Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September and is a celebration of labor and economy. It is a day of recognition to our country and its hard workers since becoming an official holiday in 1894. Many people choose to celebrate this holiday with summer festivals and outdoor activities, as it also signifies the end of the summer season. Squeeze out the last bit of summer with some of the best Labor daycation city celebrations around the country.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Navy Pier

Chicago never disappoints when it comes to Labor Daycation celebrations. Many of the city parks will be transformed into end of summer celebrations. The Great American Lobster Fest runs from September 1-3 and features some of the best seafood the city has to offer. It will take place on the Chicago Navy Pier with live music and a variety of family games.

The city Labor Day fireworks will also take place on September 2 on the pier. Stroll around the local parks and down the pier as you await the start of the celebratory fireworks.

Take a day hotel break at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Located in the Magnificent Mile, the prime location is perfect for a half day stay or relaxing on the sun deck overlooking the city, as you take in the Labor Day fireworks.

Metro Detroit, Michigan

2013 Arts, Eats, & Beats

The Ford Arts Beats & Eats runs throughout the entire Labor Day weekend and has been attracting local residents for 20 years. Celebrating the 20th Anniversary, the events this year are sure to excite and are the perfect way to end the Midwest summer season. The event features some of the best local artists, musicians, and food. With dedicated kids zones, yoga classes, and craft beer sales; everyone will find something they enjoy.

Another Michigan Labor Day celebration option is the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. With over 55 vendors and local music performances, this event is a great end of summer celebration. Don’t forget to check out the canoe races and amusement park rides also.

With these events attracting over 40,000 visitors, you might find local relaxation in the form of a day use hotel room to be useful. The Comfort Inn Utica is just a short drive to the famous Arts Beats & Eats attraction and offers day hotel rates. Located in Utica, you can also visit the Mall of Partridge Creek; a collection of outdoor shopping stores, or the Selfridge Military Air Museum; an outdoor park that is filled with history and over 30 military grade aircrafts.

Washington D.C.

The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; Washington DC

Washington D.C. is our countries capital and is a great option for a Labor Daycation celebration. The National Symphony Orchestra’s Labor Day Concert will take place on September 3 and is an exciting place to spend your Labor Day. Located on the West Lawn of the capital, you can enjoy in traditional American patriotic classics by the National Symphony Orchestra.

The Glen Echo Park Art Show and Irish Festivities will also take place from September 2-4 in Glen Echo, MD. Just a short drive from D.C. the show will feature over 150 local artists of all different genres. You can also take in traditional Irish entertainment with Irish performers, a kid friendly adventure theater, and the Puppet Co., a puppet and marionette show that both adults and children alike will enjoy.

The Club Quarters Hotel in Washington D.C. is the perfect half day stay Labor Day resting spot. Check out one of the local Labor Daycation celebrations or take a stroll through the Glen Echo Irish Festivities and then relax for a few hours at this dayuse hotel.

Orlando, Florida

Magic Kingdom 180

Centrally located in Florida, Orlando is a great Labor Daycation option. Spend the day at any of the local beaches or head to the Magic Kingdom Labor Day celebration. The park hours are extended, the parades are one of a kind, and the fireworks celebration is unlike any other. Also starting Labor Day Weekend, you can leave summer behind and jump right into the Halloween spirit. The park will transform into Mickey’s Not-so-scary Halloween Party.

Orlando is also a short commute to many relaxing beaches including Cocoa Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Daytona Beach. Pack your bags, bring the sunscreen, and spend the last weekend of summer at the beach or book a hotel by day for a couple of hours and travel from beach to beach.

The Hampton Inn of Orlando/Lake Buena Vista is the perfect day use hotel for a break between Labor Day activities. Just a short commute to The Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando, and Walt Disney Worlds, this hourly hotel is in the prime location for the best central Florida Labor Daycation celebrations.

Los Angeles, California

fair

Although the beautiful LA weather remains consistent for much of the year, the city still has some of the best end of summer celebrations. The L.A. County Fair has been operating since 1921 and features farm animal beauty contests, wine tastings from around the country, and big name concerts including Boyz II Men, Hunter Hayes, and an I Love the 90’s Tour throughout the Labor Day weekend. The exciting event also exhibits acrobatics and a local farmers market. The celebration starts on September 1 and runs for much of the September month, ending on September 24.

Los Angeles also features the Labor Day fleet week, a celebration of the U.S. armed forces. Head to the Port of L.A. and see authentic Navy and Coast Guard ships up close. This Fleet event happens right on the LA waterfront and will also feature live music, numerous food trucks, and military shows.

Continue your Labor Daycation celebrations with a day stay at the Hollywood Hotel. Just a short drive into the city and you can take a daycation break from the hustle and bustle of the L.A. County Fair and Fleet week. This day use hotel is close to famous Melrose shopping, the Griffith Observatory, and the famous Hollywood Walk.

New York City, New York

New York City

With numerous New York City events happening throughout Labor Day weekend, you are sure to find entertainment here that pleases. The New York Labor Day Extravaganza is a true American celebration. This 12 hour dance fest features the best American food and drinks from around the country. Guests are also encouraged to follow the dress code of red, white, and blue. Held at the House of Yes on Labor Day, this Brooklyn party is the perfect place to celebrate the American workforce.

Thriving dance party not your scene? Spend the day at Fort Tilden Beach instead, a three smile stretch of sand and sea. Just make sure you bring all of the Labor Day essentials, food to BBQ, your swimsuit, and your favorite water toys.

Less than 5 minutes from the House of Yes, take a much needed break at the day hotel of Bogart Hotel in Brooklyn. Nearby this daycation destination, you will find the famous Syndicated Bar and Theater and the 550 acre Prospect Park. Stay for the entire weekend or book a day hotel for just a couple of hours.

Get the Most Out of Your Labor Daycation Weekend & Give Back

With summer coming to a close, Labor Day weekend is your chance to fit in your last minute celebrations and festivals. Fortunately, there are many festivals and events around the country to choose from. Get the most out of your Labor Day celebrations with a flexible room from HotelsByDay. Booking a dayuse hotel room for a couple of hours is the perfect way to refresh in between celebrations.

Use the code HelpTX when booking a day stay with HotelsByDay through December 31, 2017 and 5 % of the booking revenue is donated to the American Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

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Heather Hardy

Heather is an avid writer and reader. When she is not reading all the latest novels on the best sellers lists, she is writing her own content and creative forms. She is also a yoga enthusiast and loves to learn about anything and everything. She looks forward to new writing projects and a good cup of coffee in the morning.