Labor Day Weekend Events in Greater Los Angeles

2008 Labor Day Events in LA

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.

The LA/Long Beach Labor Coalition and AFTRA-SAG Labor Day Parade
Members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild join the LA/Long Beach Labor Coalition in a march from Broad and E Street south on Avalon Blvd to Banning Park in Wilmington, where a rally will include speakers, music and hot dogs, with shuttles back to the start point.
When: Monday, Sept 7, 2009, 11 am parade stat, rally 1-2:30 pm
Where: Broad and E Street, Wilmington, CA to Banning Park, 1331 Eubank Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744
Cost: Free

Los Angeles County Fair
This year the LA County Fair is starting on Labor Day weekend and runs for a full month. The Labor Day Weekend music lineup includes Al Green and the Spinners, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, and the Latin rock group Jaguares.
When: Sat-Mon Sept 5-7, 2009, then Wed-Sun Sept 9 - Oct 4
Where: The Fairplex in Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, off the 10 Freeway, exit Fairplex Drive or White Ave.
Cost: Presale $10 adult, $6 child through 8/31, $17/$12 at the gate. Season pass $24.95.
Parking: $10.
Info: www.lacountyfair.com
More: LA County Fair Guide

Long Beach Blues Festival
Annual Blues Festival sponsored by KJAZZ 88.1 FM in Long Beach.
When: Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, Music 2 pm - 11 pm Saturday, 2-10 on Sunday, General Admission gate opens at 1:15 pm.
Where: Rainbow Lagoon at Pine and Shoreline Drive behind the Hyatt Hotel in Downtown Long Beach
Cost: Presale $49.50/day or $80 both days, $55 and $90 at the gate. Kids under 12 are free. Discount for KJAZZ members. Various VIP packages are available.
Parking: $10/day in surrounding lots.
Info: www.jazzandblues.org
Note: Lawn seating. Bring blankets or low-back chairs only. 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 privileges. 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: Labor Day Weekend, Fri-Sun, 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, children's games.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Sat-Mon, noon - 9 pm
Where: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado St, Long Beach 90814
Cost: $3, children 11 and under free, Monday Free from noon to 4 pm.
Info: (562) 494-8929, www.lbgreekfest.org
More: Southern California Greek Festivals and Greek Dance Etiquette
Fiesta Hermosa
Three-day arts and crafts festival with 270 vendors, live music and a kiddie carnival.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Sat-Mon, 10 am - 6 pm
Where: Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach
Cost: Free
Info: www.fiestahermosa.com
Guide Pick

City of Los Angeles 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 de Los Angeles at 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: Monday, Sept 5, 2009, 6:00 am - 9:30 am, Post walk celebration on Olvera Street 9 am - 3 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.lospobladores.org, www.elpueblo.lacity.org, (213) 485-8372

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: Labor Day Weekend, Friday - Sunday
Where: on the Queen Mary, 1126 Queen's Hwy, Long Beach, Ca. 90802
Cost: from $25 for a tour to $650/per couple for a full weekend pass including 2-night hotel stay.
Info: www.queenmary.com, www.adsla.org
More: Queen Mary Visitors Guide Cinecon Classic Film Festival
A 5-day celebration of movies, specializing in rare, unusual and unjustly forgotten movies from the silent and early sound era. It features screenings of over 30 classic films, celebrity guests and film book and movie memorabilia shows. Most films are screened in 35mm and silent films include live piano accompaniment.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Sept 3-7, 2009
Where:The Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, LA 90028; Banquet and film book and Memorabilia Shows are at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel.
Cost: ($20 membership required to buy tickets) Day Passes are $25-$30, $80 Festival Pass, $85 Celebrity Banquet, $150 Festival+Banquet
Info: www.cinecon.org