The Labor Day weekend traditionally signifies the end of summer. But while we’re taking it easy, getting together with family and friends, or otherwise enjoying a well-earned day off, we should all remember a very basic fact. Labor Day is a holiday created by – and for – the labor movement that recognizes the contributions that working men and women to the strength, prosperity and well-being of America. The 40-hour work week? Weekends? On the job protection? We can thank unions for all these essentials and more.
For Labor Day 2019, we have highlighted a few events taking place over the August 31-Sept 2 weekend. These range from sports and cultural offerings (all of which are staffed by union employees, of course) to Labor Day parades and celebrations. Although it happens the weekend after he holiday, we’ve also thrown in the New York City Labor Parade because…well…because it’s big.
Enjoy!
Labor 411
Los Angeles
40th Annual Labor Day Parade and Rally Picnic: The annual celebration will take place at the Banning Museum in Wilmington, starting at 10 am, Monday, Sept. 2. All union and community members are welcome. More information.
Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band: The former Beatle is joined by a bunch of friends to Rock the Greek Theatre Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8 pm. More information.
Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams. Spend an evening under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl, Friday-Sunday with composer John Williams (“Star Wars,” “E.T.,” “Jurassic Park,”) conductor David Newman and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. More information.
San Francisco
San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants: See the clash of the division rivals at Oracle Park Friday-Sunday. Weekend promotions include Italian Heritage Night, Peanuts Woodstock Bobblehead Night and Buster Posey t-shirt day. More information.
Four County Labor Day Celebration: The Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San Mateo Labor Councils will host a day of fun at Snow Park. There will be food, music and family activities. Bring a picnic and start the day at Mosswood Park with a march in support of SEIU-UHAW’s action. Monday starting at 11:30 am. More information.
San Francisco Mime Troupe: The acclaimed political theater troupe will be in Golden Gate Park Saturday and Dolores Park Sunday and Monday with a post-show discussion on Sunday. More information.
Washington, D.C.
“Stormy Weather” at the Kennedy Center: In Series Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” as you have never seen it before Monday at 6 p.m. This free performance will include selections from a cabaret-club evening of song, word, and beat with the music of Billie Holiday and poetic-prose by Sybil Williams exploring experiences of peoples enslaved by privilege and love. More information.
2019 Library of Congress National Book Festival: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joins a lineup that includes Jose Andres, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Barbara Kingsolver Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Doors open at 8:30. More information.
Nats Baseball: The Washington Nationals are fighting for the post-season, squaring off against Eastern Division rival Florida Marlins (Saturday-Sunday) and the New York Mets on Monday. Weekend promotions include a Camo Tank giveaway, Firefighter Appreciation Day and Seniors Stroll the bases. More information.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Over Labor Day Weekend, the features a pay-what-you-wish Art Splash family event on Sunday. Labor Day weekend is the last chance to catch “Souls Grown Deep: Artists of the African American South” exhibition. More information.
Made in America Music Festival. Jay-Z’s enormous two-day music festival returns Saturday and Sunday to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a seventh year. Headliners include Cardi B and Travis Scott. More information.
32nd Annual Tri-State Labor Day Celebration. The long-running parade and family celebration kicks off at the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union Hall at 8:30 am. More information.
New York
New York City Labor Day Parade: This one’s actually nearly a week after the holiday itself, on Saturday, Sept. 7 beginning at 10 am and kicking off at 44th Street and 5th Avenue. More information.
Empire State Building: A must-visit landmark any day of the year and centrally located in the heart of Manhattan, close to everything. More information.
“Hadestown” at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Warning: hot ticket alert! Winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical, this modern spin on the Orpheus myth has audiences and critics alike buzzing. More information.
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