15 Ways To Make The Most Of Labor Day

From food fests and film screenings, here’s where to celebrate summer’s last hurrah—without going far.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Labor Day 2025

Ready to send off summer in style? Labor Day weekend is packed with local fun—think shopping, outdoor concerts, carnivals (and all the fair food), fireworks and more! Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole crew, there’s something for everyone happening right in your backyard. Let the long-weekend festivities begin!

Below are some ideas to celebrate in Bergen County:

Aug. 29–Sept. 1

  • The 110th annual St. Joseph Feast takes place at St. Joseph Church in Lodi. Enjoy a weekend filled with food, music, games and other activities for all ages. Admission is free.

Aug. 29–31

  • Social media star Kev Herrera brings his brand of silliness to Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford. Herrera’s unfiltered style is inspired by his life experiences, which he turned into relatable skits on social media for everyday married couples and parents. Shows are at 7 p.m. each night, and tickets are available online.

Aug. 29

  • Fashion brand FUBU is seeking trendsetters, creators and all fresh faces interested in walking the runway. FUBU’s casting call for fashion show runway models takes place at the American Dream’s Dream Stage in East Rutherford and is open to anyone with energy, confidence and authenticity—no experience necessary. Casting call times are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Aug. 30

  • Does your young one love furry creatures? Head to the Tenafly Nature Center from 11 a.m. to noon for Mammal Mania. During the program, visitors can meet TNC’s animal ambassadors and learn what makes mammals unique, explore how they adapt to survive in the wild and discover the roles they play in our local ecosystem. Register in person or by phone at 201.569.2159.
  • Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, oh my! See all the beloved characters of The Wizard of Oz at Fort Lee’s Barrymore Film Center, which is screening the classic film at 1 p.m. on Aug. 30 and 31. The movie is rated G for all audiences, and tickets are available online.
  • Ready to party? Head to CZEN in Englewood for Flag Fest, a nighttime Labor Day carnival from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Festivities will take place in the restaurant and on its outdoor patio, and will feature a DJ, dancing and free flags for everyone. (Be sure to represent your country!) Reserve your spot on the party’s Eventbrite page.

Aug. 31

  • Celebrate health and raise money for a good cause at the 44th Annual Dom Mircovich Memorial Closter 5K Run/Walk & Jim O’Halloran Kids Fun Run. The course is flat and fast (run a personal best!), and awards and post-run refreshments will be available. The fun run starts at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m. Register online today.
  • Everyone is invited to attend the 13th annual Filipino American Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park. Stop by and check out the fashion show, cultural dances, food trucks and vendors, artisans and more. Admission is free.
  • Rockabilly fans, rejoice! New Jersey’s own Crash Gordon and Debra Dynamite will perform a free concert from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wortendyke Barn Museum in Park Ridge. The musical couple will perform hits by Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Patsy Cline, Laverne Baker, Brenda Lee and Connie Francis, among others. Guests should bring their own chairs, blankets and snacks.

Anytime fun

Can’t make it to any of the events but still want to have fun this weekend? There’s plenty to do on your own time in Bergen County, especially at any of the following venues:

  • Abma’s Farm, Wyckoff. This family-owned farm has a slate of events, or you can stop by any time during regular hours to visit the market and barnyard petting zoo (admission required).
  • AMC Garden State IMAX, Paramus. Watch cinematic classic Jaws like you’ve never seen it before—in a giant IMAX theater. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the shark-inspired tale during one of the Labor Day weekend IMAX screenings. Get your tickets online.
  • American Dream, East Rutherford. You and your crew can spend the entire weekend at the mega mall and entertainment center, and with attractions like Nickeloden Universe Theme Park, DreamWorks Water Park, Big Snow as well as mini golf, laser tag, and more, you’ll never want to leave.
  • Bergen County Zoo, Paramus. At the heart of Van Saun Park is the Bergen County Zoo, home to dozens of exciting animal species and the popular train and carousel rides. General admission tickets can be purchased online or in-person (rides are extra).
  • Bergen Pickleball Zone, Ramsey. This facility is one of several indoor courts in Bergen County catering to America’s fastest growing sport. (There are several outdoor courts as well.) The Ramsey center has six dedicated pickleball courts that are available for use for drop-in play, clinics and lessons.
  • Demarest Farms, Hillsdale. Find everything you need to get into the fall spirit at this farm: apple and pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, farm market and more!

What are your plans for Labor Day? Remember to tag us on Instagram @bergenmagnj in all your fun photos from the weekend!

Categories: Bergen Health & Life