Events

Labor Day Weekend marks the end of summer BBQs and pool parties. Don’t despair; there is still time to enjoy the last of the summer festivals and events before you have to don the jeans and sweatshirts.

Here is a State-by-state listing of things to do this Labor Day Weekend.

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Alabama

At the Annual Labor Day, Celebration, and Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest, Visitors can enter the state’s largest Moon Pie-eating contest and enjoy crafts and food. Located at Tannehill Iron Works Historical State Park, McCalla, The events start at 10:30 am and are FREE to attend.

Alaska

Nestled in the heart of the Chugach Mountains, in the fertile Matanuska-Susitna Valley, the Fairgrounds are just an hour north of Anchorage. Over Labor Day weekend, the Fair provides a setting for Alaska’s last blast of summer, a showcase of Alaska’s uniqueness and beauty.

Arizona

All-Indian rodeo, custom car show, volleyball tournament, strong man & women competition, baseball tournament, co-ed softball tournament, basketball tournaments, horseshoe tournament, bull riding challenge, royalty pageants, parade, All Indian Women’s Rodeo, food vendors. http://www.wmatfair.com/

Arkansas

The National Championship Chuckwagon Races are held Friday through Sunday every Labor Day Weekend at the Of Ranch in Clinton, Arkansas. An estimated one hundred fifty teams compete in five different divisions for the title of National Champion.

California

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival – Millbrae, CA – Sep 1 to Sep 2, 2018
Celebrate the last blast of summer with sun-splashed, Mardi Gras-style fun in the Bay Area.

LA County Fair – Pomona, CA – Aug 31 to Sep 23, 2018
93rd anniversary. Carnival rides, horse racing, live music, traveling circus, and more. Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace. Competitions including BBQ contest, photo contest, and landscaping competition.

Colorado

New to Denver and need a crash course in all of the best food, music, and culture that the city has to offer?  Then check out one of the best Labor Day festivals Denver has and get a VIP ticket to A Taste of Colorado.

Connecticut

Celebrating its 156th year, Woodstock Fair, the state’s second-oldest agricultural fair, has tasty food, livestock shows, a petting zoo, free stage shows, a midway, go-kart races, strolling entertainers, plenty of vegetables and flowers, and much more.

District of Columbia

TripSavvy.com gives a list of 10 significant Labor Day events. You’re sure to find one that fits your interests.

Florida

The NKF Annual Pro-Am Surf Festival is the LARGEST surfing charity competition in the world. ALL proceeds go to the NKF of Florida to support programs in patient services, research, public & professional education & organ donation. The festival also strives to increase awareness of kidney disease w/ an emphasis on prevention & support for organ donation.

Georgia

Labor Day Celebration You deserve a break today! Come on out to Ft McAllister State Park for a relaxing and entertaining day for the whole family. Civil War soldiers will be firing rifles and cannons throughout the day… Find Out More

Hawaii

36th Annual Okinawan Festival, The Hawaii United Okinawa Association, presents the largest ethnic festival in Hawaii. The two-day festival celebrates Okinawan culture with food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and cultural activities. The 2018 Okinawan Festival will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center. Learn about Okinawan and Japanese culture at the Cultural Tent.

Idaho

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic– This family festival features as many as 50 hot air balloons lifting off from Ann Morrison Park each of the four mornings. 2012 marks the start of the Balloon Classic’s third decade of flight from Ann Morrison Park. This year, we’ll be celebrating nearly 5,000 exciting balloon flights from the venue that is truly one of Boise’s most spectacular locations.

Illinois

Chicago Jazz festival Labor Day weekend brings a great tradition of America’s truly original music form, jazz. Location: Grant and Millennium parks. Free.

Check out these additional Chicago Labor Day Events

Indiana

Sept. 1-5 AUBURN Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival – Featured are the Parade of Classics, an antique show, an arts and crafts show, a cruise-in, a decorator showcase home, a quilt show, a chocolate factory tour, and the Last Stop Cemetery Tour.  Location: Courthouse Square.

If expensive vintage cars aren’t your thing, check out these other events happening over Labor Day Weekend in Indiana (BTW: Indiana is Gypsy’s Home State).

