Before back to school actually becomes a reality, seize a last chance opportunity to take in as many of our event picks as you can pack into this busy week. You won’t regret it, since we have so much to choose from. Check out the US Open, or perhaps you are more in the mood for unicycles, a tugboat race, fun at a county fair, or even an off-Broadway show. Have a great Labor Day!
Beginning Monday, August 29
The US Open
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
11am-11pm
Tennis, anyone? The US Open begins this Monday, and tennis fans won’t want to miss all the excitement at this year’s tournament. Tennis superstars who are scheduled to play include Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka, and many others. Opening night will include performances by Phil Collins and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom, Jr. Tickets start at $62. Runs through Sunday, September 11.
Thursday, September 1-Sunday, September 4
The 7th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival
Various locations
Various times
(Uni)cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome at Unicycle Festival NYC 2016! This annual event takes place over several days, beginning in Battery Park on Thursday and ending on Governors Island on Sunday. Fest activities on Governors Island include one-wheel relay races, kite flying, sumo wrestling, and games of unicycle basketball and hockey. Plus, for the second year, the festival will host a costume contest during which cyclists can vie for top prizes. Festival-goers can also learn how to ride a unicycle during afternoon riding workshops. This event is free.
Sunday, September 4
The 24th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race
Pier 83 in Hudson River Park
9am-2pm
Watch as tugboats race along the Hudson during the 24th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race. Boats will also vie for awards in “nose to nose pushing” and “line toss” competitions. Kids will get a kick out of watching the spinach eating contest. To view all the racing action from the water, hop aboard the Spectator Boat which departs at 9:30am. Spectator Boat tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12.
West Side County Fair
Pier 1 in Riverside Park South
1-6pm
What better way to celebrate Labor Day weekend than with a county fair! The West Side County Fair in Riverside Park will include attractions like sideshow performers, carnival rides and games, reptile shows, aerialists, and live music. This year’s performers include City Stompers, Annie DiRusso, and Big Dog Run. Plus, be sure to end your day at the fair with cotton candy or another yummy treat! This event is free.
Beginning Monday, September 5
20at20
Various theaters throughout Manhattan
Various times
Take your family to see an off-Broadway show for only $20 per ticket as part of 20 at 20. Twenty Off-Broadway shows are available to the public for $20 if they show up 20 minutes before the show. “The Gazillion Bubble Show,” “Stomp,” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” are some of the family-friendly shows available this year. Runs through Sunday, September 25.
