Labor Day Weekend Events in Greater Los Angeles

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated by labor unions in New York City in the 1880s with a grand parade in honor of the working class. Now most people just think of it as a day off work and a chance for a last end-of-summer family outing. If you're still looking for something to do in the LA area for the long weekend, here are some suggestions for celebrating the diversity of the American workforce.

Long Beach Blues Festival
27th Annual Blues Festival sponsored by KJAZZ 88.1 FM at California State University, Long Beach.
When: Sat, Sept 1 and Sun, Sept 2, Music 110:30 am - 6 pm, General Admission gate opens at 9 am.
Where: California State University, Long Beach, Athletic Field, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach 90840
Cost: $45/day or $75 both days, Discount for KKJZ members
Parking: $8/day in Lot 14, RV parking $10.50/day or $21 overnight in Lot 11, Saturday night only.
Info: www.jazzandblues.org
Note: Lawn seating. Bring balnkets or low-back chairs. Food and beverages are available for sale. Outside food with plastic utensils can be brought in and non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed bottles. No in-and-out priviledges. See the website for a full list of restrictions.

Orange International Street Fair
Four city streets are blocked off around the traffic circle in old town Orange. A craft fair is arranged around the circle and street segments are converted into streets of the world with appropriate food and entertainment. Nine stages include an Irish Stage with some of the best local Irish bands, a Greek Stage, German Stage, Mexican Stage, Polynesian Stage, English Stage and All American Stage as well as a Children's Stage and activities.
When: Fri-Sun, Aug 31 - Sep 2, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
Where: Plaza Square, Chapman and Glassel in the City of Orange, 92855
Cost: Free
Parking: some street parking. Lots are available for a fee. Everyone in the neighborhood rents out parking spaces for the festival, so look around for the lowest rates.
Info: www.orangestreetfair.org
Note: This is a very family friendly festival during the day, but it gets very crowded in the evening and a lot of people who have been drinking all day are sloppy drunk and obnoxious by dusk.
Guide Pick

Long Beach Greek Festival
Live music by the Olympians, exhibit dancing and social dancing, Greek food and product booths, chidlren's games.
When: Sat-Mon, Sept 1-3, noon - 9 pm
Where: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado St, Long Beach 90814
Cost: $3, children 11 and under free
Info: (562) 494-8929, www.assumptionlb.org

Labor Day Street Fair in Canoga Park
A multi-cultural street festival with carnival rides, vendor and food booths and entertainment.
When: Sept 1-2, noon to 10 pm
Where: Canoga Ave. and Roscoe Blvd. in Canoga Park, 91304
Cost: Free
Info: (818) 734-2744

Fiesta Hermosa
Three-day arts and crafts festival with 270 vendors, live music and a kiddie carnival.
When: Sat, Sun Mon, Sept 1-3, 2007, 10 am - 6 pm
Where: Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach
Cost: Free
Info: www.fiestahermosa.com
Guide Pick

Levitt Concert Series
Final week of the outdoor concert series at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena. Each night is a different style of music.
When: Wednesday through Sunday Evenings through Sep 2.
Where: Levitt Pavilion: Memorial Park Band Shell, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, 91103 at Raymond Ave.
Cost: Free
Info: www.levittpavilionpasadena.org, (626) 683-3230
Note: Bring a blanket or low chair and a picnic.

City of Los Angeles - 226th Birthday Celebration
The early morning "Los Pobladores - Walk to Los Angeles" is an annual re-enactment of the nine-mile walk from the San Gabriel Mission (428 @. Mission Ave., San Gabriel) to found El Pueblo st the current Olvera Street. Walkers can also join the procession at Lincioln Park (3401 Valley Blvd., LA) for a shorter 3-mile walk. At Olvera Street, walkers and others will find live music, food and artists booths at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site.
When: Sunday, September 2, 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, 90012 at Olvera Street.
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: www.lacity.org/226, (213) 485-8372

African Marketplace and Cultural Faire
Seven stages of music and dance, cultural booths, and goods and food for sale highlighting the African influence, not only in the United States, but in Latin America as well. This festival lasts three weekends, with the final weekend being over Labor Day.
When: August 18-19 & 25-26, Sept 1-3, 10 am - 9 pm
Where: Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles
Cost: $6.50, Seniors $4.50, Children 10 and under Free.
Info: www.africanmarketplace.org
Guide Pick

The Annual Art Deco Festival on the Queen Mary
Lectures, tours, a bazaar, afternoon Tea Dance, Pajama Party and evening Art Deco Ball celebrate all things Art Deco.
When: Friday - Sunday, August 31 - Sept 2
Where: on the Queen Mary, 1126 Queen's Hwy, Long Beach, Ca. 90802
Cost: from $20 for a tour to $700/person for a full weekend including hotel stay.
Info: www.queenmary.com