Check out Labor Day 2017 on the Upper West Side!
The arrival of Labor Day weekend on the Upper West Side marks the unofficial end to the summer season. The 3-day holiday weekend is celebrated on the Upper West Side with a variety of festivals and shows aimed towards the whole family. Make the most out of summer’s last weekend by attending some of the events listed below. There’s tons to do!
West Side County Fair
Sept 6, 1 – 6pm, Riverside Park
photo from https://riversideparknyc.org
Every Labor Day weekend, a county fair comes to life in the heart of the Upper West Side right before the very start of the school year. The carnival arrives in town ready to give West Siders a taste of country living with plenty of fun rides, games, and even cotton candy machines. The fair’s located in Riverside Park and local musicians come to perform for families as they enjoy all the fair has to offer. From a petting zoo to a greenmarket, kids will keep themselves busy exploring the many activities taking place throughout the day. There’ll also be a Green Acre Environmental Corner for the little ones in which they will learn what it means to lead a sustainable lifestyle and how to properly take care of the environment.
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
Sept 4, 2 – 4pm, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
photo from centralparknyc.org
The vibrant outdoor festival featuring the best up-and-coming vocalists and jazz artists in the game ends on Labor Day weekend with a performance from Keith “The Captain” Gamble and the NU Gypsies. The blues and rock band will delight concert goers with their soulful tunes and melodic voices. The energetic Keith Gamble is a singer/songwriter who’s bringing blues back to the forefront with an infectious blend of funk, jazz, and soul elements. His various musical influences have caused him to be a multi-faceted artist who sings, plays the guitar, and the harmonica.
Besides music, Gamble’s a lecturer and guest instructor at various cultural and educational organizations. He’s performed at some of the city’s most iconic venues including the Apollo Theatre and is bringing his infectious energy to the Harlem Meer Festival. Head a bit north for the chance to experience this outdoors festival that’s free to the public and dance the day away!
NYC Unicycle Festival
Sept 1 – 4
photo from nycunifest.com
Prepare to lose your balance as one wheel madness takes over the island of Manhattan on Labor Day weekend. The NYC Unicycle Festival will bring the fun for the whole family in this one-of-a-kind event that’s gaining more popularity with the pass of each year. The festival will take over the Upper West Side on September 1st as riders make their way through the neighborhood. That’s right, riders will meet in Battery Park on “One Wheel the West Side” day and head to the West Side before descending into Central Park for an epic long-distance journey. The festival attracts a wide range of viewers from first-timers and extreme sports enthusiasts to recreational riders and even circus performers. Don’t miss it!
Family Performance Festival
Sept 4, 12 – 1.30pm, Central Park’s Great Hill
photo from centralparknyc.org
Brunch at Good Enough to Eat
520 Columbus Avenue
photo from goodenoughtoeat.com
There’s comfort food, and then there’s home-cooked goodness. Good Enough to Eat cooks up the latter and serves up delicious brunch dishes that are perfect for end-of-summer celebrations. The restaurant’s cozy vibe emanates a feeling of familiarity that can only be found on the Upper West Side. Enjoy your meal next to other residents and worldly visitors while trying American classic such as the bacon waffle, filled with crispy bites of double smoked bacon and served with fresh fruit on the side. Or order the Peter Paul Pancakes which are covered with authentic Belgian chocolate and sprinkled with toasted coconut on top. Drinks are also flowing aplenty here and one of the highlights is the “All-In Bloody Mary” that comes prepared with Maytag blue cheese stuffed olives. Do we need say more?
