Work hard, play hard
Labor Day denotes the social and economic achievements of American workers everywhere! In honor of the holiday, Chase Travel gathered the top Labor Day Destinations for travelers.
Smart Meetings zeroed in on the top domestic Labor Day destinations and the activities throughout the United States that meeting planners may want to utilize if they’re in the area.
Carnival Parade in New York
If you happen to be in New York City for Labor Day Weekend, you may want to check out the West Indian (or Caribbean American) Day Parade. Even though it is a part of the New York Caribbean Carnival week, it is typically held on Labor Day in Brooklyn. The original idea was started in Harlem in the 1930s but evolved into a Carnival street activity in the 1940s. Parade participants are typically dressed in “costumes” with fabric, beads and feathers and follow a theme picked by the designer.
Located in the epicenter of Times Square, New York Marriott Marquis attendees will find themselves in walking distance of Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the Theater District. Marriott Marquis offers 102,829 sq. ft. of event space, 40 breakout rooms and 46 event rooms.
The Sciences of San Francisco
San Francisco has a wide range to explore in its roughly 46 sq. mile layout. But if guests find themselves exploring Golden Gate Park in the Richmond District, they may want to check out the California Academy of Sciences. Arrive by 10:30 in the morning on Labor Day to witness the penguin feeding! Or head over to the planetarium to check out the Dark Universe exhibit to learn about dark matter and dark energy.
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Omni San Francisco Hotel sits with the backdrop of downtown San Francisco, fog and all! Guests will be in distance of the famous San Francisco cable cars, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, China Town, North Beach and the Embarcadero. Omni Hotel has 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, which also includes a 2,800-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as 362 guest rooms and suites.
The (Labor) Force is Strong in Los Angeles
If there’s a sci-fi fan in your group, they won’t be disappointed by the two nights of Star Wars – Return of the Jedi in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. On Sept. 1st and 2nd, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor David Newman will bring the cinematic music of John Williams’s to life!
If space is the question, then Los Angeles Convention Center has the answer. Los Angeles Convention Center has a total of 860,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, eight meeting rooms, a newly renovated 299-seat theatre with rear screen projection, on-site Wi-Fi, local and eco-friendly dining, and catering options on site.
A Fair to Remember in Washington
On Labor Day, the Washington State Fair in Puyallup will open its gates till Sept. 24th. Guests will have a wide pick of options, from a Taylor Swift Tribute show, a concert from R&B singer and songwriter Kehlani, a fine arts show, and the chance to celebrate Asian Pacific Cultural Center Day by watching traditional dress, dance, and music, along with many other attractions and activities.
Seattle Convention Center’s Summit is a few blocks from the well-trafficked Pike Place Market. Summit has 573,770 sq. ft. of event space, 62 meeting rooms, and the 14,000-square-foot Garden Terrace, which can be half covered. The location also has an on-site bakery for those with a sweet tooth.
Jazz it Up in Chicago
Over the course of Labor Day Weekend, Chicago Jazz Festival will be taking place between August 31st and September 3rd at Millennium Park, downtown Chicago, Chicago Culture Center and various other venues across Chicago. Musical acts include Juan De Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars, Dianne Reeves, Makaya McCraven and more! The event is free to the public.
Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park looks toward the city’s skyline, Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. The Fairmont Leaf Spa offers massage, skincare and body treatments to help balance your mind and body after a long day of meetings. Fairmont offers 63,000 sq. ft. of event space, 16 meeting rooms and 687 guest rooms.
Fireworks at Boston Harbor
Boston is kicking off its festivities at Boston Harbor on Thursday Aug. 31st, at 8:30 p.m. The show is best viewed from a boat cruise, or guests can venture to Christopher Columbus Park or Long Wharf in the North End and the Downtown Waterfront. For a quieter time, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Boston will be offering free admission on Labor Day. It will be the last chance to check out the Simone Leigh and Guadalupe Marvilla: Mariposa Relampago exhibits.
Boston Park Plaza is located near the Boston Common, as well as the Public Garden and the Theater District. Boston Park Plaza has 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 35 meeting rooms and 1,060 guest rooms.
Mile High Balloon Rally in Colorado
Windsor Harvest Festival happens on Sept. 2nd-4th. On the 2nd and 3rd, a Balloon Rally consisting of 20-30 hot air balloons will take flight! The rally starts early so be sure to get there by 7 a.m. On the last day, the festival will have a parade and pie eating contest.
Colorado Convention Center (CCC) offers guests views of the Rocky Mountains and is within walking distance of 13,000 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, the Denver Performing Arts Complex and a wide selection of shopping outlets. CCC contains 669,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 67 meeting rooms.
Study the Spies in D.C.
If you’re interested in how the U.S. government works in Washington, D.C., it might not be a bad idea to check out the International Spy Museum. The museum features exhibits from 39 countries. Guests can partake in their own undercover mission, learn about spies and espionage operations in history and much more.
Washington Hilton is located near Dupont Circle, Embassy Row and 100 restaurants, museums and nightlife venues. Washington Hilton offers 118,000 sq. ft. of event space, 47 meeting rooms and 1,107 rooms and suites.
All The Shows in Vegas
Las Vegas is never lacking on things to do for a three-day weekend. But for this Labor Day weekend, guests can catch rock band Weezer at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Air Supply on September 1st and 2nd at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Adele at Caesars Palace, Luke Bryan on September 2nd and 3rd at Resorts World Las Vegas, and Drake and 21 Savage on September 1st and 2nd at T-Mobile Arena.
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Mandalay Bay Resort is a mere 0.5-mile walk to Allegiant Stadium and 2 miles from the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Guests can check out House of Blues, and Shark Reef Aquarium. It has 2.1 million sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space, 128 meeting rooms and 3,209 guest rooms.
Grab A Glass of Wine in San Diego
September is California Wine Month. With that in mind, guests can have a tasting of the locally produced wines while enjoying the warm outdoor temperatures. San Diego has many tasting rooms for wine connoisseurs.
San Diego Convention Center is within walking distance of 13,000 hotel rooms. It is also near the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and the historic USS Midway Museum, which offers 204,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 72 meeting rooms. Amenities also include water fill stations, inclusive restrooms, nursing mother’s lounge and charging stations.
