Us? We’re going to spend Saturday afternoon in a waterfront paradise, all quaint architecture and rolling lawns, with live music, good beer and 25 of New York’s best chefs at our beck and call. Oh, and pigs. Did we mention the pigs?

It’s called Pig Island. And you want to go to there.

Governors Island has played host to a number of food-focused events over the summer, and it’s all been leading up to this. Actually, we think our whole lives have been leading up to this. Those chefs (from Hecho en Dumbo, John Brown Smokehouse, Casa Mono and Talde, to name a few) have been supplied with 80 locally, happily raised hogs with which to do whatever they can dream up—think maple bacon sticky buns, Filipino-style roasted lechon, pork terrines and good ol’ fashioned BBQ ribs. Sixpoint is providing the beer, and there’s even a vegetarian pavilion you’d be proud to bring a vegetarian to—if they can get past the roasting pigs without caving, that is.

Most importantly, it’s run by people who know what they’re doing, who have a mission and a worthy cause to support. The day, organized by Food Karma Projects (of Cook Out NYC and Good Beer Month fame) will highlight sustainable New York State products, and proceeds from the all-inclusive tickets will go to help strengthen local food systems. This is no Great Googa Mooga, people. If their past events are any indication, all of the stations will actually have enough food for the people who show up, and there’ll be no Woodstock ’94-style riots over the last bottle of water.

And if you just can’t get enough outdoor eatin’-and-drinkin’ action, come back and do it all over again on Sunday, when Food Karma hosts the summer’s second 5 Boro PicNYC, with more music, more Sixpoint, and a completely different lineup of vendors working without the single-animal restriction. Hell, we’re so excited we’ll probably just camp out under a picnic table overnight so as not to miss a minute of the fun. If you see us, just ignore the grass stains, OK?

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

The end of the summer’s nearly upon us New Yorkers, and you don’t want to be caught at home on the couch, or futon, or…seat cushion on the floor. Don’t forget the City’s beaches close after Labor Day, so you might just want to take this time off from the rat race to relax and soak up a little Labor Day weekend sunshine. If you’re looking for a little more action though, check out a couple of these exciting Labor Day festivities going down around New York City:

-Labor Day 5k and 10k On Roosevelt Island

If you want to get moving this Labor Day, in a different kind of race, NYCRUNS will be hosting a 5k and 10k race on Roosevelt Island, complete with post-race breakfast. The action begins Monday morning at 10 a.m, and pre-registration is available on the NYCRUNS website.

-Unicycle Festival on Governor’s Island

Yes, you heard that right. Unicyclists will unite this Labor Day weekend on Governor’s Island to show of their wheel(s). All sorts of spectacles guaranteed to transpire. Helmets are strongly encouraged.

-Electric Zoo Festival

The Electric Zoo music festival is happening all Labor Day weekend in Randall’s Island Park. Featured acts include David Guetta, Benny Benassi, Skrillex, Knife Party, the Bloody Beetroots and tons more. Electric Zoo is an all-ages electronica festival, guaranteed to get you dancing so hard you’ll need Monday just to recuperate.

-Wasabassco Burlesque

On Friday, The Bell House in Brooklyn is celebrating Labor Day with “Take This Job & Shove It,” which includes “work-related burlesque and go-go.” Admission is $12, but the show is free if you dress all in white. There will be pickleback drink specials and burgers on the grill. We’re thinking this sounds too good to pass up!

-Improv Show Ft. 30 Rock Comedians 

Scott Adsit and John Lutz, of 30 Rock fame, are going to combine their improv chops for the first time ever this coming Labor Day. It’s going down at the Upright Citizens Brigade  comedy club in Chelsea. Head over to the UCB to get your laugh on before/after checking out…

-Food & Drink Specials All Around Town 

NY Mag has provided an extensive list of food and drink specials around the City, including everything from Oyster eating competitions to deep fried Oreos. They’re even making it easy and giving you a map, in case you’re stumbling around in a food coma come Labor Day weekend.  Check it out here.

Summer’s wrapping up, so don’t miss this exciting action! Let’s face it, New Yorkers, we could all use it.

—Compiled by Alissa Fleck