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The best things to do over Labor Day weekend in Chicago

Celebrate the long weekend in with our ultimate guide to the city's top beaches, festivals, restaurants and getaways.

Emma Krupp
Written by
Emma Krupp
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We've still got a few weeks of summer in Chicago after Labor Day, but this three-day weekend is often regarded as the final send-off to the season—so you might as well make it great. Want to spend your weekend outside? Plan a day in the sun at the best Chicago beaches or waterfront restaurants along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, or catch the last night of fireworks at Navy Pier on Saturday evening. Plus, don't miss summer festivals (like the dance music-centric lineups at North Coast and ARC Music Festival) as well as outdoor movies in Chicago parks. Prefer to skip town for the holiday? We've got some sweet weekend getaways from Chicago in mind, too. And don't forget to honor the history of the holiday with events that chronicle the American labor movement! 

When is Labor Day?

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 5, 2022.

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is a national holiday created to celebrate the contributions of the American worker. It falls on the first Monday of September, resulting in a coveted three-day weekend. Chicago is fairly busy over Labor Day weekend as locals head out to beaches, rooftop bars and other outdoor spots to enjoy the late summer weather. 

Things to do during Labor Day weekend

Navy Pier Fireworks

Navy Pier Fireworks

During the summer, one of the best aerial displays you'll find in Chicago originates from Navy Pier. The Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows...

Streeterville
Sundays on State

Sundays on State

Last summer's inaugural Sundays on State program—which shuts down a strip of State Street spanning from Madison to Lake Streets for activations,...

Loop
Art on theMART

Art on theMART

Projecting a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of the Merchandise Mart, Art on theMart's summer program includes Ba Boom Boom Pa Pop...

“Cezanne”

“Cezanne”

The Art Institute of Chicago has teamed up with London's Tate Modern to mount the first major retrospective of Paul Cezanne's work in more than 25 years,...

Grant Park
North Coast Music Festival

North Coast Music Festival

For some, Labor Day weekend means cookouts and enjoying some of the final days of summer among family and friends. For other, it means crowding in front of a...

Suburbs
ARC Music Festival

ARC Music Festival

The second annual ARC Music Festival is scheduled to take over Union Park during Labor Day weekend, celebrating Chicago's house music roots and welcoming...

West Loop
Jazz in the Court

Jazz in the Court

Catch live outdoor jazz performances on the first Friday of every month this summer as part of Jazz in the Court, a free performance series hosted at Harper...

Hyde Park