2024 Labor Day Weekend Michigan: HUGE List of Festivals, Events, Music, Parades, Things To Do!  Where Can I Go for Labor Day in Michigan?


2024 Labor Day Weekend Michigan | Last updated: September 12, 2023 | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com

Are you searching for fun festivals and things to do Michigan Labor Day Weekend 2024? We've got you! 

Lots of Labor Day 2024 events are happening all across Michigan including Detroit, South Haven, Muskegon, Mackinaw City, Marquette, Royal Oak, Traverse City, Torch Lake, Lansing, West Michigan, and more!


When is Labor Day? Monday, September 2, 2024

When is Labor Day Weekend? August 31, 2024 and September 1, 2024



One of the biggest Labor Day events is the Mackinac Bridge Walk! Have you always wanted to walk the incredible Mighty Mac?

Here is your chance! It's the fall event of the season.




Labor Day Related Events & Activities



Where can I go for Labor Day Weekend Michigan? Top 14 FUN Labor Day Getaways in Michigan!

Looking for a top rated, quick Michigan getaway? Check out our city guides below! We absolutely love these Michigan destinations for your next Michigan vacation!

  1. Petoskey -14 Awesome Things To Do! Chocolate tours, beaches and so much more!
  2. South Haven - Take the long Labor Day Weekend to rejuvenate in this lovely Michigan beach town!  South Haven Beaches are incredible, you've got to see for yourself! Check out the famous Lighthouse, watersports and visit the Michigan Maritime Museum to embark on a super fun pirate ship boat ride!
  3. St. Joseph - Best Things To Do! Ride the Iconic Carousel, get pizza at Silver Beach Pizza, walk sparking Silver Beach and stay overnight at the Boulevard hotel!
  4. Mackinac Island - Combine visiting the island with the Bridge Walk!  Nosh on delicious creamy fudge, rent bikes to cycle the circumference of the island, shoot the cannon at the Fort and find the best views of Mackinac Island from the top of Arch Rock!
  5. Mackinaw City - Grab our Ultimate visitors guide! Best things to do, tours, hotels and incredible boat rides like Ugly Annie's! 
  6. Traverse City - 3 Jam Packed Travel Guides! Explore the Old Mission Peninsula and gorgeous Sutton's Bay!
  7. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore - JUST WOW!  We've got several Sleeping Bear Dunes Trails for you check out including the famous Empire Bluff Trail. 
  8. Glen Arbor - I absolutely LOVE Glen Arbor! It's great for walking, hiking, cycling, wine tasting, shopping, golf and so much more! Grab our Glen Arbor Guide!
  9. Charlevoix - Beaches, best BBQ, and more! Oh and you just gotta find the super cool Mushroom Houses/Hobbit Homes!
  10. Alpena - See Shipwrecks, Fossils and Go Kayaking!
  11. Explore Midland! Walk or bike the famous Tridge, dine downtown, visit Dow Gardens (and the famous Canopy Walk) and hike the Midland Forest!
  12. Bay City - Love antiquing? What about great sea food? Did you know Bay City is the birthplace of Madonna?  
  13. Detroit - We have dozens of Detroit Visitors guides! So many museums, day trip ideas, great restaurants and Labor Day Weekend Michigan events!
  14. Ann Arbor - Our Ann Arbor guide and map takes you to several incredible museums, restaurants and fun things to do!
  15. Marshall Michigan - Marshall has the most incredible boardwalk and dam that you just have to see!  There's great restaurants, nature trails, fountains, a super cool magic shop and much more!


Why do we Celebrate Labor Day? Why is it Important to Celebrate Labor Day? 

Per the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day is a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. It began in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. 

Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887.

When Was the First Labor Day?

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882.  The celebration took place in New York City with the Central Labor Union.


What to do in Detroit Labor Day Weekend 2024?

See the Detroit Labor Day Parade!  What is the route for the Labor Day parade in Detroit? The parade route will begin on Michigan Ave. and 6th St. in Corktown and head west toward Roosevelt Park.

  • Romeo Peach Festival - This fun festival features a 5K run, craft show, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Come out for the Peach Festival  August 31-Sepember 4, 2023. Free admission.
  • Lake St. Clair Summer Concerts - Come on out for weekly Sunday night concerts! Labor Day weekend will feature Dave Hamilton Band at 6:30 p.m. Free with a Metropark pass. Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township. 
  • The 78th Franklin Community Association Labor Day Round Up family fair - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday in downtown Franklin.  Come on out for a parade at noon, huge inflatables, fun pony rides, petting farm, magic show, jugglers, interactive circus, midway games, face painting, food, classic car show and more. 
  • Art in the Village - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday on Franklin Road between 13 Mile and 14 Mile in Franklin. Free admissionCome on out for a fine art fair, with incredible works in glass, pottery, fiber, furniture, jewelry, photography, painting, watercolor, wood, sculpture and metal. Live music, too!


