September 19, 2024 | Jack Hawkins

The Best Ways To Celebrate Labor Day In The U.S.


Fun For The Whole Family

Americans gear up for Labor Day every year, seeing in the festive day with a family barbecue, fireworks, or perhaps partaking in one of the many Labor Day activities held in their locality: whether that's a fireworks display or a parade, or both! Labor Day promises fun for the whole family and a well-deserved day off.

Rss Thumb Reupload - Labor Day Celebrations

Alabama's Gulf State Park

If the outdoors are your thing and you live in Alabama, visiting Gulf State Park is a must! There are 900 acres of fishing lakes, many miles of hiking and biking trails, opportunities for kayaking, and a tennis court. There's also an interpretive nature center, for those who love learning more about the natural world.

Aerial view of the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama at sunriseGeorge Dodd III,Shutterstock

Alaska's Denali National Park

Denali in September is the place to be, and if you love autumnal mountain views, Denali National Park has them on-tap. While providing a rugged hiking terrain, an overnight camp may see you enjoy a Northern Lights show, which are still plentiful despite the time of year. Denali's Backcountry Lodge or Skyline Lodge are the perfect rustic accommodations to start your Alaskan Labor Day adventures from.

Climbing Green Dome. Denali National Park, AlaskaPaxson Woelber, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy The Los Angeles Labor Day Parade

Los Angeles Labor Day Parade is the perfect place to be in L.A. The vibes are pretty incredible—fantastically colorful floats, community group activities, marching bands, and food trucks provide a family-friendly atmosphere that's unmatched almost anywhere else in California on Labor Day.

Los Angeles Unified School District - All District High School Honor BandPrayitno, CC BY 2.0 Wikimedia Commons

Relax At Hot Springs National Park In Arkansas

Chill out this Labor Day in the hometown of former President, Bill Clinton—that's Hot Springs, Arkansas. If you've got kids, they'll love that it has a water park centered around the hot springs, filled with all things enjoyable and aquatic. Take your time off seriously at Hot Springs National Park this long weekend.

Display Springs - Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, USA 2007James St. John, Flickr

Live Music Aplenty In Denver

"She'd trade Colorado if he'd take her with him..." Not if she lived in Denver this Labor Day weekend, she wouldn't. See live acts like Dierks Bentley, Gregory Alan Isakov, and REZZ play on-stage at Red Rocks this Labor Day weekend. Or, if an acoustic vibe is your thing, then Hozier is playing at Fiddler's Green. Want fantastic live music this Labor Day weekend? Go to Denver.

Red Rocks concert at DenverOzskier, CC-BY-SA-3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Woodstock, Connecticut's Agricultural Fair

If the farm is your thing, join head over to Connecticut's largest agricultural fair at Woodstock, featuring horse-and-buggy-rides, stage shows, kid's contests, Midway rides, and more. Get out with the family on the farm at Woodstock's Agricultural Fair from August 30 to September 2.

Taken at Montgomery County Agricultural fair !dpbirds, Flickr

Relax At Beautiful Bethany Beach

If you're looking to head for the beach this Labor Day weekend, then choose Delaware's Bethany Beach. Live entertainment is available at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, along with Labor Day sales and specials from the various gift shops and restaurants along the way. Enjoy a relaxing stroll with the family along the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, or simply head straight for the beach and pull up a chair.

The  Sea Chanters perform at the Bethany Beach Bandstand in Bethany Beach, Del.Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Picryl

Feeling Sleepy In Florida?

Floridians will argue in the comments about where the best place to relax is on Labor Day weekend. We'll say it's the sleepy, serene, Sanibel Island. Dreamy white sand beach, crystalline blue water—if beach relaxation is your thing in Florida this Labor Day, then Sanibel Island's 40 miles of beach should be your destination.

A picturesque beach scene with calm waters of Sanibel Island and fluffy white clouds.LittoralLine, Shutterstock

North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains

Do you think that this is where John Denver spent his Labor Day weekends? Even if the great man didn't, you certainly should! Explore the Chattahoochee National Forest's 300+ miles of hiking trails, or if you love to fish, there's 100 miles of trout streams to explore in the 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest. 