8/29-9/1 – Tri-State Bluegrass Festival – Kendallville
8/30-8/31 – Steamboat Nights – Jeffersonville
8/30-8/31 – Latino Festival – Huntingburg
8/30-8/31 – Septemberfest – Dubois
8/30-9/2 – Farmers Pike Festival – New Castle
8/29-9/1 – Rock ‘N’ Rail Street Festival – Griffith
8/30-9/2 – The Earl Park Fall Festival – Earl Park
8/30-9/2 – Little Italy Festival – Clinton
8/30-9/2 – Ligonier Marshmallow Festival – Ligonier
8/30-9/2 – Marshall County Blueberry Festival – Plymouth
8/30-8/31 – Fishers Blues Fest – Indianapolis

Iowa

MOUNT PLEASANT Midwest Old Threshers Reunion – Visit one of the country’s largest theme shows based on agricultural heritage. Highlights range from steam engines and exhibits to an 1850s village and craft items. Location: McMillan Park.

ELKHORN Viking Meet – This living-history event is performed by re-enactors from the United States and Canada. Stroll through the camp, watch the VikingHjem steel combat and Vikings in training, and view a replica of the longship Yrsa.  Location: Danish Windmill and the Immigrant Museum. Free.

Redneck Revival Adults only 21 and over. Lots of adult contests. An Old School Adult Outdoor Festival with many Acres of Camping, Music Performances, Entertainers, Vendor Lanes, Party Buildings, Bike Drag Racing Competition Fri-Sat, and occasional Adult Night Mud Bog Competition.

Kansas

The Kansas City Irish Fest With over 30 bands on seven stages, heritage workshops and displays, comedy, genealogy, a massive children’s area, and so much more, there is no better way to celebrate Celtic Pride. Cowtown than Kansas City Irish Fest! Sign up for our email newsletter or follow us on social media and never miss a thing.

The 46th annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival will be held on August 31 – September 3, 2018. There will be 450+ arts, crafts, food, and commercial vendor booths. The festival will also include a carnival, contests, entertainment, authentic blacksmith, antique fire trucks, and much more. Free admission.

Kentucky

Kentucky is full of events over Labor Day Weekend. Everyone should be able to find something of interest.

8/30-8/31 – Elliott County Tobacco Festival – Sandy Hook
8/31-9/2 – Breathitt County Honey Festival – Jackson
8/30-8/31 – Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival – Winchester
8/30-9/11 – Heritage Days – Augusta
8/31-9/1 – Swift Silver Mine Festival – Campton
8/30-9/2 – WorldFest – Louisville

8/31 – Monroe County Watermelon Festival – Tompkinsville
9/1– Kentucky Music and Bourbon Experience – Louisville
8/31-9/2 – St. Cecilia Labor Day Festival – Independence

Louisiana

Satchmo Fest – Each year, this weekend-long festival celebrates Louis Armstrong’s life, legacy, and music. The festivities include a seminar series, jazz exhibits, a jazz mass and second-line parade, fantastic food, and a host of star-studded performers.

Held annually over Labor Day weekend in the French Quarter, Southern Decadence celebrates LGBT culture for six days in the city. Be sure to check out the special events throughout the weekend, like a Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, the Annual Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals’ Drag Show, the Southern Decadence Parade, or one of the many parties the city.

Want to get away from the craziness of festivals? The Fly in Uptown, New Orleans, is the perfect place to spend Labor Day hanging out with friends, grilling burgers, and watching the sunset along the Mississippi River. Or pack a picnic and bring the family to Bayou St. John, City Park, or Audubon Park.

Maine

Blue Hill Fair – Blue Hill, ME – Aug 30 to Sep 3, 2018
An annual Labor Day weekend event located at 233 Elsworth Road in Blue Hill.  Features live entertainment, attractions, and exhibits for the family, plus fun contests and more!.  Describes itself as a real “Down to Earth” Country Fair.

Booth Bay Harbor Fest – Boothbay Harbor, ME – A 10-day celebration of local food and live music on the waterfront.  A food and fashion show.

Drop anchor in Camden for Labor Day weekend, when the harbor will be filled with the sails and masts of nearly two dozen windjammers and schooners. Friday, Aug. 31, brings the launch of Camden’s 25th annual maritime celebration, the Camden Windjammer Festival, which features the largest gathering of windjammers in the northeast. The festival offers two full days of family-friendly events, spirited competitions, and nautical exhibits that can only be experienced on Labor Day Weekend in Camden.

Maryland

The 71st Annual National Hard Crab Derby & Fair will be a crab-extravaganza with crab races, crab picking, and crab cooking. Also, there will be boat docking contests, parades, games, rides, fireworks, arts/crafts, live entertainment, and of course – fabulous seafood!

Spend Labor Day Weekend at the Allegany County Fairgrounds for The Western Maryland Street Rod Roundup.  It’s three days of high octane fun in Cumberland.