Are There Fireworks on Labor Day?

Yes! Several cities have fireworks!

  • Celebrate the Labor Day weekend with a fireworks show at Cascades Falls Park in Jackson, Michigan. The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday September 2, 2023.  See fireworks and a light show on the Cascades Falls at dusk, approximately 10 p.m. Be sure to bring blankets and enjoy the celebration!
  • Belding Labor Day Celebration, September 1-4, 2023 offers fireworks on Sunday, September 3rd!


Best Labor Day Festivals and FUN Things to Do on Labor Day Weekend Michigan: The Complete Guide

Popcorn, Cotton Candy and Candy Apple Stand at a County Fair at NightThe Lure of Popcorn, Candy Apples, and Cotton Candy is Irresistible at County Fairs!

Below is a MASSIVE list of the best 2023 Michigan Labor Day events, activities, and things to do near you. Complete Guide to Labor Day Weekend Michigan 2024.

Michigan State Fair 2024

When:  August 31-September 4, 2023

Where: Suburban Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI.

Carnival Midway, Livestock exhibits, Circus performances, Beer garden, Entertainment tent, Agriculture booths, Vendor booths.  Fun Michigan Labor Day Events 2024!


93nd Romeo Peach Festival 2024

When: August 31-September 4, 2023

Where: Downtown Romeo. Market, craft shows, carnival rides, run, food trucks, wine, music and fireworks! Great September Michigan festival for the whole family!


Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats

When: Friday, September 1-4, 2023 (through Labor Day.)

Where: Downtown Royal Oak on Labor Day Weekend.

Features 200 musical acts! It’s Oakland County’s Favorite Summer Festival Celebrating Art, Music, Cuisine & Community!

Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival

When: September 1 and 2, 2023.

Where: 17073 Northwood Highway, Arcadia, MI. 

–Music, brews and food!  Food trucks, 5k, 15k, camping. Get your tickets early!  


Marquette Area Blues Festival!

When: September 1 - 3, 2023. 5pm - 11 pm.

Where: Mattson Lower Harbor Park in downtown Marquette, Michigan

 Head up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula this Labor Day Weekend for three days of world class blues on the shores of Lake Superior!  Enjoy food vendors, beer & wine tent, free workshops, and arts and crafts booths. Fun Labor Day Weekend Michigan events!


Boogie Fest Too 2023!

When: Friday September 1, 2023 - Sunday September 3, 2023

Where: 14069 County Line G Road, Rock, MI.

Come enjoy the campground parade and costume contest, poker run, music, bon fires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!


48th Annual Show U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Association

When:  Friday, September 1, 2023 - Monday, September 4, 2023

Where: U.P. State Fairground, 2401 12th AVE N. Escanaba, MI

 Arts and crafts, pancake breakfast, barn dance, and lots more! 


Fairgrove Bean Festival

When: Labor Day Weekend 2023, Saturday, Sunday and Monday!

Where: Fairgrove, Michigan

Saturday afternoon Mud Bog, Sunday evening Demolition Derby by Unique Motor Sports, fireworks at 9:30 on Sunday night…Monday is the parade and Chicken BBQ…free bean soup every day, cornhole, demolition derby, craft show, bingo and crowning of the Michigan Bean Queen.


Muskegon Polish Festival

When: Labor Day Weekend 2023, September 1st and 2nd, 2023 -11:00 AM - 10:00 PM. 

Where: Located at the historic Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon, Michigan.

Admission for 21 and Older - $10.  This fun Labor Day festival features delicious Polish food, polka music, polka dancing, a kids’ area, and much more. Fun Labor Day Weekend Michigan events!


Wooden crate filled with fresh picked peachesFresh peaches are a summer staple


Grab our guide of the Best Farms for U Pick Peaches in Michigan.  Peach picking occurs in July through mid August, depending on the location of the farm and their crops! 


Yellow and rust colored sunflowersCheerful sunflowers will lure you to Michigan's sunflower festivals across the state

Detroit Jazz Festival

Fun Detroit Labor Day Weekend Events in Detroit. During the Detroit Jazz Festival, you can enjoy jazz all weekend long!

