The Top 10 Labor Day Events Nationwide in 2025
Labor Day is often seen as the unofficial end of summer, so many people are on the hunt for fun Labor Day events to enjoy one last hurrah. Luckily, there are plenty of events around the country to take part in. Labor Day was first celebrated in the late nineteenth century, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
During this time, labor activists wanted a federally recognized holiday to acknowledge the contributions American workers made towards the country’s prosperity and well-being. The first holiday was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September each year.
Labor Day is still celebrated around the country with parades and festivals that honor local and national workers and laborers. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most fun Labor Day events around the country.
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Top 10 Labor Day Events
So, where is the best place to go for Labor Day? Many enjoy weekend getaways in scenic locations like Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley and Yellowstone. However, major cities like Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington D.C. have large events and festivals to attend.
1. Kings Mountain Art Fair
Held over Labor Day weekend, the Kings Mountain Art Fair celebrates “fine art under the redwoods.” Small, independent artists set up booths where you can shop and support their work. Of course, you can also enjoy the beauty of nature, with hiking and biking trails. For those who love art and nature, the Kings Mountain Art Fair is the perfect event.
2. The Chicago Jazz Festival
Taking place over Labor Day weekend, the Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the best Labor Day events for music lovers. There is free admission to this multi-day event, which highlights some of the city’s local talent, plus national and international jazz artists. Walk around Millennium Park and enjoy concerts from jazz musicians and food from local vendors.
3. Camden Windjammer Festival
Spend the last weekend of summer on the water at the Camden Windjammer Festival. This Labor Day event celebrates Camden, Maine’s maritime heritage. It takes place over Labor Day weekend on Friday and Saturday. Watch the Windjammer fleet arrive, enjoy eating fresh lobster and chowder, fireworks, concerts and activities. Watch or take part in Lobster Crate Racer, chowder challenges and treasure hunts. It’s a great event to get away to.
4. Cinecon Film Festival in Los Angeles
Movie lovers will find this one of the best Labor Day events for adults. Cinecon is a film festival and film-collecting convention. It showcases classic films for guests to watch. Plus, the festival puts on special programs and hosts celebrity guests. If you love the idea of watching classic movies that aren’t always shown in public, this is the event for you.
5. Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Though the festival starts in mid-summer, it culminates over the holiday weekend, making it one of the most unique Labor Day events. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival features 1,100 sculptures and large lantern displays. Plus, there are live performances each night. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself and enjoy cultures.
6. North Carolina Apple Festival
Celebrate a weekend of local culture and apples at the North Carolina Apple Festival. Hendersonville holds one of the most unique Labor Day events that brings over 250,000 visitors. The festival features a parade and live music, and of course, apple-flavored treats like caramel apples and cider. Plus, the festival showcases fourteen Henderson County apple growers.
7. Fiesta de Santa Fe
Running over Labor Day Weekend, Fiesta de Santa Fe celebrates the city, culture and citizens of Santa Fe, New Mexico. There are a variety of events, including dancing, bands, concerts and an arts and crafts market. Plus, food booths sell a variety of Mexican and Hispanic-inspired dishes. There is so much to do during the multiple Labor Day events, you can spend the entire weekend exploring the fair.
8. Virginia Beach Labor Day Weekend Concerts
These free Labor Day events for adults take place over the whole holiday weekend. The concerts are located on Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, so you get a weekend full of music and a view. With three stages and a variety of musical acts, everyone will find a performance they’ll love. Enjoying music on the beach and good food is the perfect way to end the summer.
9. Millbrae Art & Wine Festival
Sip on wine and enjoy art all through Labor Day weekend. The festival takes place in Downtown Millbrae, California. Attendees will enjoy live music and good food as they walk along the street fair. Plus, you can sample local wines and purchase art from local artists. Admission to the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival is free and the festival is a great way to support local talent.
10. Pittsburgh Rib Festival
Get inspired by the classic backyard holiday party ideas and attend the Rib Fest in Pittsburgh. Taking place over the long holiday weekend, these Labor Day events are the ideal get-togethers for rib and barbecue aficionados, an especially meaty team building activity in Pittsburgh for BBQ-obsessed squads. Admission into the festival is free and features the best ribs from around the country, which you can sample. Plus, enjoy concerts and entertainment while you snack.
Labor Day Events for Families
Laser and Fireworks Shows at Stone Mountain Park
Kids are always enamored by laser and fireworks shows. Stone Mountain Park is located outside of Atlanta. It’s the perfect place to get outside and enjoy beautiful weather in the last days of summer. The park also puts on special Labor Day events, including a laser and fireworks show on the Memorial Lawn. It’s a great way to end a Labor Day outside.
DC Festival of Magic
Some of the best musicians in the world come together during this holiday weekend festival. If you’re looking for Labor Day events to take the kids to, the DC Festival of Magic is a fun experience. A full weekend of magic shows from a variety of performances will keep kids entertained for days. Jump in the car, play a few road trip games and head to the capital for a magical end of summer.
Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
The Colorado State Fair & Rodeo is sure to be one of the most fun Labor Day events for all ages. The fair includes rides, music and entertainment on multiple stages and a variety of competitions to compete in or watch. Plus, rodeo events and shows make this one of the most unique state fair options for Labor Day weekend.
Labor Day Events FAQs
What Do You Do To Celebrate Labor Day?
Since Labor Day is a federal holiday, which most people have off for the long weekend, there are plenty of celebration options. often similar to a. As with 4th of July parties, many people have their own celebrations with backyard barbecues and picnics in the park. Cities and towns may host parades for people to attend.
There may also be larger Labor Day events, like festivals, concerts and fireworks shows put on by cities or event companies. These can often be fun events for friends or families to enjoy together to celebrate the end of summer.
Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?
Not wearing white after Labor Day is an old and outdated piece of fashion advice that many people still cite and follow. The advice dates back to the 19th century. Wealthy New Yorkers would wear white to stay cool while they vacation on the coast, but not in the city, where the outfits would get dirty. Thus, wearing white became associated with the upper class. That’s why, traditionally, Labor Day events are seen as the last time you can wear white.
However, this is a fashion rule that has fallen out of favor over the decades. While it might be touted by the older generations, wearing white after Labor Day is no longer considered a strict fashion rule.
With plenty of Labor Day events happening around the country, everyone can enjoy a good time during the last weekend of the summer. Gather friends and family and enjoy a weekend for adults full of food and fun. From music festivals to wine festivals, if you’re looking to make memories to round out the summer, you have to attend one of these Labor Day events.
For even more fun ways to celebrate, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
