Many of us think of Labor Day as the traditional end of summer, which means saying goodbye to long sunny days and getting back to school or work. But don't let that get you down. At least you can send summer off with one last party. The St. Louis area has many festivals and events Labor Day weekend. Here are ten ways to celebrate Labor Day 2011 in St. Louis.
There's plenty to do in St. Louis after Labor Day. When you're looking for ideas, check out my articles on Top September Events and Free Fall Events in St. Louis.
1. Japanese Festival
Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis might not be the first place you think of when it comes to celebrating Japanese culture, but each Labor Day weekend, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts one of the largest and oldest Japanese Festivals in North America. The event features traditional music, dancing and storytelling in the Garden's authentic Japanese strolling gardens. Visitors can learn about the art of Origami or attend a traditional tea ceremony. Another highlight of the three-day event is the chance to see a real sumo wrestling demonstration. Tickets to the festival are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children and Garden members.
September 3-5, 2011
Missouri Botanical Garden
2. Midwest Wingfest
If you like chicken wings, don't miss Midwest Wingfest 2011. There will be dozens of varieties of gourmet and hot wings to sample, plus live music, a cooking competition, talent show, 5K run and more. Midwest Wingfest is held on the parking lot of St. Clair Square Mall from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
September 3, 2011
Fairview Heights
3. Cardinals vs Reds/Brewers
Spend part of the Labor Day weekend at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals play the Reds on Saturday and Sunday. Then on Labor Day, it's a 3:15 p.m. start against Milwaukee.
September 3-5, 2011
Downtown St. Louis
4. Downtown Labor Day Parade
Thousands of local union members will march through Downtown St. Louis for the annual Labor Day Parade. The parade begins at 9 a.m., at 13th and Olive. It then makes its way down Tucker Street, past St. Louis City Hall and west on Market Street to 15th Street.
September 5, 2011
Downtown St. Louis
5. Big Muddy Blues Festival
Photo courtesy Laclede's Landing Merchant's Association
Music is the big draw on Laclede's Landing on Labor Day weekend. The Big Muddy Blues Festival is an outdoor music festival featuring local and nationally known artists. Musicians will perform on three stages set up throughout the Landing. New in 2011: There will be an admission charge for the main stage shows only. The cost is $8 in advance or $10 on the day of the event. The music begins each day at 1 p.m, and goes until about 11 p.m. And of course, dozens of restaurants on the Landing will be serving up food and drinks during the festival, whenever you need a break or a bite to eat.
September 3 & 4, 2011
Laclede's Landing
6. St. Nicolas Greek Festival
Photo courtesy Stockbyte, Getty Images
For those who love food, especially homemade pastries, the Greek Festival in the Central West End is a must on Labor Day weekend. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy music, dancing and some of the best Greek food you'll find anywhere. Whether you're in the mood for moussaka, spanakopites or baklava, you won't leave hungry. Free parking is available at the BJC Parking Garage.
September 3-5, 2011
St. Nicholas Church
Kingshighway & Forest Park Parkway
7. Water Parks & Swimming Pools
Labor Day weekend is your final chance this year to take in the fun at Raging Rivers, Hurricane Harbor and other local water parks. Labor Day is also the last day of the season for many community pools.
September 3-5, 2011
Various Locations
8. Belleville Labor Day Parade
Many Metro East union members and their families will celebrate Labor Day at the annual parade in Belleville. The parade begins at 10 a.m., along First Street in downtown Belleville. The parade ends at Hough Park.
September 5, 2011
Downtown Belleville
9. Victorian Festival
Step back in time at the Jersey County Victorian Festival. This year's three-day event at Hazel Dell Historic Farm will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a battle reenactment and reading of the Gettysburg Address. There will also be live music, food and vendors selling a variety of crafts. The festival runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and younger get in free.
September 3-5, 2011
Jerseyville, IL
10. Extended Hours at the Zoo
Labor Day weekend means the last days of extended hours at the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park. The Zoo will be open until 7 p.m., Friday through Monday, with a special free concert by the Ralph Band on Friday night.
September 2-5, 2011
St. Louis Zoo
