This year, Labor Day Weekend runs from Sept. 5-7. The first Monday in September always marks the federal holiday honoring the labor movement, which began in the 1800s during the Industrial Revolution as unions fought for better working conditions and shorter hours.
The movement was ultimately a success, giving people more pay and breaks from their grueling schedules. New York City put on a parade to celebrate, and now, states across the country have their own traditions, including Arizona. The occasion also marks the unofficial end of the summer, which is hard to believe in the desert heat.
Whether you’re just trying to stay cool or want to find the perfect way to spend the day off with your family, there are a few free events you can partake in across the state.
Flagstaff Art in the Park
Wheeler Park – Downtown Flagstaff
Each Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend, Art in the Park comes to downtown Flagstaff. It features fine art, curated crafts, food trucks, and other vendors. The gathering offers something for the whole family to enjoy, including kid-friendly activities.
More than 80 artists from the Southwest will show off their work, and nonstop music performances will take place throughout the weekend.
The event runs September 5-7, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday, it closes an hour early, open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prescott’s Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce hosts an arts and crafts festival with over 100 vendors to browse this Labor Day weekend. If spending a little money is in the cards, attendees can shop for unique, handcrafted items or order tasty dishes from a variety of food trucks, making it the perfect spot to spend the holiday weekend in Yavapai County. And don’t worry, the event is in the courthouse plaza where shady trees will block the sun’s harsh rays!
Celebrate creativity with your community on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Territory Days & Hometown Heroes Parade
Chino Valley
If you’re in the Chino Valley area, you don’t want to miss Territory Days! Several exciting events are on offer: a pancake breakfast, a run, a parade, and a car show are just a few events during the holiday weekend.
While the final schedule hasn’t been released yet, you can check their website for updates leading up to the weekend’s festivities. Hours will vary depending on the experiences you choose to attend.
Grand Canyon Music Festival
Shrine of the Ages, South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon Village
The Grand Canyon Music Festival is holding a concert during Labor Day weekend. On Saturday, Nicholas Johnson and his band will perform music from a handful of different artists and composers at 7:30 pm.
While the event is free, it does recommend a donation to the Grand Canyon Music Festival. This amount can be as high or as low as you want, or you can enter $0 in the box.
Cars & Bikes at the Vista
Bisbee’s Warren neighborhood
On Saturday, Sept. 5, the Bisbee Boys and Girls Club is holding its 16th annual car and bike event in the Warren neighborhood. The main draw is the classic car show, but there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Activities will be available for the kids, along with games for the young and young at heart.
The event is free to attend, with optional spending at local vendors and a 50/50 raffle; half the proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club and half to your pocket. If you have a classic car you’d like to enter in the show, there will be an awards ceremony.
Showdown in Tombstone
109 S. Fourth Street, Tombstone
Historic Tombstone is holding an exciting event this Labor Day weekend. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be non-stop, free entertainment. From gunfighting skits to an 1880s fashion show, there is a lot to learn about Arizona history, and what better way to do so than at a fun event?
Considered the world’s best reenactors, you won’t want to miss their performances that bring the wild, wild West back to life for Arizonans.
Visiting Tombstone should be on everyone’s Arizona bucket list, so celebrate the holiday weekend with a free show you’ll always remember.
Fiesta de Septiembre
Downtown Wickenburg
Celebrate the state’s vast Mexican heritage at the 37th annual Fiesta de Septiembre on the 5th. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the town’s Hispanic founders through family stories and photographs. Live music is a major draw, with Mariachi Azteca De Oro and Barrio Latino performing for the audience. Each local business is encouraged to create and display a festive wreath to celebrate.
Local vendors, booths with fun and games for the kids, and traditional folklórico dancers are all highlights. If you’re wondering if your kids will be entertained, there is a fun kids zone for them to play in while you take in the history. Plus, it’s a great chance for them to learn!
There are food contests as well. People are encouraged to bring their best recipes for guacamole, margaritas, and salsa. Anyone can enter, so fill out your forms in advance.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
