Chicago Labor Day Weekend 2024

Early September is a great time to visit Chicago. Days are still warm enough to enjoy the beaches along Lake Michigan or Chicago's great parks. Most locals prefer to spend Labor Day weekend going to picnics and barbecues. West Loop and Ukrainian Village restaurants also offer Labor Day brunches with special menus. There are also plenty of things to do in the city, as the long Labor Day weekend is usually packed with various festivals and fun family-friendly events.

Labor Day at Navy Pier (August 28–September 2, 2024)

Plenty of action takes place at Navy Pier. The Beer Garden hosts free live music entertainment from August 31 through September 2, from 2 to 11 pm. The Navy Pier area hosts a large Ferris Wheel and many attractions for all ages during the day. Besides, Labor Day Weekend is your last chance to enjoy summer fireworks at Navy Pier. In 2024, the last summer fireworks displays will happen on August 28 at 9 pm and August 31 at 10 pm. The colorful extravaganza is launched from the center of Michigan Lake. A magnificent 15-minute spectacle is free. You can watch it from Navy Pier or along the shoreline. Downtown rooftop bars are another great viewing spot. Alternatively, you can take a Fireworks Cruise on the lake for the most romantic experience.

Chicago Jazz Festival (August 29–September 1, 2024)

A four-day Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the best Labor Day Weekend traditions in the city. This incredible event draws outstanding musicians and promotes jazz music through quality live performances. It also offers free admission! The celebration of jazz and creativity takes place in Millennium Park pavilions and the Chicago Cultural Center. The festival educates and encourages jazz audiences of all ages and showcases emerging jazz talent. Over the years, it hosted Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, BB King, and many others. The festival, which dates back to 1978, draws about 30,000 attendees.

Chicago Labor Day Parade (September 2, 2024)

Chicago has always had strong unions and labor movement since it's one of the largest steel producers in the world. Southeast Side Labor Day Parade has been a tradition since 1959. It usually occurs on a Saturday, stepping off from 108th St. & Cottage Grove Ave. at noon, walking south down Cottage Grove Ave., and finishing at 113th St. The event is organized by the Chicago Federation of Labor, celebrating community, union pride, and solidarity. The Parade is followed by Eddie Fest, spreading across Arcade Park and Pullman (George) Park. Eddie Fest, which runs from 1 to 6 pm, celebrates workers and the Chicago labor movement, in particular activist Ed Sadlowski.

Labor Day Getaways

The three-day weekend is a perfect occasion to make a day trip to see some of the picturesque sites in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Check out the famous Nordhouse Dunes, which is 49 mi (79 km) away from Chicago, lush Starved Rock State Park a 93 mi (150 km) drive, or the beautiful Wisconsin Dells Area Wisconsin Dells Area 195 miles (314 km) from Chicago.

Lake Michigan Beaches

Don't hesitate to enjoy warm sunny days on the beach by the water during Labor Day weekend. Oak Street Beach is one of Chicago's most popular beaches. It hosts volleyball tournaments and also offers a great view of the city skyline. Rainbow Beach and Park on the South Side has many playgrounds, gyms, and handball courts. North Avenue Beach has a few restaurants, a unique beach house, volleyball courts, bike and kayak rentals.