Fall Color In The Chattahoochee National Forest - 2012ChattOconeeNF, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Go Snorkeling In Maui

The usually-scorching temperatures on the island of Maui drop to a pleasant 80℉ in September, but the water remains wonderfully warm. It's the perfect opportunity for a Hawaiian Labor Day snorkel. If you're planning a trip to Hawaii for the first time, this is simply a must-see and must-do.

Man in snorkeling mask with camera dive underwaterDenis Moskvinov, Shutterstock

BASE Jumping At Twin Falls

The city of Twin Falls, Idaho has made sure that BASE jumping is legal off it's Perrine Bridge over Snake River Canyon. If you're a thrill-seeker anywhere near Twin Falls, head to Perrine Bridge for an unforgettable Labor Day BASE jump.

Base Jumping - Perrine Bridge 2008Chris McNaught, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pumpkin Patches In Arthur, Illinois 

While pumpkin patches are a dime-a-dozen as we approach spooky season, this one at 200 Acres Farm (guess how big the farm is) is perfect for the whole family. You can select your perfect pumpkin or squash from their vast selection, take part in the corn maze, or have a visit with the animals at 200 Acres. 

Pumpkin patch ready for fall season.WhiteBlush, Shutterstock

The Need For Speed In Indianapolis

If Indy Racing is your sport, why not take the opportunity to head for Indianapolis, Indiana (when the hotel prices are lower than other times of the year) and pay a visit to the Indianapolis Speedway Museum?

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum - 2017Jeffrey Hayes, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Experience History At The Renaissance Faire

For those looking to dive into some history this Labor Day weekend in Iowa, the capital city Des Moines is hosting it's annual Renaissance Faire—with Celtic music, dancing, and cultural activities including a Highland Games. While dressing up like you're from the Renaissance isn't required, it is more than welcome.

Des Moines Renaissance Faire - 2009Andy Langager, Flickr

Love Baseball? Get Tickets For The KC Royals

What better way to celebrate Labor Day than cheering on the Kansas City Royals? Baseball lovers in Kansas City this weekend are treated to a Labor Day kick-off of a three-game series for the KC Royals against the Cleveland Guardians.

Kansas City Royals - 2011Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Feelin' Thrifty? Visit Louisville This Labor Day Weekend

If you've been given the gift of thrift, visit Louisville, Kentucky this Labor Day weekend and attend the Kentucky Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular—a farmer's market to rival all others. If you've been searching for a deal, or perhaps are just browsing, there's no better way to save money and still get what you want in the US this weekend than at the Kentucky Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular.

USA Flea MarketInSapphoWeTrust, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Driving On An Empty Stomach? Hit The Cajun Seafood Trail

If you should find yourself driving through Cajun Country in Louisiana this weekend, drive the Cajun Bayou and discover the last remnants of seafood bliss as summer ends. With 18 stops to make, you better hit the road early and skip out on desserts as you make your way through this gauntlet of deliciousness. The Cajun Seafood Trail is the ultimate weekend food experience in Louisiana.Bayou Boudin & Cracklin Cafehedrives, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Take A Road Trip To Portland, Maine

Whether you're driving across the Canadian border or coming in from another part of the state, a drive to beautiful Portland, ME, is the perfect way to spend Labor Day in the North East. Take a trolley tour, enjoy live music, or go on a boat cruise along the coast. Portland has plenty to offer this Labor Day weekend. 

Portland Mainely Tour bus in Old Port district of Portland, Maine, ME, USA.Wangkun Jia, Shutterstock

Explore Havre-De-Grace, Maryland

Havre-de-Grace in Maryland is a charming community of around 15,000, and it's just perfect for visiting this time of year. Not too hot, not too cold—just right. Home to the Havre-de-Grace Maritime Museum and a Saturday morning farmer's market, HDG is the perfect Labor Day mid-Atlantic escape.

