Here are six Labor Day weekend events in North Jersey you must check out
Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer for many, and it's no surprise that people want to make the most of that long weekend as one final hurrah before vacations end and schools reopen. There's plenty of options around North Jersey to do so.
While many towns put on fireworks to commemorate the holiday each year, some areas offer bigger Labor Day weekend events for all ages. From carnivals and parades, to 5K races and roller skating, here are six events in North Jersey for you to check out this Labor Day weekend. Some are free, but others require ticks, and purchasing in advance is often cheaper.
Riverdale Labor Day Street Fair
The Annual Labor Day Street Fair hosted by the Borough of Riverdale in Morris County will be held on Monday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will feature a variety of carnival foods and all-day live entertainment. The event also includes various exhibitors selling a selection of items, as well as a special arts and crafts section.
There is also the designated "Kidz Traveling Shindig," an area dedicated to kid-friendly activities such as bounce rides, slides and blow ups, as well as art, face painters and games.
Go: 83 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale
Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Weekend Carnival and Parade
The Boonton Fire Department will hold its Labor Day Weekend Carnival from Aug. 31 to Sept 3 at Boonton High School. The carnival runs from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday and Friday, and 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
The carnival will feature rides for all ages from Blue Sky Amusements, as well as carnival games and prizes. There will also be live entertainment each night beginning at 7 p.m.
Pre-sale wristbands can be purchased for $35 up to an hour before the carnival begins on Aug. 31. After that, wristbands much be purchased at the event for $40. A wristband purchase includes single-day access to the carnival with unlimited access to all rides.
On Saturday, the Boonton Fire Department will host their Labor Day Parade prior to the carnival, beginning at 1:30 p.m. It will begin in west Boonton, and end at Boonton High School.
On Sunday, fireworks will be held at the carnival at 10 p.m., and a Super 50/50 raffle drawing at 10:30 p.m.
Go: Boonton High School, Boonton
Mendham Annual Labor Day Carnival and Parade
The Mendham Pastime Club will host its annual Labor Day carnival and parade at Borough Park from Sept. 1 to Sept. 4.
The carnival runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and features a variety of rides, games and food.
On Labor Day Monday, the carnival runs all day, and the town's annual parade kicks off at 10 a.m. heading to Borough Park. There's a live concert following the parade at 11 a.m., as well as a firework show and 50/50 raffle drawing at 9:15 p.m.
Admission to the carnival and all of the town's labor day events are free.
Go: Mendham Borough Park, Mendham
Verona Labor Day Classic
Are you looking for something more active to do this Labor Day? Consider signing up for the Verona Labor Day Classic.
Held on Sept. 4, the 41st Annual Verona Labor Day Classic includes a one-mile fun run and health walk at 9 a.m., as well as a 5K race at 9:30 a.m. — a USATF-NJ 500 point grand prix event on a USATF certified course.
Pre-registration for the one-mile event is $18 and $25 for registration on race day, and pre-registration for the 5K race is $30 and $35 on race day. Pre-registration will be open until Aug. 31, or once they reach maximum capacity for the event.
Go: Verona Park, Lakeside Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Paterson Great Falls 5k
Another 5K option is the scenic Paterson Great Falls 5K. Held on Labor Day Monday, this race is for serious runners as well as individuals just looking to challenge themselves on a holiday weekend.
This race begins alongside the Paterson Great Falls, and passes by the Lou Costello statue, the Paterson Museum, Hinchliffe Stadium and Veteran's Park, continues through Pennington Park and ends up back at the Paterson Great Falls for the finish line.
The fee for this race is $30, and pre-registration runs through Sept. 1. Same-day registration for the race will begin at 7 a.m., and the official race will begin at 8:30 a.m.
All registration proceeds and event donations will go to the nonprofit organization Our Way to H.O.P.E for book bags and supplies for their back to school event and a free Christmas event for children in Paterson and Elmwood Park.
Go: The Paterson Museum, 2 Market Street, Paterson
Labor Day Weekend Roller Skating, Newark
Branch Brook Park Skating Center is holding a Labor Day kickoff skating event, as well as a Labor Day Monday skate, for all ages.
On Sept. 1, the kickoff event includes four two-hour time slots for skating throughout the afternoon and evening. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as door tickets cost more. Advance tickets are $16 for admission and skate rental, or $11 for admission if you have your own skates. For spectators, tickets are $5.
On Labor Day Monday, there are three two-hour time slots available and tickets should also be purchased in advance. Tickets for admission are $15, or $10 for admission with your own skates. Spectator tickets for that day are $5.
Go: 7th Avenue and Clifton Avenue, Newark
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Labor Day weekend 2023: North Jersey events, parades to try
