want to celebrate Caribbean culture with some authentic jerk chicken and cocktails, go. Millions of people stop by every year, so why not join them? You can even dance to some reggae, if you’re the sort that likes ‘having fun’. Werk: Labor Day White Party If you’ve never been to a white party, it’s a little complex so we’ll try and break it down for you in layman's terms. You wear white, and you go to a party. What better way to celebrate all that hard work you definitely do every day than getting to work on the dancefloor at House of Yes’ free party. DJ Dirtyfinger will be ripping up the decks. With any luck, he’ll play Will Smith for the entire day. Electric Zoo Festival Randalls Island again plays host to New York’s biggest EDM night with the Electric Zoo Festival. For those of you who don’t have your finger on the pulse like we do, EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music. So put your dancing shoes on and go throw some shapes. Tiesto is playing, and he’s widely considered as the Godfather of EDM. That makes Electric Zoo an offer your cannot refuse. The U.S. Open It’s back. Tennis’ biggest competition is finally here. Prepare your body as people in shorts hit a yellow ball over a net. That’s right, it’s TENNIS TIME. Catch some of the world’s biggest tennis athletes as they do their best to take the prize. Who will win? Who knows, but it’ll probably be the most tennis that any human could possibly handle in the history of ever. Nowadays BBQ How does a barbecue in Brooklyn sound? Walk in to Nowadays for absolutely free this Labor Day, and put your money toward some sweet chargrilled goodness and refreshing craft beer. It’s all outdoors, so you might as well make the most of the sun while it’s out. Plus there’s live music to fill the awkward gaps in conversation between you and your friends. It’s OK, we all have them. Statue of Liberty Tour Go back in time and explore the humble beginnings and history of the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty Museum recently opened its doors to the huddled masses. There’s lots to see inside, including a model by the French artist who designed it, and even a copper model of the statue’s face you can creepily stroke with your fingers. Just don’t let anyone see you doing it. The shame. And on Labor Day of all days. New York Unicycle Festival Millennials unite, moustaches firmly waxed and shorts extra tight. It’s time for four days of ONE WHEEL MADNESS at this definitely real festival. Not only will you be able to weird flex your unicycle skills/gear with all of your unicycling peers, but there’s also public performances (people doing tricks), unicycle hockey, unicycle basketball, and unicycle SUMO. We can only begin to imagine how amazing that last one must be. And hey, if you’re a uni-virgin then never fear, they even have Learn-to-Ride area. So you can learn to ride a unicycle. Very cool. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit Fancy a bit of culture? How about a trip to the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit? On Labor Day you even get the chance to chat to the artists about their work, and there’s prints and other goods you can pick up. Whether you’re buying or browsing, backflip into Washington Square Park and get arty. Summer HD Festival Opera lovers rejoice! Totally free screenings of opera productions are being held every night a the Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival. Rain or shine, you can expect some of opera’s biggest classics to be shown, like... Madam Butterfly? But if there’s any lightning, run as fast as you can. Not really, just leave in an orderly fashion. Showings start at 8pm, but get there early to ensure you get a seat. No one stands at the opera. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise Finally, Cap’n, you could take to the seas on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. You’ll get to see the city’s skyline in all its glory, without any of the car horns or death-wish cyclists. Every cruise is about an hour long, so make sure your phone’s charged up and 'gram like there's no tomorrow. Why not celebrate Labor Day in style with the New York Pass? Whether you call the Big Apple home, or you're visiting from afar, why not make the most of Labor Day with the New York Pass? You'll get free entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum, the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise, and over 100 top New York attractions like the Empire State Building! That's everything you need to know about Labor Day in NYC. What are your plans this weekend? Let us know below!
Dom Bewley
Blog

King Kong Returns to the Empire State Building!

