Enjoy Summer’s Last Hurrah

Make the most of Labor Day weekend with family-friendly festivals, activities and events happening across Bergen County.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Summers Last Hurrah

There’s something special about Labor Day weekend: It’s the unofficial close of summer, a last chance to savor those long, sunny days before school, schedules and fall routines take over. But in Bergen County, summer isn’t going quietly!

Whether you’re looking for one more adventure with the kids, a chance to soak up the season or simply something fun to do together, you’ll find plenty of ways to make summer’s last hurrah count right here in our county.

So grab the sunscreen, round up the family and make the most of the holiday. Here are some of the best family-friendly happenings for the long weekend.

Sept. 4

  • Head over to 20th Century Field in Garfield for the city’s annual fireworks display and end-of-summer bash. From 5 to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, music and more. Fireworks are expected to begin around dusk; the sunset is approximately 7:22 p.m.
  • Relive the tale of Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in 2023, during a screening of Wild Inside at Fort Lee’s Barrymore Film Center. The 7:30 p.m. movie will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Penny Lane, who will discuss the owl that captured hearts all over the world.

Sept. 4–7

  • The 111th annual St. Joseph Feast of Lodi is an Italian celebration with music, entertainment, activities for all ages, rides, festival food and plenty more for the entire family. Stop by St. Joseph Church on Spring Street for the fun. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Sept. 5

  • Become one with nature during a Community Trail Walk at the Demarest Nature Center. The free one-hour program begins at 10 a.m. and will take guests through the 55-acre preserve. A guide will point out birds and wildlife, explain local flora and fauna and lead the stroll for all ages and fitness levels.
  • The flavor of fall is back at Tenafly Nature Center, which is hosting apple cider making classes this season. Registered guests will learn the history of apple picking and cider making before they experience how to make fresh cider. Attendees are welcome to bring their own apples. Sessions will take place at 11 a.m. as well as 1:30 and 3 p.m.
  • Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the annual Ho-Ho-Kus Day festival. Stop into downtown Ho-Ho-Kus to enjoy gourmet food trucks, rides, games, face painting, a balloon artist, petting zoo and more. The fun takes place from noon to 6 p.m., and be sure to check out the Ducky Derby on Warren Avenue at 2 p.m.

Sept. 6

  • Start the morning with a good run (or walk) at the Dom Mircovich Memorial 5K and 45th Annual & Jim O’Halloran Kids Fun Run in Closter. Registration and bib pickup starts at 8 a.m., which is followed by the fun run at 9 and the 5K at 9:30. The event begins at Memorial Park. Register now online.
  • Soak up culture at the 14th annual Filipino American Festival at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park. Starting at noon, visitors can watch festive dances and performances, browse vendors and try delicious food.
  • Dog lovers of all ages will appreciate the talent displayed during Puppy Pals Live, which is coming to the Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream in East Rutherford. The family-friendly show features adopted and rescued dogs performing tricks and safe stunts, as seen on America’s Got Talent. Tickets to the 2 p.m. show can be purchased online.
  • History comes alive during the 250th Walking Tour at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Join the Bergen County Historical Society from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to tour one of the most important Revolutionary War sites in New Jersey. Tickets are available online.
  • Enjoy the big band sounds of the Westwood Community Band, which performs its final concert of the summer at the Veterans Park bandstand. Swing by at 5 p.m. to watch and listen to the musicians give their free performance.

Want to keep up with all the best Bergen happenings? Make sure you follow up on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

 

Categories: Bergen Health & Life