America’s best Labor Day festivities

by Brenda Yun on

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.

Gadlinks for Monday 8.24.09

by Brenda Yun on


One of summer´s last weekends has come and gone. Enjoy the warm sun while it lasts! … and take some time to enjoy these travel tales as well.

‘Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Philadelphia’s oldest tavern toasts 150 years

by Katie Hammel on

The oldest continuously operated bar in Philadelphia (and one of the oldest in the country) began celebrating its sesquicentennial this week. McGillin’s Old Ale House opened in 1860, the year President Lincoln was elected, making it almost 150 years old.

While the anniversary isn’t technically until 2010, McGillin’s decided to start the party 150 days in advance, so if you find yourself in Philly, stop in and raise a glass. The bar has already started brewing and selling a special 1860 IPA and has a full schedule of anniversary events lined up, like book signings, an Oktoberfest party, and a Fall festival.

The pre-Civil-War tavern has a colorful history. When the original owner died, his wife took over the business and kept a list of troublemakers not allowed in. Among them was her own father. Locals consider the bar a Philadelphia institution and its “old-time character” has earned it spots on lists like America’s Most Authentic Irish Pubs (even though it doesn’t serve Guinness) and Coolest Bars in the U.S.

[via USA Today]

Experience Aussie culture at Darwin Festival

by Mike Barish on

There’s a lot to love about Australia. It has fantastic surfing, gorgeous natural wonders and neat accents. But if you want a taste of true Aussie culture, you should head up to Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, for Darwin Festival. From August 13-30, Darwin Festival features indigenous dance performances, art exhibitions, concerts, cabaret, comedy and much more. This year’s festival features the Lighthouse, a tent-like open-air venue constructed almost entirely out of festoon lighting.

Darwin Festival features some of the best in world music and is also host to the Indigenous Music Awards on August 21. For travelers looking for an authentic Australian experience that goes beyond photo ops at the Sydney Opera House and zoo visits to see koalas, Darwin Festival is a must.

The Northern Territory is home to Australia’s Outback, numerous indigenous cultures and vast landscapes. If I haven’t enticed you to head to the Darwin Festival yet, let me throw in this tidbit: Many of the events are free.

And if that wasn’t enough, how about this: I’ll be in attendance! Look for me wandering around in my Gadling t-shirt. If you see me, please say hi. Us Gadlingers are very friendly and it can get lonely on the road. But you can’t rock out with me unless you you make your way to Darwin. So, get booking!

Surviving Chicago’s Market Days festival

by Katie Hammel on

This Saturday and Sunday, Chicago welcomes the largest street festival in the Midwest, Northalsted Market Days. It’s a two-day free-for-all of over 400 vendors, 40 concerts and drag shows, street food, booze . . . and lots and lots of half-naked men.

You see, Market Days takes place in Boystown, a stretch of Halsted Street in the Lakeview neighborhood that is home to the majority of the city’s gay bars and adult shops (plus plenty of trendy restaurants and unique boutiques for any orientation) and many of its gay residents. While the festival isn’t adults-only, you’ll definitely see some things you might have a hard time explaining to your kids (“Mommy, what’s a speculum?”).

While Market Days is predominantly a party – you’ll see more champagne-slushy stands and margarita vendors than anything else – it’s also a chance to support the local community. The money raised from the voluntary $7 donation goes to support the Northalsted Merchants Association that represents the local business owners. They also profit greatly from the event in the form of extra business during Market Days, both at their restaurants and at booths they operate at the fest. Need a new “special toy”, some knock-off designer sunglasses, a hammock for your backyard, a set of “pitcher” and “catcher” t-shirts, or maybe just an arm full of used books? Market Days has you covered with it’s eclectic collection of vendors. You’ll also find giveaways and contests; last year a friend of mine won two sets of round-trip tickets from Travelocity’s “cash-grab” booth.

If you get tired of sipping frozen cocktails, sampling from food stalls, checking out the merchandise and just taking in some of the more outlandish outfits (or lack thereof) worn by the crowd, you can head over to the concert stage where performers like En Vogue and Jody Watley will entertain, along with some local Chicago bands. For that you’ll have to pony up a bit more though. Wristbands to see the stage run from $30-$50 each.

Given the huge crowds and sensory overload you’ll experience at Market Days, the first time can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips for survival.

Bring cash. In addition to the $7 donation fee, you’ll need it for any purchase you make from a vendor. There are ATM machines located around the route, but they often run out of money over the weekend.

Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer. A few hundred thousand drunk people can really take their toll on the porta-potties. Come prepared. Most establishments along the route will not let you use their facilities unless you buy something.

Bring snacks and water. You aren’t supposed to bring booze into the fest (though it’s easy enough to sneak in) but you can bring in some water to stay hydrated and some healthy snacks to keep your strength up.

Wear closed-toe shoes. Especially as the night wears on, your chances of getting stepped on (or worse, stepping in something unsavory) increase.

Bring your cell phone if you plan to meet up with friends and make a plan to meet just inside or outside one of the entrances. Make a plan for if you get separated too. It’s easy to get distracted and wander off from your group.

Bring a camera. You’ll want to document this. Trust me.

Dress to impress. If you’re looking for a hook up, bring your A-game. You’ll have lots of competition. From skinny young guys in nothing but a pair of speedos and some feathery angel wings to older “bears” in full-on leather, you’ll see it all and if you want to stand out, you’ll need to make an effort.

Take public transportation. If you plan on drinking, and even if you don’t, taking the El (Belmont Red Line) or bus is the way to go. Cops are out in full force looking for drunk drivers, and parking around the fest is nearly impossible anyways.

Come with an open mind. Market Days is a party for sure. But it’s also a celebration, of love and acceptance. Everyone is happy and friendly. Whether you are gay or straight, male or female, you’ll be approached or maybe even propositioned, but either way you’ll have a great time.