Monty Alexander Jazz Festival, Easton Send off summer with the scintillating jazz sounds at this Labor Day favorite. This year features Dominick Farinacci and Shenel Johnson Friday, celebrating the ladies of blues. Saturday is jam-packed with the likes of pianist Matthew Whitaker, Harry Allen, and of course, the festival’s namesake, legendary Caribbean jazz pianist Monty Alexander.

Massachusetts

Marlborough Labor Day Parade.  Marlborough has a proud tradition of hosting the largest and most prestigious Labor Day Parade in New England!

Gloucester Block Party Returning to Main Street for the 9th year running, the Downtown Gloucester block party series offers free entertainment and fun for all ages.  Each of the block parties has a unique theme with live music, street performers, a talent competition, children’s activities, dog shows, and more.

Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta This educational and sailing event honors the local maritime history and the great natural resources of the region. Promotes public awareness of the important role that Schooners and other historic vessels played in our economic and cultural history.

Michigan

ROYAL OAK Arts, Beats and Eats– More than 200 performances on ten stages, a juried fine arts show, and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in metro Detroit.

The annual Marquette Blues Fest celebrates the best in blues. Catch the top blues acts from New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, and St. Louis all weekend long in Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park. The festival will also have workshops, a wide selection of food vendors, and a beer and wine tent.

Labor Day Truck Parade & Ice Cream Social – Holland This annual parade brings the noise . . . and the ice cream! Since 2006, this event has grown into a heavily anticipated local event. Meant to celebrate Holland/Zeeland products and employees, this event is also a great opportunity to have some family-friendly fun in West Michigan.

MACKINAW CITY Labor Day Bridge Walk – Join thousands of pedestrians as they participate in this long-standing tradition. This is the only day of the year walking the Mighty Mac is allowed; participants are awarded a certificate of completion. Free.

Minnesota

ST. PAUL Minnesota State Fair – Twelve action-packed days are filled with agriculture, food, parades, horse shows, contests, a midway, and exhibits.

Boundary Waters Blues Festival & Dog Jam 3 Great Days of the Blues and a Sunday filled with the best of every music genre at the Long Branch in Winton MN, just 3 short miles from Ely. On the shores of beautiful Fall Lake.

Duluth-Superior Pride Celebrate pride in the Twin Ports during Labor Day Weekend. Duluth-Superior Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender. Allied, Queer, Intersex (GLBTAQI) Pride serves the Duluth-Superior area’s GLBTAQI community by celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, education, acceptance, respect, healthy living, self-esteem, and equality.

Mississippi

Memphis Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival – Foodies and craft beer enthusiasts everywhere are invited to enjoy some of the area’s most popular food trucks as they dish out fan favorites, such as Memphis style BBQ, American comfort foods, zesty tacos, sweet treats (ice-cream and cookies!), and a range of ethnic cuisines.

Missouri

For those who love food, especially homemade pastries, the Greek Festival in the Central West End is a must on Labor Day weekend. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy music, dancing, and some of the best Greek food you’ll find anywhere. The event kicks off Friday night with a special celebration in the beer garden, then continues through Labor Day.

Laclede’s Landing holds the Big Muddy Blues Festival. This outdoor music festival features more than 50 local and nationally known artists that will perform on different stages set up throughout the Landing.

St. Louis might not be the first place you think of when it comes to celebrating Japanese culture. Still, each Labor Day weekend, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts one of the largest and oldest Japanese Festivals in North America. The event features traditional music, dancing, and storytelling in the Garden’s authentic Japanese strolling gardens. Visitors can learn about the art of Origami or attend a traditional tea ceremony. Another highlight of the three-day event is the chance to see a real sumo wrestling demonstration.

Montana

2018 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival & Pow Wow at Tvshika Homma, capital of the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation invites all visitors to enjoy tribal heritage activities, an intertribal powwow, Choctaw cultural exhibitions.

Nebraska

Since 1977 SeptemberFest has offered four days of entertainment, educational and artistic displays, a carnival, and Omaha’s largest parade. The festival runs for 4 days, ending on Labor Day weekend. The annual Salute to Labor has something for the entire family, from the Beer Garden’s musical acts to plenty of entertainment for children in the Kiddie Kingdom to a giant carnival midway for the entire family. SeptemberFest also includes arts & crafts, food, and several new unique attractions each year.

I couldn’t find much on Nebraska for Labor Day, but I do know that we have a lot of Agencies located in Omaha. If you’re in the area, get in touch with one of them and see what suggestions they might have.

Nevada

The Nugget Rib Cook-Off will be going full tilt during Labor Day weekend. Get over to Victorian Square in Sparks to enjoy lots of BBQ ribs and Fixin’s, free entertainment, and lots of arts and crafts vendors. There is a free daily shuttle bus, saving you a big parking hassle.

