Labor Day Weekend traditionally marks the end of the summer season with backyard barbecues, parties, and other celebrations. Yet, it’s also one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The following cities are excellent choices for a long holiday weekend vacation. If you need more suggestions, compare Labor Day Weekend events on Experism using our convenient search tool.
Park City
This Utah ski town is best known for winter sports and hosting the Sundance Film Festival every January. So take advantage of the “down” season and see what Park City is all about during the tail end of summer. With the snow melting, there are lots of hiking trails to explore without excessively hot weather. Main Street has an Old West charm that’s refreshingly free of chains and tourist gift shops, but with plenty of amazing restaurants and art galleries. The Miner’s Day Parade, held annually every Labor Day, honors the town’s history as a mining community and wraps up with a barbecue celebration in City Park.
Tampa
Florida has some of the best weather in the country for Labor Day Weekend. Tampa isn’t quite as congested and crowded as Miami, but has boating, swimming, and exciting attractions like Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, and the Florida Aquarium. Historic Ybor City, founded by immigrant Spanish and Cuban cigar makers, is a hot destination for nightlife, bars, and restaurants. Get around on the TECO Streetcar, which travels between 11 different stops and doesn’t cost a penny.
New York
The sweltering summer heat of New York City begins to die down a bit by Labor Day Weekend, making it an ideal time to explore Central Park and other Big Apple destinations. Enjoy the breeze on a Hudson River cruise or splurge on a meal at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Newcomers like Ernesto’s (Basque) on the Lower East Side, Casa Ora (Venzuelan) in Williamsburg, and Gage & Tollner (steaks) in Downtown Brooklyn already have tons of buzz. Sports fans can score tickets for the US Open, August 28 to September 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, or a baseball game at Yankee Stadium.
Denver
There’s mild, sunny weather with little chance of rain in the Mile High City during Labor Day Weekend. Spend time outdoors at Rocky Mountain National Park or rent a bike to explore the paths near Cherry Creek. Music fans can catch Phish at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (August 31-September 4) or EDM stars The Chainsmokers at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (September 2-3). The Colorado Rockies host the Toronto Blue Jays at Coors Field (September 1-3).
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is thriving right now with new attractions like Sphere, a massive dome-like digital screen that’s lighting up the Strip skyline. up for lost time while emerging from the pandemic. New casino hotels like Resorts World are drawing visitors with hot restaurants like Brezza and Viva earning rave reviews. Zouk Nightclub hosts Tiesto and Zedd, while Ayu Dayclub is throwing pool parties with Kaskade and Cash Cash over the holiday weekend. Check out AREA15, a mixed-use entertainment space with Omega Mart, a full-scale art installation by Meow Wolf that’s modeled after a grocery store.
Miami
The overwhelming summer heat of Miami eases a bit by the time Labor Day Weekend rolls around. Just be ready for humidity and surprise rain storms. Thousands pour into the white, powdery sand of South Beach, while foodies visit Little Cuba and other cultural enclaves for international cuisine and charming restaurants. Of course, Miami’s nightlife scene is legendary with appearances by top DJs at high-energy nightclubs, including DJ Snake at E11EVEN. Browse art murals in Wynwood and the Design District or book a cruise on Biscayne Bay. The Orange Blossom Classic pits longtime rivals against each other as the Florida A&M University Rattlers face the Jackson State University Tigers September 3 at Hard Rock Stadium.
San Francisco
Labor Day Weekend is promising to be a busy time for Northern California’s largest city. Enjoy the weather while strolling Fisherman’s Wharf and snapping selfies in front of the Golden Gate bridge. Take a cruise around the bay and tour Alcatraz, the most notorious prison in American history. If you want to see a show, A Chorus Line is running at the SF Playhouse while LL Cool J, The Roots and Ice T play the Chase Center (September 1). There’s also a battle of California baseball teams as the Oakland A’s host the Anaheim Angels for three games at RingCentral Coliseum.
Labor Day Events in San Francisco
Cincinnati
The southwest Ohio city is throwing one of the largest Labor Day parties in the country. Riverfest returns with an explosive fireworks show above the Ohio River after dark on September 3. There will be even more fun throughout the day, including food, music, and a Rubber Duck Regatta, an annual tradition to benefit charity. Local radio station WEBN hosts a Countdown Party, featuring a free concert by Sabbath, an Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath tribute band.
Galveston
Make the most of the summer heat with a vacation on the Gulf of Mexico. The Texas island known as Galveston is an attractive combination of historic homes, boardwalks and beaches. Wander among the old Victorian buildings of The Strand, a scenic district with shops and restaurants. Just make sure to snap a few pics in front of Bishop’s Place, a former residence that’s now a museum. Labor Day Weekend traditionally marks the end of the season for Pleasure Pier, a carnival-like theme park that stretches out over the water.
Seattle
Head to Washington state’s largest city for holiday celebrations. Seattle’s annual Labor Day Weekend tradition, the Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival, is back with acts like Sleater-Kinney, Sunny Day Real Estate, AFI, the Revivalists, Fatboy Slim, and more at the Seattle Center September 2-3. But that’s not all. The month-long Washington State Fair gets underway over Labor Day Weekend with performances by Chicago, Kehlani, Kane Brown, and the Temptations. Beyond the big events, the weather is perfect for exploring the food of Pike’s Place Market, the trails at Discovery Park and the waters of Elliott Bay with a scenic cruise.
Charleston
Few cities mix history, art and culture quite as effectively as Charleston, South Carolina — a destination with Southern charm, timeless architecture and cobblestone streets by the water. The Lowcountry Jazz Festival takes over downtown September 2-3, while Credit One Stadium hosts 3 Doors Down on September 1 and Train on September 2. Hot Air Affair is a three-day hot air balloon festival in Williamston, September 1-4. Otherwise, spend some time in the water with boating, swimming, paddle-boarding, and kite-surfing.
