Labor Day always falls on the first Monday in September. The holiday celebrates the achievements of American workers and grants many of us a day off from the daily grind.
And if you’re looking to trade a giant end-of-summer party for a peaceful day at home this Labor Day, our guide has you covered with food, décor, Labor Day activities, events and more.
Food
Delicious, portable food is the key to throwing a great backyard get-together and nothing delivers that like a bit of barbecue. From chicken to burgers and everything in between, you can grill just about anything.
Go for your classic recipes or mix it up with some unique options offered in these Metro Parent recipe roundups:
- Creative cheeseburger recipes
- Labor Day sides and desserts
- Easy grilled chicken recipes for a family barbecue
- Vegetarian slider recipes
Events
Michigan State Fair
Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Cost: $10/fair admission, $42/ultimate admission
Walk the midway, see the circus, ride carnival rides, see demonstrations and more at the State Fair that dates back to 1849. Other attractions include livestock shows, live entertainment and carnival eats.
Arts, Beats & Eats
Sept. 1-4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak area
- Cost: $5-$10, free/under 3
Enjoy art at the juried fair, eats from food trucks and beats that include live music. The kids zone will have arts and crafts, bounce houses and interactive, educational and fun performances all weekend.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Sept. 2-4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Hamtramck area
- Cost: Free
This annual Labor Day Festival features a carnival, music, food, wrestling, canoe races and a parade.
Historic Base Ball
Sept. 2-4, 2023
- Address: Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free with museum admission
Enjoy a game of baseball played with the 1897 rules on select Saturdays and Sundays (including Labor Day) throughout the summer.
Activities
Host an outdoor movie night
Our sister magazine, Chicago Parent, suggests setting up an outdoor movie on your day off. Watch a summer classic, like “The Sandlot” or one of our Watch This, Do That options. Make movie night an event by setting up a s’mores bar for the kids.
Go out for ice cream
End the summer with a sweet treat! You can’t go wrong with these ice cream shops in southeast Michigan.
Cool off at the beach
A day off on one of the last days of summer can only mean one thing — beach day! Head to one of these family-friendly beaches in Michigan to cool off and relax.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
