Things to Do

What to do in Chicago this Labor Day

From cruises to jazz fests, Chicago has some great Labor Day events lined up for you.

Labor Day unofficially marks the end of summer, and as fall sets in, we’re all set to savor the last few moments of the Chicago sun this Labor Day weekend, with cruises, music, and of course, cocktails. 

Labor Day at Navy Pier 

Navy_pier

Fireworks at the Navy Pier, source: website 

The Beer Garden at the Navy Pier hosts free live music entertainment over three days of the Labor Day weekend. Besides this, Labor Day Weekend is your last chance to enjoy the summer fireworks at the Navy Pier. The pier also has a large Ferris wheel and many attractions for all ages during the day. At night, the colorful display is launched from the center of Lake Michigan. The fireworks take place on Saturday at 10:15 pm. Downtown rooftop bars are another great viewing spot. Alternatively, you can take a Fireworks Cruise on the lake for the most romantic experience.

Where - 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Buy Tickets here.

Chicago Jazz Festival

Chicago_jazz_festival

Live Jazz performance at Millennium Park, source: Facebook

Known for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival is a favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition. This incredible event draws outstanding musicians and celebrates jazz music with live performances. The celebration of jazz and creativity takes place at Millennium Park pavilions and the Chicago Cultural Center. The festival educates and encourages jazz audiences of all ages and showcases emerging jazz talent. Over the years, the event has hosted Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, BB King, and many others.

Where - Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St Chicago, IL 60601

Chicago Labor Day Weekend Pier Pressure White Party Cruise

Chicago_labour_day_Cruise

Spirit of Chicago yacht, source: website 

Pier Pressure has organized one of the biggest yacht parties on Lake Michigan this Labor Day weekend. Sail through the Spirit of Chicago Yacht and enjoy the ultimate dance party. Here’s what to expect:

  • An all-star line-up of Chicago's top DJs.
  • Exclusive VIP area with a special view of the dance floor.
  • Most gorgeous views of Chicago Skyline.

No alcohol, open containers, or outside food is permitted. No illegal drugs or controlled substances, including prescription drugs and marijuana, will be tolerated at the event.

Check-in - 10:30 pm
VIP Boarding - 11 pm
Cruise time - 12 am - 2 am

Where - Spirit of Chicago Yacht, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Buy tickets here.

Weekend Cocktail Cruise

Weenkend_cocktail_cruise

Source: website

Celebrate Labor Day on the water with the Chicago skyline and some delicious cocktails. There will be a full bar with cocktails available for purchase. You can not bring outside food at the party and there will be no food available. On the bright side, the different levels on the yacht are going to be blasting different genres of music, so groove to whatever floats your boat. 

21+ to board

Boarding time: 6:45 pm - 7:20 pm
Departure time: 7:30 pm
Return time: 10:00 pm

Where - Anita Dee II Yacht, DuSable Harbor, 200 N Breakwater Access, Chicago, IL 60601

Buy tickets here.

Labor Day Brunch

cafe_ba_ba_reeba

Interior of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, source: Facebook

Take your time off and book a trip to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for a sumptuous Labor Day Brunch. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is Chicago’s original tapas bar, serving authentic Spanish cuisine since 1985. The menu is designed to share, featuring tapas, pintxos (bite-sized tapas), and the classic Valencian rice dish, paella. For brunch, you can try from their favorites like the Jamón Serrano Benedict with poached eggs. Pair the meal with sangria, craft cocktails, Spanish wine, or any local beers in their lively Lincoln Park restaurant. If you’d rather just swing by for a drink, don’t forget they also have a killer happy hour rolling.

Hours - 10 am - 9 pm

Where - 2024 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Header image, source: Chicago Jazz Festival

Popular on Chicago Drinks Guide

What to Drink / Spirits

Fizzing up the Windy city - Hard Seltzer craze

05/01/2024 The Era of bubbly Hard Seltzer is favorable for many Chicagoans. This low-calorie fizzy drink is everyone’s favorite in Illinois, increasing its growth by USD 6.53 billion in 2023 across the USA.

What to Drink / Spirits

11 Non-Alcoholic Spirits That'll Get You Through Dry January 2024

04/01/2024 Spirits alternatives are high in popularity as more & more health conscious people are looking forward to “Dry January” since its inception in 2013. Here is our list of new non-alcoholic drinks to try during this month & stay booze-free!

Next Events

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States.

Bartender Spirits Awards 2024

Register Now

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States

Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024

Register Now

Morgan MFG, 401 N Morgan St Suite #204A, Chicago IL 60642

USA Trade Tasting 2024

Register Now

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States

USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Register Now

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States

USA Wine Ratings 2024

Register Now

Related Blogs

What to Drink / Spirits

Fizzing up the Windy city - Hard Seltzer craze

05/01/2024 The Era of bubbly Hard Seltzer is favorable for many Chicagoans. This low-calorie fizzy drink is everyone’s favorite in Illinois, increasing its growth by USD 6.53 billion in 2023 across the USA.

What to Drink / Spirits

11 Non-Alcoholic Spirits That'll Get You Through Dry January 2024

04/01/2024 Spirits alternatives are high in popularity as more & more health conscious people are looking forward to “Dry January” since its inception in 2013. Here is our list of new non-alcoholic drinks to try during this month & stay booze-free!