Winnemucca’s Tri-County Fair is happening. Including rodeo, monster trucks, barrel races, carnival, and much more.

New Hampshire

Looking for the largest fun-filled family event in the Great North Woods? Look no further! The undisputed event of the summer is the Lancaster Fair that has been open for 146 years in succession. Thank you for joining us and making the fair fun!

New Jersey

Riverdale Food and Music Street Fair– WATERVILLE VALLEY “Just Ducky” End of Summer Bash The main thoroughfare of Riverdale will be transformed into an open-air pedestrian marketplace with non-stop entertainment, festival foods, local merchants and restaurants display their specialties, and a variety of family activities. Over 100 exhibitors, kiddie rides, and climbing wall, a special section with craft exhibitors displaying their handmade craft, pony rides and petting zoo, games, face painters, activities, and delicious food. Don’t miss JC’s Traveling Kids Shindig with kids’ games, rides, temp. Tattoos, sand art, face painting, kids’ entertainment, and much more!

The Boonton Fireman’s Carnival is coming to Morris County again for four straight days filled with tons of food, live entertainment, raffles, and a variety of games and rides. The parade kicks off Saturday’s festivities in the early afternoon. The last day of the carnival will feature a pig roast at 5:00 pm and a fireworks show at 10:00 pm to end the wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Something for everyone in this list of Labor Day events.

New Mexico

BERNALILLO New Mexico Wine Festival– Wineries offer customers an opportunity to taste and purchase New Mexico wines. Also offered are arts and crafts, food and music.

New York

Indulge in some Caribbean culture this Labor Day at the West Indian American Day Carnival. This celebration of Caribbean culture features marchers in elaborate costumes promenading down the Eastern Parkway to reggae and calypso sounds.  For spectators, tasty ethnic food and drink are also available. Favorites include jerk chicken, fried flying fish, rice and beans, and johnnycakes. Best of all, it’s FREE to attend.

Watch 300 unicycles roll around the city Thursday and Friday, or try it yourself at New York City Unicycle Festival, with unicycle sports, exhibitions, and races at Governors Island on Saturday and Sunday. Free.

North Carolina

Enjoy two nights of the music and dance of the Southern Appalachian region, including fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, and square dance teams. 48TH ANNUAL SMOKY MOUNTAIN FOLK FESTIVAL

Enjoy your time off in this town just outside of Charlotte. The four-day Mathews Alive Festival features amusement rides, games, live concerts, food, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and more. Admission: free

The 72nd Annual Apple Festival This long-running festival features a street fair on historic Main Street, with live music, arts and crafts, apple growers, kids’ activities, special exhibits, food, and more. Plus, the King Apple Parade takes place on Labor Day. Admission: free.

North Dakota

Fort Union Living-History Weekend Every Labor Day weekend, Fort Union hosts muzzleloaders, buck skinners, and fur trade re-enactors. Black powder shooting demonstrations are conducted, tradespeople work in the blacksmith and carpenter shops and trade re-enactments occur in the trade house reception room. The highlight of the weekend is the Last Bell Tour. After the last bell is rung, closing the fort for the night, visitors are led through a series of scenes related to an event in the fort’s history.

Ohio

MILLERSPORT Sweet Corn Festival– Enjoy hot buttered sweet corn served fresh on the cob and piping hot. Bring the whole family to experience a wide variety of delicious foods, large midway, tractor pulls, square dancing, contests galore, farm animals, historical exhibits, and top-name country music entertainers while strolling the shady Historic Lions Park. The proceeds from this four-day community event is a major source of income for over 75 non-profit charitable organizations operating all of the food and game concessions.

Oklahoma

Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival and Powwow- Vendors selling food and treats, more than 100 arts and crafts booths, various sports competitions, free concerts, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, Choctaw storytelling, and free carnival rides are highlights. Bring a lawn chair for seating.

Oregon

Oregon State Fair– Concerts, magic shows, animal shows, and musical entertainment are offered, along with a carnival, pony rides, and lots of traditional fair food.

Check out these additional Portland & Oregon Labor Day Weekend Events: Concerts, Festivals, Parties, Food & Drink

Pennsylvania

Pocono Garlic Festival- This fun-filled event is a mix of the legendary Pocono-grown garlic, entertainment so good you’ll think you’re at a high-priced concert, a gaggle of gifted craftspeople and artisans, and lots and lots of great food-all of it liberally laced with garlic.

Here is a great list for a long weekend full of music, fireworks, outdoor happenings in Philadelphia.

Rhode Island

Food Trucks, Museums, and live music are all on the agenda over Labor Day weekend. Check out all the events happening here. 

