Top 9 Labor Day Events in the US for 2019

Although celebrated annually on the first Monday of September, Labor Day has grown into a multi-day affair, not just a one-day event.

This public holiday honors the contributions of American workers and marks the unofficial end of summer. It's no surprise that this long weekend is filled with lively events drawing crowds from all over the country.

Here are nine top destinations offering some of the best Labor Day festivities. For more details, click the links provided at the end of the article:

San Diego: U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition

This event is so significant that the city will be temporarily renaming itself from August 31 to September 2, 2019. For this special occasion, San Diego will be known as SAND iego.

Top sand sculptors from around the world will showcase their talents, creating masterpieces from 300 tons of sand as part of a thrilling competition.

If the sand isn't enough to keep you entertained, live bands will perform iconic tributes to the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Beach Boys. Feeling hungry? A variety of gourmet food trucks will be on site to satisfy your cravings.

New Orleans: Southern Decadence

Southern Decadence, often dubbed the "gay Mardi Gras," is expanding its focus to include the entire community with family-friendly events alongside its vibrant celebrations. Kerry Maloney/The Times-Picayune/AP

Southern Decadence is a Louisiana tradition that has grown into a massive celebration for the LGBT community and their allies over the past 48 years, attracting more than 200,000 attendees.

From the “Battle of the Bulge” contest starting at midnight on Thursday (August 29) to the “Hung Over and Broke” party on Monday (September 2), there’s no shortage of events to keep the partygoers entertained.

Most of the festivities take place in the iconic French Quarter.

New York City: West Indian American Day Carnival

In New York City, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association hosts its biggest event of the year along Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway, near Prospect Park. With vibrant carnival costumes and mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine, it's a celebration that draws 1.5 million attendees each year.

The festivities kick off on Thursday (August 29) with live music at the Brooklyn Museum, and continue through to Monday (September 2), when the grand parade begins at 11 a.m. and lasts for an exciting seven hours.

The event offers an array of delicious Caribbean dishes: jerk chicken, fried fish, rice and peas, curry, fried chicken, arepas, and classic Spanish meals like arroz con pollo.

Although the event is alcohol-free, attendees can easily pop into a nearby bar or restaurant for a drink if they wish to take a break from the festivities.

Denver: Taste of Colorado

Food plays a central role in holiday celebrations, and Labor Day is no exception.

In Denver, food lovers can enjoy the Taste of Colorado from Saturday (August 31) to Labor Day (September 2). Over 50 restaurants and food trucks will be offering a variety of delicious dishes.

Don’t feel guilty about indulging – you can burn those calories dancing to live performances from artists like KC and the Sunshine Band, Dwight Yoakam, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Chicago: Chicago Jazz Festival

While the Chicago Jazz Festival's main stage is at Millennium Park, jazz performances fill venues throughout the entire Windy City.

The Chicago Jazz Festival's largest venue is located in Millennium Park, but jazz performances can be enjoyed throughout the entire Windy City.

The Chicago Jazz Festival has become a beloved Labor Day tradition in the city. Officially starting on Friday (August 23), the festival kicks off with performances at various jazz venues and clubs across town.

Major performances for the festival will take place from Thursday (August 29) to Sunday (September 1) at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. Highlights include Freddy Cole’s tribute to his brother Nat King Cole, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and the Eddie Palmieri Sextet.

At Millennium Park – the festival's main venue – you’ll find food trucks and vendors offering wine and beer, perfect companions to your jazz experience.

Detroit: Detroit Jazz Festival

Detroit, not to be outdone by Chicago, also hosts its own celebrated jazz festival.

The 40th annual Detroit Jazz Festival will run from Friday, August 30, through Labor Day.

Featured performers include the 2019 Artist-in-Residence Stanley Clarke, Macy Gray, the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble, and the Kenny Garrett Quintet.

The best part? All of this incredible music comes at no cost to you.

Brookfield, Missouri: Great Pershing Balloon Derby

Celebrating its 42nd year, the Great Pershing Balloon Derby is the longest-running, continuously sanctioned balloon event in the country. Balloons soar several thousand feet high, offering stunning views of Missouri’s scenic landscapes—perfect for photography.

In its 42nd year, the Great Pershing Balloon Derby stands as the nation’s longest-running balloon event. Balloons fly up to several thousand feet, showcasing Missouri's beautiful scenery—ideal for capturing with your camera.

A standout event in the Midwest, the Great Pershing Balloon Derby in Brookfield, Missouri, takes place from Friday (August 30) through Labor Day. Morning and evening balloon flights last between 45 minutes and an hour, weather permitting (winds must stay under 10 mph).

The derby offers more than just balloon flights. Attendees can shop at craft vendor booths, grab a bite from food trucks, hunt for treasures at the flea market, and let kids participate in a bike decorating contest.

Amana, Iowa: The Festival of Iowa Beers

A diverse selection of beers will be available, with food vendors scattered across the venue. Live music will also be part of the lively atmosphere.

Pomona, California: L.A. County Fair

The L.A. County Fair is another major event to check out, running from Friday, August 30, to Sunday, September 22, with a classic Labor Day Weekend kickoff.

2019 highlights include performances by The O'Jays and The Spinners, a comedy show with George Lopez, a pop architecture exhibit, historical train displays, and the Flower & Garden Pavilion.