Celebrate summertime this Labor Day weekend on GI
Aug 28, 2019 10:57 am
Photo by Julienne Schaer
Summer may be winding down, but there’s no shortage of things to do, see, taste and experience on Governors Island as the season comes to a close. This Labor Day weekend is packed with all sorts of special events, brand new free programs and summertime vibes all weekend long. And don’t miss your chance to stay out late with us—we’re open until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday for the last two late nights of the season. Read on to see everything happening on our shore this weekend.
We’re making it a breeze to ship out this weekend, with Manhattan and Brooklyn ferries running on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, giving you plenty of chances to take a quick ride across the harbor to GI. Don’t forget that ferries are free before noon on weekends! NYC Ferry will also run their Governors Island route from Wall St./Pier 11 all weekend, including Monday.
Japan Performing Arts, Inc. kicks things off on Friday evening with the first performance of their Bon Odori Festival that brings traditional Japanese summer dances to GI. See dances on Outlook Hill 7:30-9 PM on Friday and Saturday, plus a whole day of Japanese games, food, activities and more in Nolan Park, 12-8 PM on Saturday.
The 10th annual NYC Unicycle Festival keeps things rolling on Saturday and Sunday 12-5 PM with games, workshops and competitions celebrating all things unicycle. Veteran riders can show off their talents and test their skills, while newcomers can learn how to ride and take in spectacular performances!
New arts and culture programs on Colonels Row open their doors this weekend. 4heads’ sprawling annual art show, Portal, displays a staggering lineup of new works across seven historic houses every weekend in September. They’ll mark their first day on Saturday with a public opening reception, 6-9 PM.
Free arts and performance programs will open in Colonels Row starting on Saturday, including the diverse theatrical performances of Dysfunctional Collective, a soft opening of Exquisite Corpse Company 5-9 PM on Saturday night, holographic art all weekend at the HoloCenter, and Linked Dance Theatre bringing you a weekend of dance and art exhibitions with an opening reception on Sunday, 3:30-6 PM.
More art, culture and learning can be found in Nolan Park during the houses’ normal weekend hours on Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-5 PM. Our fantastic food and beverage vendors will also be open for their usual weekend hours.
Read on for a list of all programs, attractions and vendors that will be open on Labor Day (Monday, September 2). See you on the Island!
Open on Labor Day:
Nolan Park
Triangle Arts
Harvestworks
West Harlem Art Fund
Children’s Museum of the Arts Free Arts Island Outpost
NYC Audubon
play:groundNYC’s The Yard
Colonels Row
The HoloCenter
Linked Dance Theater
Dysfunctional Collective
Urban Farm
GrowNYC
Vendors
Island Oyster
Taco Vista
Makina Café
Little Eva’s
Joe Coffee
Perros Y Vainas
Attractions
Blazing Saddles
Governors Island National Monument (Fort Jay and Castle Williams)