Find Labor Day Getaways and Special Events
Since 1884, the first Monday in September has been a holiday in the US, as a tribute to workers; Canada has the same (though spelled "Labour Day".) Many other countries have International Workers Day -- May Day-- instead, commemorating struggles for workers' rights.
To most people in North America, however, Labor Day is above all the last-blast of summer fun, and --for many kids-- the last day of freedom before Back to School. And even though many school districts now start classes in August, Labor Day long weekend is still a five-star farewell to summer time.
Below you'll find getaway packages and special events for Labor Day 2011, which falls on Monday Sept. 5th.
Labor Day 2011
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New York: Labor Day Parade
The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City, on September 5 1882, and there's still one in NYC today, with trade union members, high school bands, politicians, police and fire departments, and more. Location is usually in Manhattan, on 5th Ave. Note: the NYC Labor Day Parade is did not happen in 2010, as the date fell September 11th.
- West Indian American Day Carnival Parade (Brooklyn Carnival)
This extravaganza has Caribbean costumes, music, and food, spectators in the millions; it's a multi-day event with a parade on Labor Day.
- Labor Day Weekend Events in Boston
It's moving day for students (aka as the "Student Invasion"), so allow plenty of time to get to events such as a Schooner Festival or a free concert on Spectacle Island.
- Labor Day Concert in Washington DC:
This annual concert by the National Symphony Orchestra is performed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, and is free.
- Other Labor Day Events in DC
Kensington Labor Day Parade has a day of family entertainment, as does Greenbelt Labor Day Festival; Renaissance Festival, free Blues Festival, Kids Day at Nationals Park, and lots more.
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Detroit Labor Day Parade
Detroit, aka "Motor City" -- where the automobile unions were born-- has a major Labor Day Parade that's one of the biggest in Michigan. The free three-day Detroit Jazz Fest is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, too.
- Chicago
The annual Chicago Jazz Festival is a big event. Also on the agenda for Labor Day Weekend: daytime events in Millennium Park including an interactive play that will please young kids; African Festival of the Arts in Washington Park, including an African village, entertainment, and family fun; and more. See Explore Chicago. Many events are free.
- St.Louis
Ten top ways to celebrate summer's last weekend: a Japanese Festival at the Botanical Gardens, a Downtown Labout Day Parade, a Greek Festival, the Big Muddy Blues Festival, and more.
- Irvington, VA: Irvington Stomp
An event with a small-town feel, this "grape stomp" harvest festival celebrates wine-making in Irvington, VA, 1-½ hours east of Richmond; those close to Chesapeake Bay can arrive by boat. Grape Stomping Competitions, music, hayrides, corn maze, and more.
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Labor Day in the Southeastern US
Many weekend events and festivals in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, NC, SC, and Virginia. Also: ten fun resort hotels for Labor Day Weekend.
- Orlando: Tom Joyner Family Reunion at Disney World
This big bash at Walt Disney World happens on Labor Day Weekend, with special entertainment plus theme park fun. Find out more at Blackamericaweb.com. (Or try a search for "Joyner" at Disney World.)
- Labor Day Events in Texas
About's Guide for Texas highlights Westfest, Batfest, and more.
- Labor Day Weekend - Events in Greater LA
Street Fairs, Long Beach Greek Festival, "Fiesta Hermosa" arts and crafts festival with kiddie carnival, and more.
- Copper Country Festival, CO
Copper Mountain (a popular ski resort during winter months) has a big bash on Labor Day Weekend, with big-name bands, street party, and "Copper Corral" for kids with free pony rides, face painting, etc.
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Myrtle Beach, SC
This major tourist destination -- with a 60-mile stretch of beaches, and several amusement parks -- has an annual family-friendly Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival at Grand Park at The Market Common. To sample all the barbecue from competing teams, guests only need to purchase a reasonably-priced wristband; kids under 10 can sample free. See Festival details.
Labor Day Weekend Specials at Family Resorts
Many family resorts have special end-of-summer bashes on Labor Day Weekend; below are a few samples.
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Maine: Pointe Sebago Labor Day Weekend Package
This family resort on Lake Sebago in southern Maine has 775 acres and a Labor Day package that includes buffet meals (lobster, at one), boat cruise, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, daily supervised activities for all ages, entertainment, special rates for golf, special family and kids' activities.
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Labor Day Weekend Packages - Canada
It's Labor Day in Canada too (though spelled "Labour Day"): check out some weekend packages and resorts in scenic Jasper (Canadian Rockies), in Montreal, Halifax, and more.
- Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe
A "Family Bed & Breakfast Package" at this AAA four-diamond resort includes gourmet breakfast for up to two adults and two kids 12 and under. During Labor Day weekend, guests will find lots of activities: bocce ball, croquet, tie-dying a t-shirt, s'mores at outdoor fire pits, live music, poolside BBQ, dive-in movie... Plus usual activities on-property which include biking, guided hikes, golf, and fly-fishing.
*Always check that a site has updated for the current year!
--continue to Labor Day Weekend, p. 2
