Chicago Labor Day 2019: Can’t Miss Events

With the start of the start of the school year just around the corner and summer coming to a close, Labor Day weekend is the last big blowout celebration to end another beautiful season in style. From massive fireworks displays, to music, cultural and food festivals, the windy city really knows how to go out with a bang! If you don’t believe it, just take a look at this list of exciting events you won’t want to miss happening on Chicago Labor Day 2019:

Chicago Jazz Festival

When: August 23rd – September 1st
Where: Millennium Park & Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Jazz festival is one of the city’s oldest free festivals. This year’s event, now four decades in, will include a special tribute to Nat King Cole by his brother Freddy Cole and a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Jazz fest is great for people of all ages and the perfect way to wrap up a summer in Chicago. Be sure to check the full schedule for venue locations and performances.

North Coast Music Festival

When: August 30th – 31st
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion
The North Coast Music Festival is one of the coolest summer music festivals around! This year’s event will bring an array of electronic artists to Chicago’s Northerly Island, including headliners such as Major Lazer, Bassnectar, and Flux Pavilion. Ticket options and a full set list can be found on the event website.

African Festival of The Arts

When: August 30th – September 2nd
Where: Washington Park

For a taste of African culture, head to Washington Park this Labor Day weekend. Now in its 30th year, the African Festival of the Arts features museum quality, collectible artifacts, vibrant handwoven fabric and textiles, and traditional drumming. There will also be interactive spaces that include Children and Family, African Heritage, African Spirituality, Wellness, Drum and Afro-folk Village, Books and Authors, Film and Video, Fine Art, an African Marketplace, a food court and so much more.

Great American Lobster Fest

When: August 30th – September 1st
Where: Navy Pier

If you’re a foodie and a seafood lover, you won’t want to miss this event! The Great American Lobster Fest is the Midwest’s largest Lobster and Seafood Festival. Taking place on Navy Pier, festival-goers will not only be treated to some truly tasty delights but also other food and drink options, live music, family-friendly games and activities, as well as some unique arts and crafts vendors.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks

When: August 31st
Where: Navy Pier

Close out your summer with one final show-stopping fireworks display at Navy Pier. Their famous sky show will light up the city at 10:15 p.m. You can turn it into a whole fun-filled day beforehand by exploring the Pier’s 50 acres of scenic boardwalk, new restaurants, boat tours, the Centennial Wheel, and so much more.

Music on The Lake at Navy Pier

When: August 31st – September 2nd
Where: Navy Pier

Catch some tunes at the Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier for free live music and dancing this Labor Day weekend. The holiday line-up includes: Local Motive, NuBlu Band and Mike & Joe on Saturday; AfroZep, DJ Papa G and Kofi and the New Roots on Sunday; Bitter Jester Music Festival on Monday.

Just because summer’s coming to an end doesn’t mean that the fun has to. So, let’s end this season in style by enjoying some of Chicago’s most exciting end-of-summer events. We’ll see you out there!

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