Celebrating Labor Day in Baltimore: Events and Attractions
Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, Labor Day—the first Monday in September—became a federal holiday in the United States in 1894. Traditionally, on Labor Day Weekend, Baltimore celebrates by taking a day off work, barbecuing in the backyard, watching college football games, and experiencing the transition from warm sunny days to crisp cool ones.
1. Aug. 24–Sept. 3: Maryland State Fair
At the Maryland State Fair, families can discover how to milk a cow and extract honey from a beehive, along with enjoying thrilling rides, local foods, farm exhibits, and thoroughbred racing throughout Labor Day weekend.
2. Aug. 31–Sept. 3: Labor Day Harbor Tour
Embark on a Labor Day Inner Harbor Sightseeing Tour aboard the Spirit of Baltimore. Savvy travelers can enjoy narrated one-hour cruises beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Labor Day Dinner Cruise, commencing at 7 p.m., spans 2.5 hours and features a dinner buffet, breathtaking views of the city skyline, and lively onboard entertainment. Guests can also indulge in a cash bar offering cocktails, wine, and beer.
3. Aug. 29–Sept. 3: Baltimore Comedy Festival
Embrace laughter this Labor Day weekend at the second annual Baltimore Comedy Festival. This event will feature fourteen diverse venues, from bars to art theaters, showcasing stand-up comics to entertain attendees. Kicking off on August 29 at Motor House, the celebrations continue throughout the weekend, with some shows being free of charge.
4. Sept. 2: Defenders Day at North Point
Celebrate Labor Day by attending Defenders Day at North Point, which commemorates the Battle of North Point where British troops were defeated in 1814. Ninety re-enactors actively participate in the battle re-enactment, complemented by games, music, and craft demonstrations throughout the day. Children will have the opportunity to pump water into fire hoses using an 1812 hand-drawn pumper. Admission and parking are free.
5. Through Sept. 2: The Puzzling World of Dave Phillips
Take advantage of the last days of summer by visiting the Port Discovery Children’s Museum over Labor Day Weekend. The exhibit, “A·MAZE·D: The Puzzling World of Dave Phillips,” is designed to enhance logic, math, and problem-solving skills as children and their parents navigate through grand, indoor mazes. Additionally, kids ages 2 and up can unleash their creativity at the BGE Studio Workshop or journey to ancient Egypt to decipher hieroglyphics and explore lost tombs.
