Labor Day

Don’t be sad summers almost over; be happy there are awesome events for Labor Day weekend.  Since New York is such a hot spot for activity and diversity, there are endless options of how to enjoy your last days of summer and warm weather.  With so many different districts, markets and pop up trends for whatever mood you’re in; whether you want to party, chill, eat or all three, New York has got you covered.  Here are six events in NYC to end your summer on a high and ready for fall. 

1.     Electric Zoo

One of the best ways to celebrate summer in NYC is by going to festivals, that’s why it’s the best way to end it.  For whatever kind of music you’re into, festivals are an experience you’ll always look back on and remember how you snuck in alcohol, danced like crazy with your friends and had a stranger ask to sit on your shoulders.  There’s nothing like the energy of listening to your favorite music live with a huge crowd who are all in the mood to let loose.  Which is why we’re recommending Electric Zoo (Friday, September 2^nd –Sunday, September 4^th) at Randall's Island Park, with performances from Hardwell, The ChainSmokers, Steve Aoki and Tiesto.  It’s another opportunity to wear your cliché festival clothes, get drunk, and act crazy one last time this summer.

2.     Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

If you want to spend the day being worldly or broadening your horizons while not traveling too far then the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit is just for you.  It’s a showcase that happens twice a year where they display art from NYC based artists and artisans throughout the Washington Square Park area.  Spend Labor Day weekend either buying or just looking at contemporary paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

3. West Side County Fair

Is it really summer without going on a Ferris wheel at a carnival?  Usually you have to go to long island or travel far to get on a Ferris wheel or play all the games and attractions that come with a carnival.  But on September 4^th from 1-6pm at 70th Street, in Riverside Park you’ll have the opportunity to ride a mini Ferris wheel as well as enjoy multiple bounce houses, carnival games, stilt walkers, aerialists and a magician.  With music and food vendors you could enjoy the Labor Day weekend eating cotton candy and playing classic carnival games.   West Side County Fair at Riverside Park South will give you all the summer feels to last you until next summer.   

4.     U.S. OPEN

Ending your summer on a high note is just as important as how you start it.  The US open is an exciting show to see all the best tennis players compete and maybe run into a celebrity or two.  Located in New York City’s Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, you can see all the action and enjoy the food and entertainment they have to offer.  Between watching the action on the courts you can shop, eat and see the different competitions and attractions they provide outside the arenas. 

5.     Kanye West

He made Taylor Swift famous and is performing at Madison square garden September 5^th.  Seeing Pablo perform is definitely a great way to end summer.  Concerts are different from festivals as in they are more focused on seeing your favorite performers live instead of having a crazy party.  There is a different energy is seeing your favorite artists perform, especially in Madison square garden.  Grab a group of friends and end the summer listening to Kanye West sing your favorite songs and give more rants (fingers crossed).

6.    The Downtown Boathouse

To spend Labor Day and one of the last days in the water, the Downtown Boathouse has free kayaking to keep you cool.  It’s a great outing if you want to spend the day in the water while still being active.  Enjoy the last days of summer with friends (or by yourself!) on the Hudson.  Located by Pier 26 Boathouse on the southern end of Hudson River Park, it’s free and you can find out how to get involved with protecting the Hudson River.   

While it’s sad summer is coming to an end these activities should make it a little better.   Festivals, carnivals, sporting events and staying in the water as long as possible are some things that need to be done before it starts getting cold.  So if you only want to spend the day at the beach or hit up some of these events, make it memorable.  Enjoy the last few days of warm weather, beach days and feeling like you have no responsibility.  Happy Labor Day!  And if you’re really sad about it remember that Halloween and pumpkin spice lattes are almost here.