Celebrate Labor Day In America's Biggest Cities

Labor Day takes place the first Monday of September and it commemorates the labor movement and the achievements of American workers. Labor Day has been celebrated since the 19th century, when the trade union and labor movements grew in the 1880s. For many people, Labor Day weekend signifies the unofficial end of summer.

Check out some ways to celebrate Labor Day in some of America's largest cities:

New York City

1. Witness Coney Island fireworks: The last Coney Island fireworks display is this Friday. Coney Island also boasts a sizable boardwalk, with features such as rides and Nathan’s hot dogs. Those staying in the city this weekend can also enjoy Coney Island’s beach to lounge and sunbathe during the unofficial end of summer.

2. Visit Governors Island: There will be extended hours on Friday, with the last ferry back to Manhattan leaving at 10:00 p.m. The New York City Unicycle Festival, a celebration of unicycles, will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

3. Enjoy Prospect Park: There are many Labor Day activities happening at Prospect Park this Labor Day, particularly kid-friendly ones. The park will hold nature programs at the Audubon Center, carousel rides and “old fashioned games.”

Los Angeles

1. Eat at The Taste food fest: The Los Angeles Times’ food fest arrives at Paramount Studios’ backlot on Labor Day Weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Events include unlimited tastings of wine, spirits and seasonal cocktails to accompany the food choices. Opening night tickets are $150 and Saturday and Sunday event tickets range from $95 to $130.

2. Attend Made In LA: Golden Road Brewing presents Made In LA, a music and arts festival. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 5:00-11:00 p.m. both days. Food trucks, art installations and vendors are among the attractions the festival will offer. All proceeds will be donated to charity. Tickets are $30 and all attendees must be 21+.

3. Enjoy the West Adams block party: On Sunday, from 2:00-10:00 p.m., Talib Kweli and Doug E. Fresh headline the first West Adams block party. The event, free and all-ages, features the music and arts of LA, with family-friendly activities, such as games and face painting.

Chicago

1. Visit the beaches: Chicago’s beaches close Labor Day, so this weekend is the last chance to enjoy them. The Dock at Montrose Beach provides more of a boardwalk vibe. However, beaches such as 31st and 57th street beaches will be less crowded this weekend.

2. Attend the Midnight Circus: The Midnight Circus comes to Chicago for its tenth year. The circus began as a way to raise money for city park programs. Since 2007, it has raised over $850,000. The circus draws inspiration from acrobats, jugglers and musicians in Italy and France. The circus will perform at Hamilton Park on Saturday and Sunday.

3. Appreciate the Chicago Jazz Festival: This free festival takes place until Sunday. The festival begins with live jazz music at the Chicago Cultural Center. The festival was established as a Labor Day Weekend tradition after its inception in 1979.

Philadelphia

1. Made in America Festival: The festival turns six this year. Jay-Z, J. Cole and The Chainsmokers headline the festival. Festival-goers gather at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a live music exhibition. The festival spans two days, falling on Saturday and Sunday this year. One two-day ticket costs $162. The festival features other artists chosen by Jay-Z and his team.

2. Watch Labor Day Fireworks on Delaware River: Enjoy fireworks outside the Independence Seaport Museum Sunday at 9:30 p.m. The museum plans to open its second-floor terrace and third-story balcony for guests.

3. Enjoy Philadelphia’s Historic District: Many summer activities in Philadelphia’s Historic District conclude Labor Day Weekend, such as the Once Upon a Nation storytelling sessions. The Independence National Historic Park will hold programs over Labor Day weekend, Friday to Monday, including tours and a Family Fun Zone.

Phoenix

1. Take advantage of the final weekend of summer art exhibits: Labor Day weekend marks the last chance to see two Phoenix art exhibits. The Heard Museum has art by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera for the only North American tour stop. The Musical Instrument Museum features Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces, showcasing a collection of instruments with intricate designs.

2. Stuff yourself at Phoenix Cooks: The food festival features over 20 top local chefs who partake in demonstrations and classes all day. Phoenix Cooks takes place Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. MST. Designated Driver tickets, for people who do not plan on consuming alcohol at the event, cost $60. General admission presale tickets cost $85. After 5:00 p.m. Friday, presale tickets will no longer be available and tickets must be bought at the door for $100.

3. Attend the Labor Day Pool Party at LUSTRE Rooftop Bar: LUSTRE’s 100 Days of Summer signals its final days with a rooftop pool party spanning Saturday to Monday. The rooftop bar will provide a weekend of DJs, food and cocktails.