The Havre de Grace Visitors Center building in the business district area of the town. - 2022George Sheldon, Shutterstock

Have A Whale Of A Time In Boston, Massachusetts 

You'll have to excuse the pun, but September long weekend is one of the best times to go whale-watching with Boston Harbor City Cruises. Rather than bouncing around in a Zodiac boat, these city cruises offer a catamaran-style vessel cruise. Other boat cruises include a historical sight-seeing tour, a sunset cruise, or a speedboat ride. 

Flo Water Taxi In Boston HarborFletcher6, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Feel Groovy In Detroit, Michigan

Detroit's Jazz Festival takes place over the Labor Day long weekend and features talented local and national jazz musicians. Taking place at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit, there's no better place to be if you love feelin' groovy on Labor Day.

Detroit Jazz Fest 2005Knight Foundation, Flickr

Bring The Kayaks To Minnesota

If you love participating in watersports like kayaking or canoeing over a Labor Day weekend, head for Minnesota's stunning Voyageurs National Park. Harbor the spirit of those who came before you as voyageurs canoeing along the waterways of four major lakes and 26 minor lakes in the park itself. Or, take your adventure on solid ground with over 27 miles of hiking trails.

Birch bark canoes full of  people at Voyageurs National ParkNational Park Service Digital Image Archives, Wikimedia Commons

Ocean Springs Eternal On Mississippi's Gulf Coast

Pay a visit to Ocean Springs on Mississippi's Gulf Coast if you love artwork. While you're there, check out Shearwater Pottery or the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.

Walter Anderson Museum Of ArtGeorgianotthestate, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Join A Tradition At Lake Of The Ozarks

Join in the long-established tradition of fireworks over the Lake of the Ozarks. The lake itself offers 1,100 miles of shoreline to enjoy, so bring your boat, kayak or canoe and paddle in the lake, or pull up the car and hike in. You can hang out at the beach, or take a break from the crowds and go horseback riding before the fireworks display.

Relaxing on a dock at Lake of the OzarksDennis Hedberg, Shutterstock

Take A Scenic Drive In Montana

Drive the Beartooth Highway or pay a visit to Glacier National Park and their Going-To-The-Sun Road, a 49-mile drive that you can take your time with. Montana is beautiful any time of year, but as the leaf colors turn from green to oranges, yellows, and reds, you'll find yourself in a fall paradise.

Dusty Star, Glacier National ParkDave Sizer, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Take The Kids To The Lancaster Fair In Lancaster

The Lancaster Fair is a legendary attraction that comes to Lancaster, New Hampshire annually, featuring live music, big rig truck pulls, animal demonstrations, and Midway rides. It's not to be missed if you have younger children—even protesting teenagers will likely enjoy themselves.

The Pet Parade included dogs and other pets at the annual community street fair in a small community in Lancaster County, PA. - 2021George Sheldon, Shutterstock

Head For Air Fest In Cape May

The airshow at Cape May, New Jersey, is another annual tradition that makes Labor Day in New Jersey special. Air Fest features 26 historic aircraft including fighter jets like the F-14 Tomcat, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and other USAF aircraft of the past. There's also a history lesson on Naval Air Station Wildwood and a look inside Historic Hangar #1. If you love planes, then Air Fest is the place to spend your Labor Day weekend in New Jersey.

F-15C Eagle At The Cape Cod Air Show And Open House In 2007Kevin Rutherford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ride A Hot Air Balloon In Taos Ski Valley

The Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is the perfect escape for the lingering late summer heat. Get up high in a hot air balloon ride, going up to 10 mph at altitudes between 500 and 4,000ft! You'll have an amazing view of the Taos Ski Valley and the surrounding areas, as well as an unforgettable Labor Day experience.

A hot air balloon flying in the MountainsPBarn424, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Go On A Labor Day Weekend Cruise In New York City  

While NYC is generally a busy hub at any time of year, you can escape the throngs of Labor Day crowds by taking a river cruise complete with fine dining, live music, and an amazing view of the New York City skyline. If you're the romantic type, it's the perfect cap off for Labor Day. You can also experience the fireworks display that ends the weekend in style.