Is the Detroit Jazz Festival free? The Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Rocket Mortgage is the world's largest free jazz festivals!

Belding Labor Day 2023 - Under the Big Top

When: September 1-4, 2023

Where: Downtown Belding

Parade, 5k, Fun Run, Music, Carnival, Car Show, and more! 


Bell’s Beer Copper Harbor Trails Fest


When: September 1 – 3, 2023

Where: Downtown Copper Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

This super fun annual Labor Day Weekend event features races, music, beer, and so much fun Friday, Saturday and Sunday!! 


Ontonagon Labor Day Celebration: Labor Day 2023 Bridge Walk

When:  September 1, 2023 - September 4, 2023.

Where: Downtown Ontongon!

Labor Day 2023 Bridge Walk, Auto Show, Parade, Kids Activities!  Fun Labor Day Weekend Michigan events! 

Ontonagon Laborfest Auto Show! September 2, 2023. Begins at 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Antiques, street rods, sports cars, rat rods, motorcycles and more!


Manton Area Harvest Festival

When: Labor Day weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday)

Where: Most events are located at the Manton Station on Wall St. but there are other events and craft shows all around the surrounding area.

Music, parade, food and fun!  


Uncle John's Cider Mill - Sunflower Fest

When: August 19 and September 2, 3, 9, 2023.

Where: Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. John's

On September 3: Cruise in Car show 9-3, Live Music 1-4 at the tap room, Food Trucks, kids activities, cider mill and more! See our visit to Uncle John's Cider Mill!


Enjoy Baseball at The Great Lakes Loons Stadium!

When: 2 home games, September 2, September 3, 2023. (There will be fireworks on September 2, 2023!)

Where: Midland Michigan

Love Baseball?  The Great Lakes Loons in Midland Michigan is celebrating Labor Day Weekend with two home games! The stadium is incredible!


Festival of Oddities

When: Saturday, September 2, 2023, 11am-6pm and Sunday, September 3, 2023 11am-4pm.

Where: Located at Courthouse Square Museum, 100 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, MI.

Admission to the grounds is free for all ages. Admission to the historic Courthouse Square Museum is $5/person.  Check out over 100 of the state’s most talented artists and makers. Food Truck Row, macabre-themed photo booth, caricatures, vintage carnival games, Axe Wall and Living Library which features the best paranormal, true crime, and horror authors in the state. Fantastic Labor Day Weekend event in Michigan.


Image of red Antique Car along the shoreline in St. Ignace MichiganLovely St. Ignace

Arts Dockside, St. Ignace

When:  September 2 and 3, 2023

Where: St. Ignace Public Marina

This 2-day Labor Weekend event features over 100 exhibits of arts and crafts along the Huron Boardwalk at the St. Ignace Public Marina.  Food, music and many great activities await! 

Don't forget to schedule time for the Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk on Monday. Arts Dockside hours are Saturday, September 2, 9:00 am-6:00 pm; Sunday, September 3, 9:00 am-5:00 pm.


32nd Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts and Craft Show in Tawas

When: September 2, 2023, 10 am - 5 pm and September 3, 2023, 10 am - 4pm.

Where: Shoreline Park, Tawas City, Across from Iosco County Building.

Come on out for a lovely day in Tawas Michigan! It's a great time to explore east Michigan! Fun Labor Day Weekend Michigan event!


Harmony Fest - Arts & Crafts

When: September 2 and 3, 2023

Where: Located at corner of US 23 and M72 in Harrisville, Michigan

This annual Labor Day Weekend Festival is held every Saturday and Sunday preceding Labor Day in Harrisville, Michigan, and features talented artists and crafters from around the country.  Listen to the Sweet Adeline’s and live Musicians while shopping over 300 booths.  Kids/Family Activities on the Tennis Courts on Saturday from 10am – 2pm, with prizes.


Lake Bluff Artisan Fair

When: September 2, 2023 | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Where: Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph Michigan

This eclectic craft fair, held in picturesque St. Josephs offers a variety of handcrafted goods. There's something for everyone - anything from home décor and furniture to jewelry, candles and more! 


Roadside Sign of Wild PumpkinThe Wild Pumpkin - Sunflower Days

Torch Lake Labor Day Art & Crafts Show

When: September 2 - September 4, 2023, Open 10 am to 5pm daily. 

Where: Alden Depot Park & Museum, 10670 Coy St, Alden, MI.

