Best Labor Day Events In Chicago
Labor Day is a holiday Chicagoans take full advantage of, even if it's just a backyard barbecue or relaxing in the air conditioning. However, for those looking to celebrate through an outdoor festival, kid-friendly activities or just by eating some good food, there are a number of events filling the Labor Day weekend. The 2013 article, Best Labor Day Celebrations In Chicago, featured some event favorites coming back for another run this year. But with so many Labor Day events to choose from, this year's list offers a combination of both old and new. Get out and enjoy the weather this Labor Day weekend, and check out one of these fun events.
Circus in the Park
Grand Crossing Park
7655 S. Ingleside Ave.
Chicago, IL 60619
(312) 952-8591
www.midnightcircus.net
Date: Aug, 30 & 31, 2014 at 2 p.m.
While it may be hosted by Midnight Circus, this is actually a daytime family-friendly event being held at Grand Crossing Park. Proceeds from the performances help to fund different parks throughout the Chicago area. Previous proceeds from Circus in the Park events have raised nearly $700,000 for park improvements. Families can enjoy a circus performance during Labor Day weekend while contributing to the rejuvenation of the community.
Naperville Jaycees 2014 Last Fling
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St.
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 961-4143
www.lastfling.org
Date: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2014 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Naperville Last Fling event contains everything from live music to carnival rides, with something for every age group. For families looking to enjoy the Labor Day weekend, the Family Fun Land area has some great activities. Admission is free to enter this area with pony rides, arts and crafts area and an entertainment stage suitable for small children. There are a series of different activities held on each day. Families can pick from things like getting up close and personal with some reptiles in the Cold Blooded Creatures activity or watching a magic show put on by Jim Jensen. Check out the Family Fun Land events page for more information on each activity.
North Coast Music Festival
Union Park
1501 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 746-5494
www.northcoastfestival.com
Date: Aug. 29 – 31, 2014 at 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday
Combining different genres of music, from indie rock to hip hop, the North Coast Music Festival offers a celebration for all lovers of music. Over 20 local vendors will be selling a variety of food options, including vegan and non-gluten items. Guests who are over 21 can wash it all down with alcoholic beverages, as long as they show a valid ID to obtain a 21+ wristband. For those looking to hear some great music in an outdoor festival with food and drinks, the North Coast Music Festival offers a great Labor Day weekend event. A Three-Day General Admission Pass has a ticket price of $169, a Three-Day VIP Pass has a ticket price of $279 and children under 10 years of age are free with an accompanied adult.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-6630
www.cityofchicago.org
Date: Aug. 28 – 31, 2014 a 6 p.m.
The Chicago Jazz Festival is being held in Millennium Park, starting off with performances inside the Chicago Cultural Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring along folding chairs and even picnic baskets to settle in for a night of music and festivities. During evening concerts, food and beverage vendors will be located in the east portion of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Food, beer, wine and other beverages will be featured in the concessions tents. This is a free admission festival featuring names like the Ari Brown Quintet and Sun Ra Arkestra.
Taste of Polonia
Copernicus Center
5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 777-8898
www.topchicago.org
Date: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2014 at 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m on Monday
Located in Chicago's Jefferson Park, this annual Labor Day event is filled with authentic food, music and activities for the whole family. There are four stages with live musical performances, featuring everything from polka to rock. The authentic food and beverages at this annual cultural event give revelers a real taste of everything Polish. The Kids Stage and Kids Zone offer activities for kids; and children 12 and under are given free admission to this event. All other admission tickets are $7, not including food and beverages.
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