South Carolina

Join the Chapin Labor Day Festival with a farmers market, 5K, food, and music.

You can extend your Labor Day weekend at the Upper SC State Fair with rides, food, and entertainment. This Fair goes until September 9th.

South Dakota

The South Dakota State Fair featuring The Beach Boys this year is fun for the whole family.

Happening the weekend before Labor Day, the annual Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival should not be missed. Hot air balloon launch, festival eats, craft fair, and an antique car show.

Tennessee

With too many things to list, Nashville has some exciting events happening this Labor Day Weekend. Check this list for music, art, sports, and special events over the holiday weekend.

Texas

BBQ Cook-Off in Junction TX. Arts, crafts, music, food. This annual arts, skills, and music Labor Day Celebration offers relaxing fun, food, and entertainment for all ages with all interests. The event is held along the banks of the Llano River in Junction, Texas.

Utah

Payson Golden Onion Days The onion is the king of this festival, including amusement rides, fireworks, a parade, arts and crafts, food booths, and a demolition derby.

Midway Swiss Days includes a chuckwagon breakfast, a 10K run, a parade, several music performances, and an enormous art and craft fair, which is a great place to shop for unique gifts, home decor, clothing, and more. Don’t forget to try some excellent pie and ice cream.

Vermont

RANDOLPH New World Festival– This event celebrates Vermont’s Celtic and French-Canadian roots. Some 100 musicians and folk dancers from Northern New England, Canada, and the British Isles perform.

Whether you’re a fan of agrarian Vermont’s finest livestock and produce, a thrill-seeker who lives for carnival rides, or a food lover who craves the likes of jalapeno poppers, deep-fried cheesecake, homemade apple pie, and more, this is the place to be as summer winds down. The state’s most significant single event, the Champlain Valley Fair, is packed with enough exhibits, vendors, rides, games, and entertainment to keep all of its estimated 300,000 attendees happy.

Mount Snow Brewers Festival Enjoy brews from nearly 50 different breweries who are on-hand pouring their beers and ciders from 100+ other taps, plus live music, great food, and more.

Virginia

THE PLAINS Virginia Scottish Games– One of the nation’s largest Scottish culture exhibitions, this event includes Highland dancing, piping, and fiddle and harp competitions. A British antique automobile show, a Celtic crafts fair, and a Scottish-breed dog exhibition also are featured.

Front Porch Fest is a 3-day family-friendly music festival in Stuart, VA featuring local, regional, and national touring acts. In addition to 30+ bands, Front Porch Fest features an array of children’s activities, yoga, campsite jams, on-site camping, delicious craft brews and foods, and more!

Washington

SEATTLE Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music & Arts Festival celebrates the gamut of art forms, including music, comedy, visual arts, literary arts, theater, and dance.

Washington State Fair- Kicking off on Labor Day weekend, this 20-day fair will grace Puyallup once again with food, rides, and entertainment.

Oak Harbor Music Festival features more than 30 bands playing all types of music on two stages, beer gardens, food vendors, and arts and crafts on Whidbey Island. It’s also free.

West Virginia

Clarksburg West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival – Thousands descend upon Clarksburg to celebrate a little bit of Italy in the hills of West Virginia. Enjoy Italian food, a pasta cook-off, a parade, craft booths, a bocce tournament, concerts, a wine garden, and children’s entertainment.

Historic Rowlesburg, W.Va. will host its annual Labor Day Weekend Festival from Friday, September 1 through Sunday, September 3, with the famous Ox Roast held on Monday, September 4.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw– Approximately 40,000 people attend The Wisconsin State Cow ChipThrow each year. The current Wisconsin Cow Chip Throw state record is 248 feet. Two stages of free entertainment, arts and crafts fair, 5K & 10K Run, and much more! Friday night and Saturday of Labor Day weekend.

Wyoming

The Fort Bridger Rendezvous is a mountain man rendezvous celebrating the Fur Trade Rendezvous Era that occurred in the Rocky Mountains between 1825-1840. It is one of the largest mountain man gatherings in the nation. Held the first weekend of September annually at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, this Mountain Man Rendezvous is an experience your family will be sure to remember for years. Come and experience historic Fort Bridger at its best!

The BHRC Labor Day Rodeo in Meeteetse is a tradition of over 100 years, and we love to finish off the weekend with our traditional rodeo.

Jackson Hole has an entire weekend lineup of events happening.

DISCLAIMER: These events were curated by the Gypsy Nurse staff.  We do our best to validate the information, but cannot be responsible for its accuracy. Always check with the contact information shown for each event sponsor for the latest information before making plans to attend.