Best Things To Do on Labor Day 2025 in New York City
Labor Day in NYC always sneaks up on us—it’s that bittersweet moment when you realize summer’s almost over, but you’ve still got one last long weekend to make it count. And if you’re not sure how to spend it, this guide to the best things to do on Labor Day 2025 in New York City is packed with festivals, parades, food events, and rooftop hangouts that’ll help you enjoy every last bit of summer.
Things to Do on Labor Day 2025 in New York City: Festivals, Fairs & Fun Events
West Indian American Day Parade
Labor Day means more than BBQs—hit Eastern Parkway for the West Indian American Day Parade. You’ll experience colorful costumes, Caribbean beats, and enough energy to keep you dancing all afternoon.
- Date: September 1, 2025
- Address: along Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
- Website: https://wiadcacarnival.org
Labor Day REPOSADO & TACO FEST at Watermark Pier 15 NYC
Tacos, cocktails, and killer views? Labor Day REPOSADO & TACO FEST at Watermark Pier 15 is where you can sip reposado cocktails, chow down on tacos, and enjoy those unbeatable views of Pier 15.
- Date: September 1, 2025
- Address: Watermark (Pier 15, 78 South Street, New York)
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.watermarkny.comÂ
The Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival
The Met Opera is streaming Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West for free at Lincoln Center Plaza. It’s ideal for a Labor Day evening of drama, romance, and gold rush adventures under the stars.
- Date: Until September 1, 2025
- Address: Lincoln Center PlazaÂ
- Admission: FreeÂ
- Website: https://www.metopera.org
Torch & Crown Beer Garden
Need a cold one after a long weekend stroll? Torch & Crown sets up a pop-up beer garden in Union Square. Here, you can chill, sip, and watch the city go by—rain or shine.
- Address: 20 Union Square W, New York
- Price: $-$$
- Website: https://www.torchandcrown.com
Richmond County Fair
Cap off summer at the Richmond County Fair. With carnival rides, local eats, and live music, it’s a classic fairground experience without leaving the city.
- Date: Until September 1, 2025
- Address: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.historicrichmondtown.org
U.S. Open
If you love tennis or people-watching with a side of celebrity spotting, the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows is where the action is. Catch some epic serves and enjoy the stadium vibe.
- Date: Until September 7, 2025
- Address: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens, NY
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.usopen.org
Van Gogh’s Flowers at New York Botanical Garden
Some Instagram-worthy moments? Sunflowers, lilies, and all the blooms that made Van Gogh famous await. It’s a beautiful mix of nature and art, and the sunflowers alone will make your heart (and camera) smile.
- Date: Until October 26, 2025
- Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
Rooftop Cinema Club
Movies are even better with a view, and this rooftop cinema certainly doesn’t disappoint. Bring snacks, sip a cocktail, and catch a flick with the NYC skyline as your backdrop.
- Address: 60 W 37th St 3rd Floor, New York
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com
Museum of Ice Cream
Ice cream lovers, your playground awaits. From a three-story slide to unlimited ice cream, the museum turns this sweet treat into a full-on adventure.
- Address: 558 Broadway, Broadway, New York
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.museumoficecream.com
Governors Island
Looking for a Labor Day escape without leaving the city? Governors Island offers acres of green space, car-free streets, and epic harbor views, perfect for biking, picnics, or simply stretching out before fall arrives.
- Address: Approximately one-half mile from Lower Manhattan and one-quarter mile from Brooklyn.Â
- Admission: Free (but there’s a round-trip ferry fare)
- Website: https://www.govisland.comÂ
Luna Park in Coney Island
With over 120 years of history, this amusement park has everything from thrilling rides to family-friendly fun, not to mention food and shopping along the iconic boardwalk. Plus, you’re just steps away from sandy beaches and the famous skyline views.
- Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
- Admission: Free (Pay per ride experiences are available for purchase)
- Website: https://lunaparknyc.com
The American Museum of Natural History
If you love getting lost in history, the American Museum of Natural History is your spot. With everything from massive dinosaur skeletons to cultural exhibits, it’s an incredible place to explore for hours.
