America’s best Labor Day festivities

Happy Labor Day, everyone! The first two things that come to mind when it comes to this holiday is NO WORK and BBQ’S – yum! But there’s plenty more to look forward to today when it comes to festivals, music, and parades. What follows is a list of the top Labor Day events across America.

Brooklyn’s West Indian Carnival
A colorful carnival of culture, song and dance, this unique parade and festival Americans, is a massive celebration for Caribbeans, Brooklynites, New Yorkers and more. Over one million spectators take to the Brooklyn streets running along Eastern Parkway. The carnival originated back in 1920 and remains one of the most popular celebrations of Caribbean culture in the Americas. The midday parade features dancers donning elaborate costumes and bands playing lively music. Perhaps the highlight of the carnival, though, are the amazing West Indian food and drink (ginger beer, anyone?).

D.C Labor Day concert
If you’re a bit farther south of the Big Apple, maybe D.C.’s free Labor Day concert may pique your interest. The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., which remains one of the only events in area where you don’t need tickets, special invitations, or a black tie to attend. Gates open to the public at 3:20 p.m., and the concert begins at 8 p.m. Many flock to the lawn early to barbecue before the show starts.

Detroit’s Labor Day Parade
Motor City’s labor may be lacking severely, but its enormously popular Labor Day parade is still going strong. Today also caps off a four-day jazz fest, which will satisfy even the most critical music goers.

Mackinac Bridge Walk
Another popular “parade” in the Midwest is on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The city itself has a relaxing island feel as it is home to less than 1,000 people. Reach Mackinac by ferry or plane. Then head to the Grand Hotel (boasting world’s largest hotel porch at 660 feet), which hosts an annual Labor Day Jazz weekend that features local artists and tons of food and drinks. Don’t leave too soon though! Be sure to participate in the famous Mackinac Bridge Walk, which has been held since 1958.