Things to do in New York City this Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend brings one of New York City’s largest Caribbean celebrations to Brooklyn, along with concerts, family activities and free outdoor programming across the five boroughs.

The centerpiece is the West Indian American Day Parade on Eastern Parkway, but festivities begin days earlier with live music, youth celebrations and parties stretching into Monday morning.

Here are several events to consider this weekend.

Bring the family to Junior Carnival and Youth Fest

Young masqueraders take center stage Saturday during a costume parade followed by Caribbean music, dance performances and family activities. Participants in the Junior Carnival parade will assemble at St. John’s Place and Kingston Avenue before proceeding toward the Brooklyn Museum.

When: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Parade assembly at St. John’s Place and Kingston Avenue; programming at the Brooklyn Museum
Cost: Registration may be required
Details: WIADCA Carnival events

Hear North America’s largest steel-pan competition

Steel orchestras from across the region will compete Saturday night during New York Panorama, one of Carnival weekend’s signature cultural events. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the competition beginning at 7 p.m.

When: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
Cost: Ticketed
Details: New York Panorama information

Dance to Haitian music at Konpa Fun

For a Haitian-centered night out, Konpa Fun promises an evening devoted to konpa and Haitian dance music. The event runs from Saturday night into early Sunday morning.

When: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: New York City; see ticket page for venue information
Cost: Ticketed
Details: Tickets and event information

Spend Saturday afternoon listening to free jazz on Governors Island

The Marta Blanco Ensemble will perform original music and arrangements inspired by Latin and contemporary jazz. The free, all-ages performance offers a quieter alternative to the weekend’s larger celebrations.

When: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Building 406A, Colonels Row, Governors Island
Cost: Free
Details: Governors Island

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at a Haitian party

Several Haitian parties are scheduled for Sunday night, including Konpa En Blanc, La Nuit du Kompa and Foam N Gouyad, featuring a live performance by Markie2Fresh. Most continue into early Monday morning, allowing revelers to head directly into the final day of Carnival.

When: Sunday, Sept. 6, into Monday morning
Where: Various locations in Brooklyn and Queens
Cost: Ticketed
Details: Konpa En Blanc, La Nuit du Kompa and Foam N Gouyad

Watch opera under the stars at Lincoln Center

The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival continues throughout Labor Day weekend with free screenings in Josie Robertson Plaza. This weekend’s lineup includes I Puritani on Friday, Eugene Onegin on Saturday, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego on Sunday and La Bohème on Monday.

Approximately 2,500 seats are available each night on a first-come, first-served basis.

When: Friday through Monday, beginning at 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Where: Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center, Manhattan
Cost: Free
Details: Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival

Close out the weekend at the West Indian American Day Parade

The West Indian American Day Parade returns to Eastern Parkway on Labor Day, bringing costumed bands, Caribbean food, steel pan, soca, konpa and flags from across the region to Brooklyn.

The parade is the culmination of New York Carnival Week and traditionally runs along Eastern Parkway toward Grand Army Plaza. Large crowds, street closures and security checkpoints are expected, so attendees should use public transportation and check the latest guidance before leaving home.

When: Monday, Sept. 7
Where: Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Details: West Indian American Day Carnival Association

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