Labor Day Weekend marks the end of the summer in Michigan, so it's a perfect occasion to enjoy the warm weather and spend the whole day outdoors. Locals often gather for picnics and barbecues. There are also plenty of outdoor festivals to enjoy live music and arts throughout the state.
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats and Eats (August 30–September 2, 2024)
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats and Eats is the main Labor Day highlight in Michigan. The four-day end-of-summer event is packed with top-name performers, delicious food, and fine arts. The festival starts on Friday morning of the Labor Day Weekend and runs through Monday. Most events are held in downtown Royal Oak, Michigan. Headliners of the festival perform at the Michigan Lottery National Stage. Lineups included Third Eye Blind, All-American Rejects, Theory of a Deadman and Night Ranger.
Food trucks from over 40 restaurants offer a wide range of snacks. The Juried Fine Art Show is located on the southern edge of the festival (7th St., between Lafayette & Washington St.), presenting talented artists from across the US. The festival operates from 11 am to 11 pm from Friday to Sunday and from 11 am to 9 pm on Monday. Admission depends on the day. Entry is free on Friday until 5 pm; after 5 pm, it costs $12. Throughout the festival's other days, the ticket costs $10 before 3 pm and $12 after 3 pm.
Detroit Jazz Festival (August 30–September 2, 2024)
The Detroit Jazz Festival is among the best in the United States. This world-class event is held every year on Labor Day Weekend at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park in Detroit. This free to attend event has been attracting thousands of jazz fans since 1980. Detroit Jazz Festival hosted many top jazz performers, such as Dave Brubeck, Regina Carter, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Joe Lovano, The Manhattan Transfer, Dave Holland, Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Paquito d'Rivera, Mulgrew Miller, Sonny Rollins, and Wayne Shorter.
Festival Hours
The festival begins at 5 pm on Friday, at noon on Saturday and Sunday, and closes at 11 pm. On Monday, the venue welcomes new visitors from noon until 8:30 pm.
Michigan State Fair (August 29– September 2, 2024)
The Michigan State Fair is an old Labor Day tradition for thousands of families. It's often called the Grand Old State Fair due to its rich history that dates back to 1849. Once a showcase of Michigan's agriculture, it is famous for its food, especially fresh farm-to-table produce from across the state. The Michigan State Fair brings a lot of fun due to its exciting midway rides, music, Shrine Circus, Farmer’s Market, racing pigs, and other attractions.
Fair Hours & Location
The fair takes place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The venue operates from 11 am until 10 pm on August 29-30 and from 10 am to 10 pm on August 31-September 1. The fair's final day on September 2nd spans from 10 am until 9 pm.
Romeo Peach Festival (August 30–September 2, 2024)
Peach Festival in Romeo, Michigan, is one of the best family-friendly Labor Day events in the state. Its main highlights are the Labor Day "Hometown" Parade, fireworks display, several craft shows, the car show, charity cruise, as well as 5K and 10K runs. Delicious peaches are, of course, the main focus of the festival, so be prepared to try lots of yummy delights. There will be dozens of vendors and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The festivities take place at the Romeo Village Park.
Labor Day Getaways
The long weekend is also a perfect occasion to take a dip in Michigan’s largest freshwater spring Kitch-iti-kipi, which means big cold spring. The turquoise pond is located in the Palms Book State Park, northwest of Manistique (about 6 miles (10 km) west on US Highway 2 and 12 miles (19 km) north on M-149 in Thompson Township).
Another day-trip idea is the ancient dunes by Lake Michigan. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is located in the Manistee National Forest, north of Ludington, Michigan. To enjoy the unique landscape, take a 4-mile (6 km) stroll on Lake Michigan's shoreline in Ludington State Park.
