Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer. For many of us, the holiday weekend marks our final carefree beach day, backyard BBQ, and the impending fall season. Labor Day was established to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of American workers. One group of workers who have deservedly been in the spotlight over the past few years are nurses and allied health professionals. After struggling through the pandemic, they’ve contended with workforce shortages.
This weekend (if you’re off) is an excellent opportunity to relax with friends and family or hit the road for some three-day weekend fun. From concerts to ball games, festivals, and fireworks, check out these fun events and activities in a city near you.
New York
Electric Zoo Festival, the Labor Day Parade, the U.S. Open, Hester Street Fair, Roller Boogie at Rockefeller Center, Coney Island fireworks, what is there not to do in New York City Labor Day weekend? Hit one of the many events or enjoy the sites of the five boroughs.
Chicago
North Coast Music Festival, ARC Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Ravinia Festival, if music is your drug, head to Chicago this Labor Day weekend. Visitors can also bike Lake Shore Drive, check out West Loop Art Fest, and enjoy the last weekend of fireworks at Navy Pier.
Cincinnati
Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks − Join hundreds of thousands of spectators on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati at one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country. Riverfest kicks things off with music, food, entertainment, and more at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove. Then, the sky lights up with the Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks.
Atlanta
Like New York, Atlanta is brimming with an assortment of events and activities on Labor Day Weekend. Dragon Con brings sci-fi fun with workshops, autograph sessions, a parade, and other events. The Aflac Kickoff Game pits Georgia Tech against Louisville at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Explore the marketplace, watch a parade, or hit one of the parties for Atlanta Black Pride. Join thousands at Stone Mountain Park for a laser show spectacular.
Miami
The party never stops in the Magic City, and Labor Day Weekend is no exception. Groove to the sounds of Galanntis at LIV at the Fontainebleau, watch the Miami Hurricanes take on Miami of Ohio at Hard Rock Stadium, or see Guatemala and Honduras battle it out at DRV Pink Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Of course, you can always just hit Miami Beach or the Keys.
Colorado Springs
Labor Day Lift Off – Take part in the largest hot air balloon festival in Colorado at the Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs. Watch an army of balloons take flight on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday mornings at 7 a.m. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, skydiving demonstrations, and more.
Seattle
The Bremerton Blackberry Festival − Imagine 25,000 people walking the Bremerton boardwalk along the Sinclair Inlet celebrating “all things” blackberry. That’s the Bremerton Blackberry Festival, just a quick 1-hour drive or a short ferry ride across the bay from Seattle. The 32nd annual festival features 80 vendors, 15 blackberry-themed foods, live music and entertainment, a beer garden, and more. Performers include Hair Nation, Kim, and Brian, the 2023 WA Blues Society’s “Best New Act,” and Two Story Zori. Enjoy the city’s longest-running festival, which raises money for the Bremerton.
Los Angeles
It’s a long shot, but you may still be able to get tickets to Queen B performing at SoFi Stadium Labor Day Weekend. View over 200 paintings, drawings, and other artifacts of Jean-Michael Basquiat at Grand in downtown LA. Catch a movie with a lake view from your own boat at Boat Cinema, or watch the LA Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.
Whether you’re ready to take in some tunes at a music festival, cheer on the home team at a tailgate, rent a pool for a little fun and sun, or go glamping in the great outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities for a good time. Happy Labor Day!
