It's officially the end of summer, and most people will make that last trip to the beach or go on their final summer vacation.
The Labor Day Weekend is normally filled with relaxation, friends and the typical backyard BBQ or family gathering. While the BBQ is a staple and should definitely be on the itinerary, many major cities have an entire list of activities going on where you can experience culture, music and some of the best food. So celebrate American workers – and a much-needed day off – by turning up at one of these popular events in your city.
1. J'Ouvert (New York City)
J'Ouvert was first celebrated by freed slaves from Emancipation, but now the event is a tradition in Brooklyn. J'Ouvert will begin at approximately 6 a.m. Monday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of artistic souls who will march and dance through through the streets at daybreak. The City of New York is partnering with Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and the New York City Police Department to ensure a safer parade experience. The event is free and open to the public.
2. Ball & Chain Music Festival (Miami)
Ball & Chain Music Festival is celebrating 82nd anniversary with a weekend-long free music festival. The Little Havana institution will present more than 100 musicians and DJs performing various genres and styles ranging from Afro-Cuban funk to Latin pop and jazz on the outdoor Pineapple Stage and the indoor Main Stage. The festival will go on Friday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Sept. 3. Between the free admission and the delicious mojitos, there's no way your weekend won't turn into a memorable lituation.
3. 3rd Annual Labor Day CrabFest (Washington, D.C.)
It's not an extended holiday weekend if you don't come dangerously close to being in a food coma. If you can't or don't plan on escaping the city this weekend, you may as well experience the 3rd Annual Labor Day CrabFest 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday at the Kitchen & Craft City Tap House. Get your fix of unlimited Maryland Blue Crabs for $50 with hushpuppies and jambalaya included. This doesn't rule out your plans to crash a BBQ later in the evening, but you can definitely start your holiday food journey here.
4. Black Gay Pride (Atlanta)
Black Gay Pride in Atlanta started out as a series of house parties and quickly grew into the largest Black Gay Pride celebration in the world. This celebration takes place all weekend and on the holiday where there are massive and incomparable participants each year. Black Gay Pride includes community empowerment seminars and the most memorable parties. This year is the 21st year the event has been held in Atlanta.
5. African Festival of the Arts (Chicago)
The African Festival of the Arts began with The Africa International House and Window to Africa. WTA organized festivals that drew large crowds and included fashion shows, fairs and exhibitions. In 1989, WTA convened a group of cultural supporters to manage the WTA activities which became the African Festival of the Arts (AFA). Today AFA is a vibrant, weekend event filled with music, world cuisines and family-friendly entertainment. AFA is going on through Labor Day in the Windy City.
6. 626 Night Market (Los Angeles)
Live entertainment, loads of food and a ton of games. More than 200 Asian vendors will be selling food and merchandise at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. This is one of the biggest food festivals of the year, and you wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to eat yourself into a stupor. Parking is free and it's $3 for ages 7 and up. Sunday evening is the last day for the event.
7. Admission to the W Hotel Pool (New Orleans)
The W Hotel and the Le Meridien opened their pools to non-guests starting Memorial Day weekend, and the Labor Day Weekend is the last weekend for this offer. The cost is $30 at the W Hotel and $15 at Le Meridien. Spend the last days of summer soaking up some sun by the pool before hitting the backyard BBQs in the evening.
