Labor Day in New York City

Brooklyn West Indian Carnival - Labor Day Parade in NYC

The Brooklyn West Indian Carnival is easily the largest parade in New York City, with an average annual attendance of over two million people.

Founded in Harlem in the 1920s, when Jessie Waddle and her West Indian friends began to stage costume parties at the Savoy, Renaissance, and Audobon Ballrooms, the Brooklyn West Indian Carnival is easily the largest parade in New York City, with an average annual attendance of over two million people. At this fun NYC parade, held each year on Labor Day, you can expect live music, dancing, and exotic Caribbean cuisine. Your tastebuds will be delighted by flavorful dishes such as jerk chicken, coconut bread, oxtail, and macaroni pie, while your eyes will be dazzled by vibrant costumes and colored powders, paints, and dyes.

If you're looking for a good place to view the West Indian Parade, try standing between the Brooklyn Museum and Grand Army Plaza. There, you'll be able to accompany the parade's steel drummers with your own noisemakers (don't forget a bottle, a whistle, or a spoon!).

The Brooklyn West Indian Parade begins at 11am at Rochester and Eastern Parkway and ends at 6pm at Grand Army Plaza. Those who can't get enough of the West Indian American Day Parade might want to consider attending the parade's prelude, the pre-dawn procession known as the J'Ouvert Parade.

NYC Attractions Open on Labor Day

The Brooklyn West Indian Carnival is easily the largest parade in New York City, with an average annual attendance of over two million people.

Of course, parades aren't for everyone. Unfortunately, because Labor Day is a United States federal holiday, many popular New York City attractions will be closed, making it difficult for leisure travelers to find fun things to do on Labor Day. Don't worry, though: there are a few fun NYC attractions, such as the ones below, that are open year-round.

• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: A relatively recent addition to Times Square NYC, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is one of only a few kid-friendly NYC attractions open on Labor Day. Here at Madame Tussauds you will find the strikingly lifelike wax statues of your favorite Hollywood stars, sports heroes, and historical figures. Among those represented at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum NY are Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Taylor Swift, and President Barack Obama.
• Central Park Zoo: If you're looking for a fun, relaxing way to spend Labor Day afternoon, look no further than the Central Park Zoo. This kid-friendly NYC attraction, open 365 days a year, displays some of the most exotic animals in the world, including snow leopards, polar bears, poisonous reptiles, and peguins. One of the best things about the Central Park Zoo is that, unlike the Bronx Zoo across town, it can be walked comfortably in a couple of hours. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
• Empire State Building: If you're in New York City on Labor Day, why not enjoy a classic NYC attraction? Take a tour of the Empire State Building! This iconic building, the tallest building in New York City, offers tours 365 days a year, for just $20 a person. After reading about the history of this Art Deco skyscraper, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from the popular Empire State Building observatory deck. It's an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life!