September 2, 2026

Labor Day is next week and now is a great time to make plans to show your union pride by marching in a Labor Day parade or taking part in events celebrating labor and unions.

Parades, marches, union cookouts and other celebrations are scheduled across the state on Monday, Sept. 7. The Upper Hudson and Dutchess Central Labor Council’s Labor Day rally and barbecue are set for Sept. 5.

The annual New York City Labor Day parade isn’t being held this year; instead, the New York City Central Labor Council is holding a Sept. 8 rally and march to honor workers who responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and helped the city recover and rebuild.

“Labor Day is a day to celebrate workers and to spotlight the organized labor movement,” said UUP President Fred Kowal. “It is a chance for us, as workers and union members, to show our collective strength and let the powers that be—especially in the nation’s capital—know that labor is united and strong.”

Here's a list of union-sponsored Labor Day events happening across the state:

SEPT. 5

Poughkeepsie:Upper Hudson and Dutchess CLC Labor Day Rally and Barbecue,10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Waryas Park Promenade, Poughkeepsie. Please arrive at 10 a.m. to get your food ticket. Rally starts at 10:30 a.m.

Click HERE for more information.

SEPT. 7

Albany: The Michael L. Burns Labor Day Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Joe Bruno Stadium, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy.

The event is free and open to union members, retirees and their families. Co-sponsored by the Capital District Area Labor Federation, the Greater Capital Region Building and Construction Trades and the Labor Parade Committee.

Click HERE for more information.

Buffalo: Buffalo Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade and Cookout. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day starts with a 9 a.m. mass at St. Martin of Tours Church on Abbot Road. Parade line-up starts at 10 a.m. along Dorrance Avenue; the parade starts at 11 a.m. The procession, the same route as last year, ends at Cazenovia Park, where a picnic will be held at noon.

Parade participants must register to march. Click HERE to register. Click HERE for more information.

Massena: 46th Annual Labor Day Solidarity Day Parade, 11 a.m.

Line up for the parade around 10:15 a.m. The parade will start near Center and Willow streets (near Coach’s Corner) and will end at Springs Park. A post-parade picnic will be held at the park.

Click HERE and HERE for more information.

Rochester: Rochester Labor Day parade, 11 a.m., Rochester

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of East Avenue and Alexander Street. It will head west on Main Street and end at the intersection of Main and St. Paul streets. Lineup at 10 a.m. on Meigs Street between Park and East avenues.

A free Rochester Labor Council celebration picnic will be held after the parade at ESL Ballpark, 1 Morrie Silver Way. Includes a free ticket to the ballgame.

Click HERE and HERE for more information.

Syracuse: New York State Fair Labor Day Parade & Rally, 10:30 a.m. New York State Fair, Syracuse.

The parade starts at the Exposition Center and loops around the building. Line up for the parade starting at 10 a.m.; meet at the back of the center. A rally will follow the parade. Sponsored by the Greater Syracuse Labor Council.

Click HERE and HERE for more information.

Youngstown: Youngstown Labor Day Parade, Noon. Fort Niagara State Park, 1 Scott Ave., Youngstown.

Line up for the parade starting at 10:45 a.m. The parade starts at noon. Sponsored by the Niagara Orleans Central Labor Council.

Click HERE for more information.

SEPT. 8

New York City: 2026 New York City Labor Day Rally & March, 4:30 p.m. Liberty Street between Church Street and Broadway.

The event, sponsored by the New York City Labor Council, will mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and honor the workers who responded to the scene and helped the city recover and rebuild. The event’s theme is “Our City, Our Fight, Our Future.”

Click HERE for more information.

SEPT. 12

New York City: Labor Mass and Banner Procession, 10:30 a.m. Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 135 W. 31st St.

The annual Labor Mass and Banner Procession will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hosted by the New York City Central Labor Council.

Click HERE for more information.