Ship of Disney Cruise Line, sails past the Statue of Liberty - 2012Inside the Magic, Flickr

Take A Quiet Retreat To The Outer Banks

North Carolinians love the Outer Banks for it's miles of undeveloped, tranquil beaches. The Outer Banks are the perfect place to escape to for Labor Day weekend. Explore the history of the country at the first English colony at Roanoke, see where the Wright Brothers took flight at Kittyhawk, or explore the beauty and architectural wonder that is Cape Hatteras.

Cape Hatteras Light house Outer Banks Buxton North CarolinaWatts, Flickr

Take A Trip Back Through Time In Medora, North Dakota

North Dakota's Medora is like stepping back into the Wild West. There are stagecoach rides offered downtown and an open-air amphitheater, playing the famous Medora Musical. If you want to take a day-trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora is a great place to stay while you explore the rugged landscape of the area.

Sunrise over the terrain at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.National Park Service, Flickr

Take In The Western-Southern River Fest In Cincinnati

The Western-Southern River Fest in Cincinnati, Ohio is not to be missed on Labor Day weekend. There's live music and food at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove. There's also a synchronized fireworks display on both sides of the Ohio River at the end of the night—not to be missed!

Fireworks go off over the Ohio River - 2009sdilullo, Flickr

Take The Family For A Water Adventure In Tulsa

If your family loves water parks, there's no better way to spend the last weekend before school starts than at Safari Joe's H20 Water & Adventure Park. Complete with a lazy river, splash pads, slides, and more, there's fun for the whole family at Tulsa's best water-themed fun park.

Sesame Place: The Count's Splash CastleWally Gobetz, Flickr

Go Tubing Down The Deschutes River In Bend, Oregon

There's perhaps no better way to relax in Bend, Oregon than to hop on an inflated tube and float down the Deschutes River than runs straight through town. For those who don't like the thought of floating downriver, Bend offers fantastic mountain bike trails and hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

tubing on the Deschutes river through Bend, Oregon on a bright summer day - 2019JudeAnd, Shutterstock

Experience Stroudfest In Poconos, Pennsylvania

There's a full Labor Day weekend of activities lined up for Stroudfest in Poconos, Pennsylvania. The Poconos region encompasses 2,400 miles of land with numerous small (and large) towns to explore. The town of Stroudsberg, Pennsylvania clears out its main street for the Saturday morning festivities of Stroudfest that include live music, retail, craft and food vendors, and easy access to the Monroe Farmer's Market. Immerse yourself in 'peak' Poconos this Labor Day weekend at Stroudfest.

Music and Arts Festival at Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue - 2014Elvert Barnes, Flickr

See Boat Racing In Newport, Rhode Island

If you love boat racing, then Newport, Rhode Island, is the place to be for Labor Day. There'll be three races over the weekend, including the Classic Yacht Regatta and the Race-Around-The-Island taking place off Conanicut Island, a tradition since 1927. You can either view the races from land or aboard a Coastal Queen Cruise from Jamestown or Newport.

America's Cup World Series, Newport - 2012plien, Flickr

Take In Not One, But Two Fireworks Displays In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

Fireworks displays are common in Myrtle Beach for year-round residents, but visitors on Labor Day can enjoy two displays—the first one on Saturday, August 31 at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Complete with food for much of the day beforehand, you can spend all weekend at Myrtle Beach and be treated to a spectacular finale.

Myrtle Beach Fireworks - 2011Dan J, Flickr

Take A City Tour Through Sioux Falls, South Dakota

City tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota are plentiful this Labor Day weekend and can be adapted to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a geological tour like the Rock and Roll Through Sioux Falls, exploring the geological history of the area, or a self-guided Scavenger Hunt Tour—perfect for those with young and curious kids—there's a tour you're guaranteed to love.