 Annual Torch Lake Labor day Weekend Art & craft show features local and nationally acclaimed artists, makers and more!  Nationally acclaimed and local artisans will be on hand demonstrating and selling their art. Come on out to enjoy paintings, jewelry, metal art, yard art, sculptures, pottery, glass blowers and more. Sidewalk sales will also be going on in stores in downtown Alden.


32nd Annual Labor Day Weekend Show in Tawas

When: September 2, 2023, 10 am - 5 pm and September 3, 2023, 10 am - 4pm.

Where: Shoreline Park, Tawas City, Across from Iosco County Building.


Michigan Chicken Wing Festival: What a FUN Labor Day Weekend Michigan Event!

When: September 2nd & 3rd, 2023, 2 pm - 9 pm

Where: Adado Riverfront Park Lansing

The Michigan Chicken Wing Festival features a main stage with musical acts from all genres, live entertainment, pro wrestling, kids zone, a game trailer, giveaways, VIP beer and wine refreshment tent, a chicken wing eating contest and more. Awesome labor day events in Michigan!


Algonac Art Fair - 51st Annual Labor Day Weekend Event!

When:  September 2-3, 2023.

Where: Algonac, Michigan!

The Algonac Art Fair has been celebrating the art and artists in this community since 1972!  

All Crafts Fair in South Haven Michigan

When: September 2, 3, 2023

Where: 298 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI.

Each Labor Day Weekend, the Chamber of Commerce coordinates this two day craft fair that brings over 130 exhibitors to Stanley Johnston Park and more than 15,000 people to the South Haven area.  Craft fairs are fun things to do Labor Day weekend 2023 Michigan.


The Wild Pumpkin, Sunflower Days

When: September 2–3, 2023, 10am–6pm and September 9–10, 2023, 10am–6pm.

Where:  5799 Beaverton Rd., Beaverton, MI 48612

One of our favorite places to visit in Michigan in September and over Labor Day Weekend.


All Call Music Festival

When: September 3, 2023. 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

Where: The Little Fleet, 448 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI.

Festivals, Live Music, Tastings.  Such fun Traverse City Labor Day weekend things to do!


Traverse City Tournament of Champions - Great Lakes Equestrian Festival

When: August 30 – September 3, 2023. Also on September 6 – 10, 2023.

Where: 6535 Bates Rd, Williamsburg, MI. Gates open at 12:00 PM. Fee.  


Escanaba Labor Day Celebration - Michigan's Upper Peninsula

When: Monday September 4, 2023

Where: Ludington Municipal Docks, Escanaba (Upper Peninsula)

Escanaba Labor Day Celebration Schedule:

12:00 PM ~ Parade down Ludington Street to the Municipal Dock 
12:00 - 8:00 PM ~ Food and Tent Vendors
1:00 PM ~ Petting Zoo and Bounce Houses 
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM ~ Bloody Mary Bar 
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ~ Music by Sit Down Francis
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM ~ Music by We Ain’t Saints 

West Michigan Labor Fest in Downtown Grand Rapids

When: September  4,  2023, 11:00 - 4:00 pm.

Where:  Rosa Park Circle in Downtown Grand Rapids, 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

Live entertainment, Ferris wheel for kids, sidewalk chalk art, food trucks and more! Fun Grand Rapids Labor Day Weekend event!  Lots of free entertainment for the kids. 


Labor Day Parade and Celebration! Muskegon

When: September 4, 2023, Parade starts at 11:00

Where: Parade begins at the corner of 4th and Western and heads east to Jefferson Street. 

Bring the family for some fun at the Labor Day Parade and Celebration (parade in Hackley Park). Bounce houses, bbq, drinks, face painting, balloons, arts n crafts, live band, many giveaways and much more. 

The Holland/Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade

When: September 4, 2023

Where: Beginning in Zeeland at 9:15 am and continuing through downtown Holland around 9:45 and ending at the Holland Civic Center.

The Holland/Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade honors the companies, employees and communities of Holland and Zeeland! Enjoy an ice cream social and fun! Fun family activity in Holland!


Labor Day Bridge Walk Grand Haven

When: Monday September 4, 2023. 9:00 am - 11:00 am.

Where: beginning near the Third Street Bridge.

The Annual community walk on Labor Day is a 3.5 mile walk! So much fun for the whole family! 


Mackinac Bridge Walk

When: Monday September 4, 2023

Where: Mackinac Bridge in Mackinac City, Michigan

Have you always wanted to walk the incredible Mighty Mac? Here is your chance during the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk! Grab our tips and things to know.


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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

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Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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