- Address: 200 Central Prk W, New York
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.amnh.org
Deno’s Wonder Wheel in Coney Island
Want to feel on top of the world? Deno’s Wonder Wheel has been delivering epic views for over 100 years. Standing 150 feet above Coney Island, you can see everything, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Manhattan skyline.
- Address: 3059 W 12th St, Brooklyn
- Admission: Free (Pay per ride experiences are available for purchase)
- Website: https://www.denoswonderwheel.com
Kayaking by The Downtown Boathouse
How about experiencing the city from the water? The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking on the Hudson River, giving you the chance to explore Manhattan’s waterfront from a whole new perspective.
- Address: Pier 26 (Southern end of Hudson River Park on West Street just north of North Moore Street)
- Admission: Free to join
- Website: https://www.downtownboathouse.org
Labor Day Brunch Cruise
Why not enjoy Labor Day from the water? Hop on a brunch cruise and float by the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and the stunning NYC skyline. With bottomless mimosas and a delicious buffet, it’s a fun way to kick back and let the city drift by.
- Address: Departure at Pier 40 (Hudson River Park)
- Admission: Book here.
- Website: https://eventcruisesnyc.com
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
For art lovers, MoMA is a great spot to get inspired or just take in the creativity. With over 200,000 works spanning 150 years, you’ll find everything from iconic paintings to groundbreaking performances.
- Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://www.moma.orgÂ
Lunch at Maisonetta
Ever tried a fusion of Mexican and French? Maisonetta in the Bronx blends the bold flavors of Mexico with the finesse of French cooking. This spot offers everything from weekly specials to a seasonal menu.
- Address: 141 Lincoln Ave, Bronx
- Cuisine: French-Mexican
- Price: $-$$
- Reservations: Book here.
- Website: https://maisonettanyc.com
Central Park
Looking for a green escape in the city? Central Park has everything, including open meadows, winding trails, beautiful bridges, and spots to grab a bite or catch a performance. It’s your perfect Labor Day retreat for a walk, a picnic, or just to soak in nature.
- Address: Â Stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West
- Admission: Free (access to its attractions varies)
- Website: https://www.centralparknyc.org
Intrepid Museum
Next, you can take a journey through history at the Intrepid Museum. With restored aircraft, a submarine, and even a Concorde jet, you can explore everything from military history to the wonders of space.
- Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://intrepidmuseum.org
Dinner at Rezdôra
For a top-tier dining experience, Rezdôra is where you’ll get a taste of Michelin-starred Italian cuisine. The menu celebrates the Emilia Romagna region, with house-made pasta paired with Northern Italian wines.
- Address: 27 East 20th Street, New York
- Cuisine: Italian
- Price: $$
- Reservations: Book here.
- Website: https://www.rezdora.nyc
Classic Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Want to see Manhattan like never before? Take the Classic Manhattan Helicopter Tour and get a bird’s-eye view of the Statue of Liberty, the world-famous skyline, and more.
- Address: Downtown Manhattan Heliport (6 East River Piers, New York)
- Admission: $259 per person
- Website: https://manhattanhelicopters.com
Rooftop Pool at The Empire Hotel
Need to chill out? The Empire Hotel’s Rooftop Pool is the perfect spot to unwind and take in some epic skyline views. You’ll enjoy seasonal cocktails, refreshing dips, and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Address: 44 W 63rd St, New York
- Admission: Exclusively for registered hotel guests
- Website: https://www.empirehotelnyc.com
Massages at Vada Spa
After a weekend of exploring, you deserve some TLC. Head to Vada Spa for a range of massages, from hot stone to lymphatic drainage. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge after all the Labor Day festivities.
- Address: 364 6th Avenue, New York
- Admission: Book here.
- Website: https://www.vadaspa.com
Now that you know what to do, find out how to do it stress-free. Our guide, “How to Do NYC on Labor Day Weekend Without the Crowds,” reveals all the best-kept secrets for a perfect holiday.
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