Labor Day 2008 Events in Los Angeles

Labor Day 2008 - 1st September 2008

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated by labor unions in New York City in the 1880s with a grand parade in honor of the working class. Now most people just think of it as a day off work and a chance for a last end-of-summer family outing. If you're still looking for something to do in the LA area for the long weekend, here are some suggestions for celebrating the diversity of the American workforce.

Long Beach Blues Festival
Annual Blues Festival sponsored by KJAZZ 88.1 FM in Long Beach.
When: Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, Music 2 pm - 11 pm Saturday, 2-10 on Sunday, General Admission gate opens at 1:15 pm.
Where: Rainbow Lagoon at Pine and Shoreline Drive behind the Hyatt Hotel in Downtown Long Beach
Cost: Presale $45/day or $75 both days, $50 and $85 at the gate. Discount for KKJZ members. Various VIP packages are available.
Parking: $10/day in surrounding lots.
Info: www.jazzandblues.org
Note: Lawn seating. Bring blankets or low-back chairs only. Food and beverages are available for sale. Outside food with plastic utensils can be brought in and non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed bottles. No in-and-out privileges. See the website for a full list of restrictions.

Orange International Street Fair
Four city streets are blocked off around the traffic circle in old town Orange. A craft fair is arranged around the circle and street segments are converted into streets of the world with appropriate food and entertainment. Nine stages include an Irish Stage with some of the best local Irish bands, a Greek Stage, German Stage, Mexican Stage, Polynesian Stage, English Stage and All American Stage as well as a Children's Stage and activities.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Fri-Sun, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
Where: Plaza Square, Chapman and Glassel in the City of Orange, 92855
Cost: Free
Parking: Some street parking. Lots are available for a fee. Everyone in the neighborhood rents out parking spaces for the festival, so look around for the lowest rates.
Info: www.orangestreetfair.org
Note: This is a very family friendly festival during the day, but it gets very crowded in the evening and a lot of people who have been drinking all day are sloppy drunk and obnoxious by dusk.
Guide Pick

Long Beach Greek Festival
Live music by the Olympians, exhibit dancing and social dancing, Greek food and product booths, children's games.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Sat-Mon, noon - 10 pm
Where: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado St, Long Beach 90814
Cost: TBD, children 11 and under free
Info: (562) 494-8929, www.assumptionlb.org

Fiesta Hermosa
Three-day arts and crafts festival with 270 vendors, live music and a kiddie carnival.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Sat-Mon, 10 am - 6 pm
Where: Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach
Cost: Free
Info: www.fiestahermosa.com
Guide Pick

Levitt Concert Series
Final week of the outdoor concert series at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena. Each night is a different style of music.
When: Wednesday through Sunday Evenings through Labor Day Weekend.
Where: Levitt Pavilion: Memorial Park Band Shell, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, 91103 at Raymond Ave.
Cost: Free
Info: www.levittpavilionpasadena.org, (626) 683-3230
Note: Bring a blanket or low chair and a picnic.

City of Los Angeles Birthday Celebration
The early morning "Los Pobladores - Walk to Los Angeles" is an annual re-enactment of the nine-mile walk from the San Gabriel Mission (428 @. Mission Ave., San Gabriel) to found El Pueblo, the current Olvera Street. Walkers can also join the procession at Lincioln Park (3401 Valley Blvd., LA) for a shorter 3-mile walk. At Olvera Street, walkers and others will find live music, food and artists booths at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site. There is music at Olvera Street Saturday and Sunday, but the walk is Monday.
When: Monday, Sept 1, 2008, 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, 90012 at Olvera Street.
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: www.lospobladores.org, (213) 485-8372

African Marketplace and Cultural Faire
Seven stages of music and dance, cultural booths, and goods and food for sale highlighting the African influence, not only in the United States, but in Latin America as well. This festival lasts three weekends, with the final weekend being over Labor Day.
When: August 16-17 & 23-24, Aug 30-31, Sept 1, 2008 10 am - 9 pm
Where: Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles
Cost: $8, Seniors $5, Children 10 and under Free.
Info: www.africanmarketplace.org
Guide Pick

The Annual Art Deco Festival on the Queen Mary
Lectures, tours, a bazaar, afternoon Tea Dance, Pajama Party and evening Art Deco Ball celebrate all things Art Deco.
When: Labor Day Weekend, Friday - Sunday
Where: on the Queen Mary, 1126 Queen's Hwy, Long Beach, Ca. 90802
Cost: from $20 for a tour to $700/person for a full weekend including hotel stay.
Info: www.queenmary.com