Falls Of The Big Sioux Riverw_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy A Family-Friendly Weekend At Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 

Have a family-friendly day at Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. Check out the Hollywood Wax Museum, where some of your favorite Hollywood stars are forever immortalized in wax. Then, take a trip to Dollywood—Dolly Parton's own theme park. There's food and live music in Pigeon Forge as well, giving you a fun-filled family experience this Labor Day.

Smoky Mountain River Rampage - Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TennesseeInferno Insane, Flickr

Have A Spooky Adventure In Austin, Texas

While 'spooky season' isn't quite here yet, Austin's Murder Walk is an infamous evening walking tour that takes you back to when America's first serial killer stalked the streets of Austin. This guided tour, lasting about two hours, takes true crime fans through the murder scenes, as well as other historic Austin sites.

AUSTIN, TEXAS/USA - MARCH 2010: Long exposure shot of 6th street at night.PiercarloAbate, Shutterstock

Enjoy A Scenic Lift Ride & Barbecue At Sundance Mountain Resort

A Labor Day barbecue is an American tradition—and there's no better place to observe this tradition than at Sundance Mountain Resort in Sundance, Utah. There's a broad menu of delights, from smoked baby back ribs to honey chipotle chicken. Enjoy your barbecue meal while taking a ski lift up Sundance Mountain.

Baby Back Ribs, Dry Rub & Pit SmokedKurman Communications LL, Flickr

Relax With A Round Of Golf At Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont offers an annual charity golf tournament to celebrate Labor Day. Dust off those clubs and take a swing at this fun charity event. Bring a few friends and donate to the Stratton Foundation, a local children's charity in southern Vermont.

A Group of People Playing GolfCasablanca Stock, Pexels

Get In Touch With Your Roots At The Scottish Games In The Plains, Virginia

If you have Scottish roots, take the time this Labor Day weekend to get in touch with them and enjoy the entertainment of the 50th annual Scottish Games that take place in The Plains, Virginia. Enjoy bagpipes, Scottish food, caber tossing and a brand-new gin tasting tent.

Caber Toss at Virginia Scottish FestivalSteve, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Take In The Evergreen State Fair In Seattle, Washington

The Evergreen State Fair is a tradition in Seattle that began in 1949. It runs from August 22 to September 2 and promises fantastic live music, great food, shopping opportunities from local vendors, and of course, the fair itself. The fair is home to dozens of rides suitable for all ages, contests, and competitive exhibits. The Evergreen State Fair is one of the most incredible Labor Day experiences in the west.

Evergreen State Fair - 2006Mark, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Three Festivals, One Weekend In Jane Lew, West Virginia

West Virginians in Jane Lew really go all-out for Labor Day weekend, with three festivals over a three-day period. It all kicks off with the 45th Annual Italian Heritage Festival, where a celebration of all things Italian is the order of the day. That's followed by the 44th Annual Jane Lew Fireman's Arts and Crafts Festival and the Jackson's Mill Jubilee, a celebration of Stonewall Jackson featuring the historic part of the mill being open to the public.

Participants in the 155th annual Italian Heritage Parade - 2023Sheila Fitzgerald, Shutterstock

Take In A Free IndyCar Race In Milwaukee, Wisconsin

For the first time since 2015, IndyCar racing has returned to the Wisconsin State Fair this weekend, with a free fan zone featuring autographs, live music, and great food. While tickets are free, the gates only open at 1:30 pm on August 30 and 10 am on August 31 and September 1.

Milwaukee Mile 2019 Vintage Tom Bigelow 1981 IndycarRoyalbroil, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Explore The Frontier At The American Frontier Music & Arts Festival In Afton, Wyoming

Explore America's ranching culture and the history of the frontier at the American Frontier Music and Arts Festival in Afton, Wyoming. This celebration of Western heritage takes place at the Kodiak Mountain Resort annually and is one of the most vibrant and interesting places to spend Labor Day in Wyoming.

Scene From The Parade In Downtown Cheyenne WyomingLibrary of Congress, Picryl

Where are you headed this Labor Day Weekend? Were any of these festivals on your list? Let us know in the comments!


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