By Michael Messina
Labor Day is buzzing in Los Angeles. Whether you’re visiting or a local, there are plenty of awesome, labor-friendly events throughout the city. We’ve found five of our favorites where you can feel the beat with Snoop Dogg or grab a Dodger Dog with the boys in blue.
And as we celebrate, we should keep in mind that Labor Day is an occasion to recognize the sacrifices of workers throughout history and the fight that continues today for equality and fairness in the workplace. Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rusty Hicks is helping to lead that charge in the Southland.
“Labor Day is the day we celebrate all American workers and all they provide for our country, and the labor movement continues to stand as the bedrock of the American middle class,” said Hicks. “Businesses and companies that treat their workers with dignity and respect deserve to be acknowledged for their proactive practices as well. Moving forward, especially in an election year, we as a country need to be conscious of which employers we want to help lead the way back to a stronger middle class.”
At Labor 411, we couldn’t agree more. And with that, enjoy these awesome Labor Day events in L.A.:
Labor Day Music Festival with Snoop Dogg – Monday, Sept. 5
The 5th Annual Labor Day Music Festival produced by IBEW-led Working Californians features the one and only Snoop Dogg. Along with the legendary rapper, performers include Los Lonely Boys, Poncho Sanchez, the New Orleans All Star Band and others.
When: Monday, Sept. 5 @ 11 a.m.
Where: Exposition Park
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Tickets: $20- $299.
Labor Day Parade in Wilmington – Monday, Sept. 5
The Labor Day Solidarity Parade in Wilmington takes its show to the streets for the 37th year, showcasing marching bands, cultural performances and the people of organized labor in Los Angeles. The parade ends at Banning Park where thousands gather for a free barbecue, more music and revelry. Keep an eye out. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has been known to shake a few hands and pose for selfies at this bash.
Parade start: 10 a.m. at Broad and E streets, Wilmington, CA
Parade ends at Banning Park: Rally starts @ 12 p.m.
Catch a Dodgers Game – Sept. 2-5
The players themselves are unionized, of course, but did you know the concession stand workers at Dodger Stadium are part of Unite Here? The Dodgers host the San Diego Padres over the weekend, and open a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Labor Day. Sorry, Angels fans! The team’s not in town this weekend, although the stadiums they will be visiting in Seattle and Oakland are union, too!
Check times and ticket availability here.
Fleet Week – Sept. 2-5
The Port of Los Angeles (ILWU workers) will play host to multiple ships open to the public for tours as well as aerial demonstrations, live music, food trucks and more. Ship tickets are free, but must be purchased in advance.
Hit the Beach! Fiesta Hermosa – Sept. 3-5
Yep, everyone will be at the beach on Labor Day. But that’s okay, the more the merrier! You’ll love the sand, sun and fun a day at the ocean brings. The beaches are cared for by union workers and the L.A. lifeguards are members of SEIU, too! If you want a break from the sand, check out Fiesta Hermosa in downtown Hermosa Beach, with live music, great food and carnival rides.
Find a beach and more info here.
Fiesta Hermosa here.
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