Music and Art Labor Day Festivals in the United States

People all across the United States show up in throngs at various locales from the small town Labor Day festivals to the city-size extravaganzas. Music, parties, picnics, and fireworks highlight most Labor Day events, providing the entire with a last warm weather party before the cooler months begin. Labor Day festivals stretch from coast to coast with each festival offering something unique for different audiences.

Bumbershoot:
Seattle, Washington

The Bumbershoot Labor Day festival attracts for than 300,000 visitors over its four day span at the Seattle Center, a 74 acre area containing indoor and outdoor stadiums and an arena. Bumbershoot is one of 's largest local arts festivals and is very inexpensive in comparison to other events. This Labor Day festival features thousands of artists including musicians, poets, painters, dancers, comedians, and DJs among various other entertainers. Off-stage, merchants sell handmade goods, food and drinks, face painting, and hair braiding.

Detroit International Jazz Festival:
Detroit, MI

Known as "The Largest Free Jazz Festival in North America," this Labor Day festival attracts more than 700,000 jazz fans to historic downtown Detroit located on a beautiful riverfront location. With three full days of performances, the Detroit International Jazz Festival attracts such famous names as Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, and the Brubeck Brothers Band.

Chicago Jazz Festival:
Chicago, Illinois

A four day Labor Day festival is the Chicago Jazz Festival, a free event taking place in one of the Midwest's greatest cities. Crowds pack into downtown's Grant Park Petrillo Music Shell to hear both famous and local jazz and blues act. Often, more than one performance takes place at once with some performances taking place at the DuSable Museum. Among this year's free performances are world-renowned James Moody and Don Byron as well as tributes to such artists as Fats Waller, Coleman Hawkins, and Count Basie.

Farmington Antique Weekend:
Farmington, Connecticut

If you want to do some shopping in the outdoors before the "end of summer," attend the Farmington Antique Weekend in Connecticut. Over 600 antiques dealers display their offerings at the Farmington Polo Grounds. The largest antique event in Connecticut, the Farmington Antique Weekend offers everything the antique enthusiast is looking for, including fine furniture, nautical items, and rare collectibles.

Southern Decadence:
New Orleans

For a more off the wall end of summer bash, choose the Southern Decadence Labor Day festival in New Orleans, hosting gay and lesbian events. Southern Decadence is often referred to as "gay Mardi Gras" and highlights dancers and DJs at its six day festival. This festival draws up to 300,000 attendees from all across the United States and takes place in the French Quarter of New Orleans, specifically at the intersection of Bourbon and St. Anne. Returning from a one year hiatus due to Hurricane Katrina, Southern Decadence is bound to return to its very risqué celebration.

No matter what event suits your style, somewhere in the there is a Labor Day festival for you.