The Eighth Wonder of the World, a.ka. King Kong has returned to the Empire State Building. Not only is he the inspiration for a brand new Broadway show, but he’s also back where he belongs. The 86-year-old giant ape that first tormented the Big Apple in 1933 has returned with a vengeance in the form of an interactive exhibit at the iconic Empire State Building. Kong is a part of the new ESB museum that opened last week - a fun extension of the recently revealed tech-driven observatory entrance at 20 West 34th Street. Photo by: Empire State Building/Empire State Realty Trust How to see King Kong at the Empire State Building To experience Kong in all his glory, guests can enter a thirties era office designed in line with the building’s Art Deco sheen. The most unnerving aspect of this room are the broken windows showing two giant ape hands reaching into the building. King Kong himself peeps in through the window via a video installation as he climbs to the top of the skyscraper. The new museum is another exciting phase of the building’s $165 million renovations, which includes a new lighting ceremony installation and digital hosts. Work is expected to wrap up by the end of this year. In addition to the King Kong exhibit, the museum looks at the history and cultural impact of the 45th tallest building in the world. The Empire State Building has popped up in over 250 TV shows, and films: the building’s first appearance was in, you guessed it, King Kong. These two icons go way back. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } The Museum Be sure to check out these immersive experience featured across its nine galleries. Admission tickets ensure access to the new second-floor immersive exhibits; as well as entry to the iconic 360-degree view open air Observatory: The Site in the 1920s Starting at its very beginning, black and white photos show the empty site of the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel before the skyscraper’s construction began. Through building surveyors, Guests can look in and see the New York City streets of the late 1920s come to life in full color. Construction Step into the past with moving photographs based on the work of Lewis Hine. Visitors can also interact with specially commissioned cast sculptures of construction workers as they work and take their lunch break. Modern Marvel Creating a safe space for the environment is precisely what the building aims to achieve. The Modern Marvel exhibit outlines the specific measures taken to make the Empire State Building a world leader in sustainability. Otis Elevators Otis Elevators designed the original elevators for the 102 floors. Walk through a simulation of an actual elevator shaft in this dedicated exhibit from Otis Elevators. It showcases not only how the original elevators operated, but the latest technology installed in the newest elevators. With more than 10 million tenants and Observatory Guests each year, these enduring machines are truly fascinating feats of engineering. Urban Campus Most visitors aren’t aware that the building houses tenants from airline offices to tourist boards. The Urban Campus display offers a glimpse into some of the significant tenant spaces, amenities, and hidden views of the building. World’s Most Famous Building An original score has been created especially for the exhibit. Guests are free to explore the space, surrounded by more than seventy screens displaying ESB’s starring role in pop culture. These have been sourced from every decade since the 1930s with movie posters and clips. King Kong Stroll into an office from the 1930s where the famous giant ape’s fingers reach through the walls. Just like the classic movie, he dangles from the building and dodges vintage bi-planes. Those feeling brave enough can step into Kong’s hands for the ultimate Instagram post. Celebrity Many famous faces from around the world have graced the windy observatory atop the ESB. This exhibit highlights some of the most-famous visitors (athletes, musicians, actors) to the attraction. Their images and signed memorabilia adorn the walls. Guests can stop to admire these as they head to the elevators that will take them to their next stop: NYC: Above & Beyond on the 80th Floor. The museum is open from 8 AM to 2 AM, seven days a week. Get down there and meet Kong for yourself! Need more inspiration on things to do in NYC? Step right this way.
Suz Pathmanathan
New York City Helicopter Tour
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Win a New York Helicopter Tour this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. WIN two seats on a New York helicopter tour by HeliNY Take to the skies for a unique bird's-eye view of magical Manhattan. Tick off New York's top sights on this unforgettable New Yorker Tour. No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and on your flight you'll get an up-close view. Soar through the skies past the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Governors Island and Ellis Island. You'll then head up the Hudson River and enjoy views over midtown Manhattan like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, Chelsea Piers, Jacob Javits Convention Center, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and Central Park. You'll see all this and more as you fly as far north as 72nd St before turning back towards the south and getting a breathtaking view of the One World Trade Center. If you're looking for top sightseeing, this tour has got you covered. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any New York Pass® between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Can't wait that long? Book your tour on the HeliNY website. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
Alice Padfield

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