Olivia Perry
Contributor
The forecast is in, Brooklyn. Labor Day weekend might be calling for a 50% chance of rain, but we know a little bit of thunder won’t stop you from squeezing the most out of the last long weekend of summer (cue the sobbing). Whatever weather the skies throw down this weekend, our Labor Day Staycation Survival Guide will steer you in the direction of good times, even if you get a little wet along the way:
Friday-Get Your Coney Island Thrills
What to bring: Road beers (cooler bag strongly suggested), water, possibly a fresh pair of underwear if you’re planning on riding The Cyclone.
For everyone who vowed to visit Coney Island this summer and haven’t yet made the trek, this is your last chance for Friday Night Fireworks in 2018. With a three-day weekend ahead, nothing is holding you back from stuffing a couple koozies with your beverage of choice and hopping on the Q or F for the hour fifteen trip south.
If you’re a marine enthusiast, you still have the weekend to visit the New York Aquarium for $14.95 before the half-price deal ends on Tuesday. The Aquarium is open until 10pm but plan to get there before sundown to maximize your sea creature exposure; the outdoor lighting after sundown is sparse.
Saturday- Party at MoMa PS1
What to bring: A change of clothes (rain or shine, if you’re dancing as hard as you should be you’re not leaving this party in a dry shirt).
For the final MoMa PS1 Warm Up of the season, organizers have put together a powerhouse lineup featuring sets from AceMoe, Logan Takahashi, Discwoman, Gang Gang Dance, Yaeji, and Lizzo. This might be your only chance to see the latter two for a mere $20 ticket, so suck up the subway ride to Long Island City – this is the place to be Saturday and it’s happening rain or shine.
Friday and Saturday- Kayak For Free at Pier 2 in Brooklyn
What to bring: Water-appropriate attire, a change of clothes.
Unbeknownst to many New Yorkers, there are multiple places in the five boroughs to land yourself free kayak rides in the summer. Grab your outdoorsy pals this weekend and head to Pier 2 for an aquatic escapade featuring excellent views of the Brooklyn Bridge and FiDi. Just don’t put away too many Bloody Mary’s at brunch before setting sail or risk taking a salty swim in the the East River (a grave mistake indeed).
Pier 2 rents out free kayak equipment on a first-come-first serve basis on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 2pm. Public washrooms are nearby and lockers are available for rent should you need them.
Sunday- Labour Day Clambake at Brooklyn Cider House
Who to bring: Your fall-obsessed friends.
The best of two seasons collide at Brooklyn Cider House this Sunday for a seafood cookout to celebrate the beginning of apple picking season. Tickets are $27 in advance or $32 at the door and get you a seafood platter stacked with shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, corn and potatoes, plus you receive a 5-pound bag of apples form their Upstate Twin Star Orchards. Underground Horns will be providing the music during the Clambake which goes from 2-5 (but the bar opens at 11am).
Sunday-Park Yourself at the Movies
What to bring: Comfy garb, secret snacks.
In the event of torrential rain this weekend, you can always count on sinking a few hours posted up at the movies. Ambitious theatregoers can take the J down to Regal Battery Park to recline in the comfiest seats in the city (worth the $17 ticket). If you’re staked out in Brooklyn until the rain stops, pass on the smuggled snacks and order off the menu at Nighthawk Theatre or Bushwick’s own Syndicated. You know where to find us.
Sunday- Indoor Mini Golf at Shipwrecked
What to bring: An article of white clothing (because black lighting.)
We never grew out of pirate-themed birthdays and if you didn’t either, you’re going to love Shipwrecked Miniature Golf. The 18-hole indoor course, located at 621 Court Street, is the product of 16 years of scheming between two college best friends. The two moved to New York to pursue theatre and have brought their experiences on Broadway to the golf range. Think special effects and theatrical lighting, plus you can drink and putt.
Cover photo courtesy of Tianyi Ma
