As the unofficial end of summer, Americans celebrate Labor Day each September to honor labor unions and workers nationwide. The long holiday weekend is intended to promote relaxation, spend time with friends and family, and hopefully have a little fun. If you are in New Jersey/New York this year, it’s time to make plans with your crew to take a well-deserved break. Street fairs, baseball games, concerts, and relaxing cruises should all be on the lineup to wrap up a great summer, and City Cruises will help you make the most of your Labor Day Weekend-all from the water.  

The History of Labor Day 

Even though we all enjoy delicious grilled foods, or swimming at those final pool parties, the holiday has a more significant meaning than just simply a long weekend. For many of us, it means a day or two off from work, but before the inception of the holiday, labor unions were formed to advocate for “very specific improvements in their working conditions,” according to CNN. The workforce consisted of men and women, and in some cases even children, working in physically or mentally taxing jobs. Americans worked seven days a week with no limit to the hours they worked each day. Through the efforts and resilience of labor unions, American workers changed the way our country views its workforce. We now have 40-hour work weeks, paid vacations, and company benefits allowing us economic freedom. Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September annually and it is believed the date was chosen to fall between the Fourth of July holiday and Thanksgiving. It’s not entirely clear who came up with the holiday, but it can be credited to two people: Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire according to the U.S. Department of Labor. American workers look forward to a well-earned break from work each year and we have them to thank for it! 

Work Hard, Play Harder: Things to do Labor Day Weekend in New Jersey 

The days are warm, and the nights are cool, making it a perfect combination to spend some time in the New Jersey/New York area for Labor Day. There are some great ways to savor the last bits of summer for weekend fun. Let’s dive into some of the best happenings in the area to make the most of your time off. 

Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair 

Get your whole family out to Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair hosted by the Borough of Riverdale from 10 am to 5 pm along the Newark Pompton Turnpike. The streets will be transformed into a giant block party. Special arts and crafts, live entertainment, rides for the kids, and great festival foods are just a few of the many reasons to enjoy the outdoors and join in all the fun for Labor Day. 

Hit a Home Run This Labor Day with the New York Mets  

Snag your tickets now for an exciting game as the New York Mets take on the legendary Boston Red Sox at Citi Field on September 2, 2024. Root for your hometown team with your entire crew for an action-packed adventure and see baseball in its glory at an affordable price! 

Labor Day 50th Annual St Barts/Unico Italian Festival

Get in on all the fun with New Jersey’s best-kept secret in Scotch Plains at the St. Barts/Unico Italian Festival. Since 1974, this festival has been an annual tradition bringing everyone live music, rides, games, and of course great food! There will be a 50/50 raffle drawn on Labor Day so take your chances while having a great time with the whole gang. 

Relax into Labor Day Weekend 2024 with City Cruises  

Send off summer this year in an epic way. Experience a New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise and be treated to a delectable prix fixe menu, and jaw-dropping, panoramic views of New York City’s skyline. You will see iconic landmarks up close, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. As you marvel at Manhattan from the Hudson and East Rivers, enjoy tasty cocktails and the sweet sounds of our superb vocalist and acoustic band. This one-of-a-kind dinner cruise is a memorable experience to relive the best summer memories together. 

It’s time to put away the flip flops and get ready for fall, and there’s no better way to create an unforgettable afternoon than with a New Jersey Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise. Dine the day away with friends and family and soak in the last bits of summer with New Jersey and New York’s skyline views along the East and Hudson Rivers. Spectacular views of local landmarks can be enjoyed while sipping on unlimited mimosas and reflecting upon your summer adventures of beach days, barbecues, and laughter with your friends and family. Capture it all in pictures and snap a few photos to treasure for years to come. 

Cheers to a Well-Deserved Break on Labor Day in New Jersey 

The long Labor Day weekend in New Jersey is bursting with options for things to do to bring summer to a close. Festivals, music, food, and dining cruises are just a few of the ways to make the most of your time off. If you are lucky enough to be in New York/New Jersey this Labor Day, you can certainly find something for everyone in your entire family. Gather your favorite crew and indulge in delicious cuisine, take in some festive events, embark on a scenic cruise, explore exciting new destinations, and raise a glass to the hard work, dedication, and contributions of our incredible American workforce.