As summer comes to a close, many people in the United States use Labor Day weekend as a chance to go away and relax before school starts. This long weekend provides a chance to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones before the busyness of the school year begins. For many, this is the last opportunity to take advantage of warm weather and extended daylight hours. Whether spending time at home or traveling to a favorite destination, Labor Day weekend is a cherished time for many Americans. If you’re planning on visiting the St. Louis area this Labor Day, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of festivals and events going on to help you celebrate. From barbecues to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the holiday with family and friends or just want to check out what the city has to offer, be sure to check out some of these great events!
Celebrate Labor Day weekend by enjoying all that Missouri and Illinois have to offer! The St. Louis Greek Festival is one of many great events happening in the area. Public pools close for the fall and winter, but there is still time to go swimming. What better way to spend the holiday than by getting out and enjoying everything these states have to offer? If you plan to stay in St. Louis for a little while longer, you’ll be able to enjoy many more Fall events. The weekend holiday kicks off the September and fall events calendars, meaning there will be plenty of celebrations to enjoy even if you miss the Labor Day festivities.
St. Louis Greek Festival
Thousands of people come each year to attend the St. Louis Greek Festival for the music, dancing, and delicious Greek food. The festival is a must on Labor Day Weekend for people who like food and homemade pastries. You’ll be able to sample a wide range of traditional Greek dishes and desserts while enjoying live entertainment.
Midwest Wingfest
This free event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy yourself while helping out a great cause. All of the proceeds from food and drink purchases will go towards helping disabled veterans and first responders. This is a great opportunity to support those who have given so much to us. So come out, enjoy some food and drinks, and help us give back to those who need it most. The wing-eating contest is one of the main events at the festival, however, if you don’t plan on competing in the wing-eating contest, you can still get wings from the many vendors at the festival.
Extended Hours at the Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park will have extended hours over Labor Day weekend, so guests can enjoy the last days of summer break at this St. Louis institution. The zoo opens earlier and closes later on these days, so visitors can make the most of their time here. Whether you want to see your favorite animals or explore the new exhibits, the Saint Louis Zoo is a great place to spend Labor Day weekend.
The Great Godfrey Maze
This is a great opportunity for people to explore the maze and see all that it has to offer. There are many different things to see and do inside the maze, so it is a perfect activity for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before tackling the maze, or grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks on site.
The Gateway Cup Bicycle Race
If you’re a fan of bicycle racing, the Gateway Cup is the perfect event for you. Taking place over Labor Day weekend, the four-day event features races in four different St. Louis neighborhoods: Lafayette Square, St. Louis Hills, Benton Park, and The Hill. Pro-am cyclists compete for cash and prizes, making for an exciting event that’s not to be missed.
Harvest Festival at Stone Hill Winery
The annual Harvest Festival at Stone Hill Winery is a great opportunity to sample some of the best wines in the St. Louis wine country. You can have a great time even if you don’t drink alcohol because there are lots of family-friendly activities. Tasting tickets are only $5 for adults, making this a very affordable day out for the whole family. During the afternoon, live performers play music while you taste wine and enjoy the delicious food options from the on-site restaurant. To make sure you get a table, it’s best to call ahead to reserve one.
Applefest at Eckert’s Orchards
Applefest at Eckert’s Farm is the perfect way to kick off apple season! This annual event takes place on the Friday of Labor Day weekend and continues every weekend throughout September. Visitors can enjoy a variety of apple-themed activities, including picking their own apples, cider-making demonstrations, live music, and much more. In addition to the many fun activities at the carnival, there is also plenty of delicious food to enjoy. You can get freshly made caramel apples and warm apple pie, among other treats. So come on down and enjoy all that the carnival has to offer!
Labor Day River Cruise
There’s no better way to enjoy the Labor Day weekend than by taking a river cruise on the Mississippi River. Not only is it a great way to relax and have fun, but you’ll also learn more about the history and culture of this great country. A guide will take you on a one-hour tour of the 49-passenger River Rambler.
Japanese Festival
Every Labor Day weekend, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts one of the oldest and biggest Japanese festivals in the United States. For over 40 years, the Garden has been home to this annual celebration that features traditional Japanese dance, music, martial arts demonstrations, and more. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture firsthand and enjoy a festive atmosphere.
Live Jazz in Frontier Park
Jazz lovers can enjoy a free outdoor concert along the banks of the Missouri River. The concert will feature some of the best jazz musicians in the area. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some great music while spending time with family and friends.
Downtown Labor Day Parade
On the Labor Day weekend, thousands of members of local unions will march through Downtown St. Louis in the annual Labor Day Parade. This parade is a chance for members of the labor community to come together and celebrate their achievements. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues that workers face, and to show support for workers’ rights.
Belleville Labor Day Parade and Picnic
On Labor Day, many union members and their families from Metro East will come together to honor the holiday at the annual parade and picnic in Belleville. This event is a great opportunity for members of the community to come together and celebrate the hard work that they do every day. The parade begins in the morning along First Street in downtown Belleville, where participants will march to Memorial Park for the picnic.
Water Parks and Swimming Pools
The last weekend of summer is upon us, and what better way to enjoy it than by cooling off at one of the many water parks in our area? Raging Rivers, Collinsville Aqua Park, Hurricane Harbor, and others are sure to provide endless fun for the whole family. So don’t wait – get out there and make some memories before the school year starts!
