Special Edition Events: Labor Day Weekend

From Clowns, Carnivals and Beer events this Labor Day weekend

In typical New York City fashion, any major holiday is an occasion to go all out. While the city is known for its great regular weekend events, Labor Day gives many people a special day to show off national pride and just have fun. Here are a list of events going on around the city for Labor Day Weekend 2010. Enjoy!
  
Arts & Music

One of the local bands at Monster Island Basement

Monster Island Block Party

September 4th, 3PM to 1AM

210 Kent Street, Williamsburg 

Monster Island is known for its live musical performances and great summer bashes. For Labor Day, the venue will host it's 3rd annual Arts and Music Festival.

There will be an all day BBQ served by the Mollusk Surf Shop, a carnival themed art instillation, art openings by the galleries Live With Animals and Secret project Robot, and of course live music throughout the day. Musical performances on the indoor and outdoor stages will include Golden Triangle, Red Dawn 2 and many more.

For a list of performances and more information visit here.
 

Artist Naima Rauam & her Fulton Fish Market paintings

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

September 4-6, 11-12, 12PM-6PM

Washington Square East

Washington Square Park is celebrating their 80th year hosting their bi-annual event this Labor Day Weekend. There will be a number of different artists in different mediums including photography, metal work, mixed media, ceramics, oils and much more.

The event is free and browsing is encouraged. Feedback is welcomed as artists will be judged on their work for prizes. Enjoy the weekend in style while viewing beautiful portraits or take the leap and purchase some designs for your new apartment. The artistry varies from avante garde to realistic and serene.

For more information and artist applications visit here.  

Eating Out

Delmonico's Steakhouse in FiDii

NYC Restaurant Week- EXTENDED

July 12th-25th (now until Sept. 6th)

Citywide

NYC Restaurant Week has given many residents and visitors the chance to sample some of the city's greatest restaurants for a fraction of the price. With 3-course and prix-fixe meals from over 270 restaurants, this is one of the most participated events this year.

The offer has been extended by over 170 restaurants for Labor Day Weekend with $24.07 lunches and $35.00 dinners.Enjoy the great weather this weekend by eating outdoors at the River Cafe, A Downtown Brooklyn classic, or at Esca for Italian-inspired seafood fare in Midtown West. 

For reservations and participating restaurants visit here.
 

Mint cream flavor from Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream

 Parked Food Truck Fest

September 5, 2010 12PM-5PM

Colonel's Row at Governor's Island

From pretzels to hot dogs, New Yorkers love their street food. This Sunday, unique and gourmet food vendors will join together for the Parked Food Truck Fest on Governor's Island. Free ferry service runs to the island throughout the day to this free cover event. 

Popular trucks planning to make an appearance are the Jamaican Dutchy Truck, Rickshaw Dumpling, Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream and Hermelinda Mexicana. Treat yourself to German soul food favorites, spicy ginger slushies or even some green pirate juice.

For directions and more information visit here.

Tasting samples of craft beers at the Monmouth festival

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival

September 4, 2010 11:30AM to 5PM

Monmouth Park, Oceanport, NJ 

While there are many worthwhile events in New York City this Labor Day Weekend, some people just prefer the holiday weekends down at the shore. For diehard beer fans heading that way, you will not want to miss the BBQ & Craft Beer Festival.

For $13 ($10 for beer tasting, $3 for general admission), visitors can expect ten 2-ounce samples of various craft beers, live thoroughbred horse racing, live music and a commemorative Pilsner tasting glass to take home.

Craft beers include Blue Moon Belgian White, Firestone Walker Hemp Ale, Itacha Beer Co. Apricot Wheat and many more. Fill up your stomach beforehand with solid BBQ choices of Local Smoke BBQ, Memphis Pig Out and Chop Shop Barbecue just to name a few.

For more information and directions visit here.

Festivals

A pie in the face for a clown at festival parade

The New York Clown Theater Festival

September 3-26, 2010

The Brick at 525 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn

This three week event kicks off with a free parade, cabaret preview and pie fight. Starting at Union Square Park, everyone is welcome to join the clowns, stilt walkers and jugglers for the opening parade on the L train. Continue the antics and fun to the Bedford Avenue stop in Williamsburg when the parade hits the street.

Finishing at The Brick, free pies and clown noses will be handed out for a grand pie fight. After getting cleaned up, enjoy the sneak peek cabaret of upcoming festival events including Cirkus Luna!, Clowns with Gowns and Coney Island Chris. Featured performing acts this Labor Day Weekend are Ferdinand The Magnificent!, Manchego: The Birth of Cheese and Morro and Jasp Do Puberty.

For show information and tickets visit here. 

  

Festival goers enjoying the sounds & dance of Brazil

Brazilian Day Festival

September 5, 11AM to 7PM

6th Avenue between 43rd and 57th Streets

Come celebrate Brazilian independence with capoeira, samba, Bahia music and traditional foods. The parade attracts approximately 1.5 million people annually from all over the world in the 25 block span.

The area around 46th Street known as Little Brazil will be host to popular Brazilian artists such as Bahia musician, Carlinhos Brown, and diva, Margareth Menezes. Vendors and entertainment will line the streets with Brazilian handcrafts, dance demonstrations and food. Prepare to dance away the Labor Day BBQ calories at the "carnaval" like event.

West Indian American Day Carnival

September 6th, 11AM to 6PM

Eastern Parkway between Schenectady Ave. & Flatbush Ave. Ext.

The Brooklyn parade takes place as part of the larger celebration  of the West Indian Carnival Festival. Festival events such as the Benefit for Haiti, Brass Fest and Dimanche Gras take place from the 2nd until the 6th.

The carnival is the grand finale to the festival and has now become one of the largest parades in the country with over 2 million visitors each year. The carnival has a host of costume bands, steel bands and floats. Each costume band is a sight to see with colorful feathers, intricate dances and national pride. West Indian food, music and family fun surround the dancers throughout the day.