Labor Day Weekend Michigan 2023: Biggest List of Parades, Festivals, Events, Things to Do, and Places to Go (UPDATED)

Labor Day Weekend Michigan 2023: Celebrate Labor Day in Michigan

Looking for the best things to do on Labor Day Weekend 2023 in Michigan? We’ve got them for you!

We’ve put together a list of the best 2023 Michigan Labor Day events, activities, and things to do near you.

We’re including everything you want to know about Labor Day 2023, including where to go on Labor Day weekend in Michigan, the best Michigan festivals, Labor Day parades, the best things to do on Labor Day weekend and more.

Trust us- there’s no room for boredom on this list!

Biggest Michigan Labor Day Events 2023

We’ve also included information on the biggest Michigan event on Labor Day, the Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk! We’re sharing ideas for things to do from Detroit to Torch Lake, Royal Oak to Lansing, West Michigan to the Upper Peninsula and beyond.

Read on for the complete guide to Labor Day Weekend Michigan 2023.

About Labor Day

Super-Fun Places to Go in Michigan on Labor Day

10 Places to Go on Labor Day: Quick Labor Day Getaways in Michigan

We have more than 100 Michigan travel guides on the best things to do and see in Michigan. Here are 12 favorite travel destinations for Labor Day fun in Michigan. We’ve even included some of our favorite places to stay to help you plan your getaway!

PRO-TIP: Don’t forget to to use the handy Michigan interactive beach and travel map for more ideas on places to go in Michigan.

St. Joseph, MI
There is so much to do in this top Michigan beach town, including visiting beautiful Silver Beach for swimming, kayaking, volleyball, the giant kid’s splash pad, or the historic beach carousel. Shop and dine at the boutiques and eateries and follow the southeast Michigan wine trail for some delicious Michigan wine!

Saugatuck
Home to world-famous Oval Beach, once voted the best beach in the world, or Saugatuck Dunes State Park for hiking and the beaches. Take a ride over the sand dunes in a dune buggy and enjoy dining and browsing the shops and galleries in Saugatuck and Douglas.

Mackinac Island
It’s the travel gem of Michigan! Take a Mackinac Island ferry from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, and head to this beautiful island right between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsula in Lake Huron. Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage around the island – it’s an eight-mile journey and see Pure Michigan beauty at its best. Don’t forget to shop downtown and sample some delicious Mackinac Island fudge.

Mackinaw City
From exploring historic forts to shopping fun boutiques and gift stores, to visiting an international dark sky park, there are tons to do in Mackinaw City. If you go, be sure and take the opportunity to grab some amazing photos of the Mackinac Bridge, Michigan’s own architectural wonder.

Caseville
One of Michigan’s best beach towns is located at the tip of Michigan’s thumb. Caseville, home of the famous Cheeseburger Festival, is also the site of some fabulous Lake Huron beaches. You’ll find a cute downtown to shop, a tasty craft brewery, and a walkable pier, too.

Lexington
One of Michigan’s best-kept secrets is the tiny town of Lexington on Michigan’s “Blue Thumb Coast,” just north of Port Huron. This charming vacation destination boasts beautiful parks, a scenic harbor, and a sandy beach that’s ADA-accessible. The best part? It’s a little over an hour’s ride from metro Detroit.

More Places to Go on Labor Day Weekend in Michigan 2023

Alpena
There is something for everyone in Alpena, especially if you’re an outdoors enthusiast. You’ll find beautifully manicured public beaches, and parks with miles of trails for hiking and waterways for kayaking. There’s a fun downtown and some amazingly remote state parks along the Lake Huron coast for exploring, too.

South Haven
You’ll find beautiful beaches with the picturesque pier and iconic lighthouses, and a cute downtown for shopping and dining, too. My favorite thing in South Haven is the Michigan Maritime Museum, where you can ride a pirate ship on Lake Michigan. Of course, South Haven’s famous for blueberries, so you want to grab some of those too.

Ludington
You’ll find wild and wonderful Lake Michigan beaches in Ludington. It’s close to two top state parks: Silver Lake State Parks and Ludington State Park, both home to beautiful lighthouses and endless sparkling beaches. Don’t forget to stop by the House of Flavors in downtown Ludington for a Superman ice cream cone.

Traverse City
Set on gorgeous Grand Traverse Bay, there’s no end of things to do here. Whether you visit Front Street’s fun shops and cafes, visit the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, check out some top Traverse City breweries, or just enjoy the gorgeous beaches, you’ll have a blast. Beautiful Empire and Glen Arbor in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are just a half-hour away and make a perfect road trip from Traverse City, too.

Marquette
It’s one of the hippest cities in Michigan. It’s also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts with endless trails for hiking and biking, right on the coast of wild and wonderful Lake Superior. Explore the fun downtown area and then head out to Presque Isle Park to see the famous Black Rocks Cliffs you might spot people cliff-jumping into Lake Superior below.

BONUS PLACE TO GO ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN MICHIGAN: Frankenmuth
Whether you call it Little Bavaria or Michigan’s Christmas town, Frankenmuth has something for everyone. From Zehnder’s Splash Village the world-famous chicken dinners, Grandpa Tiny’s Farm to the streets lined with cute shops, you’ll find something to do here. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, called the biggest Christmas store in the World, can keep you entertained for the whole weekend!

Want more? Use our Ultimate Guide to Last-minute Getaways in Michigan!

Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk

Head to the Mackinac Bridge and join around 30,000 people (including the Micigan governor!) for one of the biggest events in Michigan on Labor Day, the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge. The walk isn’t just for the super – physically fit; as long as you can make the five-mile journey to the mid-point of the bridge on foot, you’ll be fine. Use our Ultimate Guide to the Mackinac Brige Walk for everything you need to know about this fun event, including parking info and more.

Best Labor Day Festivals in Michigan

We’re sharing some of the best festivals happening in Michigan on Labor Day weekend. There’s something fun for everyone!

Michigan State Fair in Novi, MI
When: August 31 – September 4
Where: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
The Michigan State Fair is the perfect place for a weekend out with the family. Enjoy fair foods, live music, and plenty of games and rides during the final days of beautiful summer weather.

Soaring Eagle Arts Beats & Eats
When: September 1 – 4
Where: Downtown Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak’s Arts Beats and Eats has been one of the state’s largest celebrations of art, music, food, and community for over 20 years. Connect with artists, enjoy live entertainment, and food vendors in downtown Royal Oak. Additional events and activities will also be available for all age ranges.

Detroit Jazz Festival
When: September 1 – 4
Where: In Hart Plaza and along Woodward, in Campus Martius Park, Detroit
Whether you’re a jazz fanatic yourself or you want to see what all the hype is about, the Detroit Jazz Festival is a fantastic and affordable way to spend your Labor Day weekend.

Romeo Peach Festival 2023
When: August 31 – September4
Where: Downtown Romeo, MI
You’ll find a market, craft shows, carnival rides, run, food trucks, wine, music, and fireworks. This is an awesome September Michigan festival for the whole family.

DeBucks Sunflower Farm Sunflower Festival
When: August 20 – September 4
Where: DeBucks Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch; 50240 Martz Rd, Belleville, MI 48111
You’ll find 15 acres of beautiful sunflowers for – that’s equal to 15 football fields of flowers! Enjoy U-pick sunflowers, food and drinks, and spend the rest of the day playing on family fun attractions.

GrandCon Gaming Convention
When: September 1 – 3
Where: DeVos Place, Grand Rapids
This September, GrandCon Gaming Convention invites all gaming enthusiasts to Grand Rapids for plenty of fun at DeVos Place. From board games to card games to file-playing games, this fun-for-all-ages show appeals to the gamer in everyone.

Michigan Bean Festival in Fairgrove
When: September 1 – 4
Where: Fairgrove, MI
Fairgrove Bean Festival is Labor Day Weekend. Saturday afternoon Mud Bog, Sunday evening Demolition Derby by Unique Motor Sports, fireworks at 9:30 on Sunday night, Monday is the parade and Chicken BB,; free bean soup every day, craft show, bingo and crowning of the Michigan Bean Queen.

Harrisville Harmony Festival Weekend
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Downtown Harrisville, MI
It is the biggest weekend in beautiful Harrisville on the shores of Lake Huron! Join hundreds of barbershop singers and Sweet Adelines in downtown Harrisville, where you’ll also find an arts and crafts fair featuring around 200 booths. You’ll find lots of great music, kids activities and more!

Algonac Art Fair
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Algonac Waterfront Park, 1130 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
The 50th Annual Algonac Art Fair is held in the Algonac City Park with the beautiful St. Clair River as a backdrop. You’ll find 100 varied artists and craftsmen at this juried art fair, as well as music, entertainment food vendors and a children’s creation station.

Blake’s Sunflower Festival in Armada, MI – EARLY THIS YEAR
When: August 11 – 13
Where: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI.
Shop from 100+ artisans, enjoy a short walk to the sunflower fields to cut your own sunflowers,enjoy endless photo opportunities, handcrafted products; free classes, speakers and demonstrations on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, farming and gardening, benefits of local honey and more; DIY make and take workshops with real sunflowers; U-pick sunflowers, wild flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Skip’s European Farmers Market in New Buffalo
When: September 2
Where: 16710 Lake Shore Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117
A stroll among the vendors is a new discovery each week, whether one is searching for the freshest herb for a new recipe, cut flowers for a table arrangement, coffee, organic produce, cheeses, pastries, breads, Italian sausages, hand-trimmed restaurant-grade beef, meat rubs, jams, jellies, salsas, art, jewelry, clothing and more.

Bell’s Beer Copper Harbor Trails Fest
When: September 1 – 3
Where: Downtown Copper Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula
The annual Labor Day Weekend event features races, music, beer, and good times on Saturday and Sunday! This all-ages event has something for everyone, whether you’re a cross-country lover, blazing-fast downhiller, enduro expert, sure-footed trail runner, or aspiring young ripper.

Franklin’s Art in the Village Fine Arts Show and Round Up
When: September 4
Where: Franklin, MI
This favorite Michigan fall festival combines a juried art show with a fun, family-friendly Labor Day carnival featuring giant inflatables, a parade, clowns, pony rides, an antique auto show, petting farm and more!

Tawas Bay Annual Labor Day Arts and Craft Show
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Shoreline Park in Tawas City
Gorgeous Tawas Bay is the setting for this arts and crafts show, where you can stroll through over 130 booths of hand crafted items.

Port Austin Art in the Park
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Gallup Park, 271 West State Street, Port Austin, MI 48467
This juried art show in Port Austin on Labor Day weekend offers something for everyone. Artwork includes glass, photography, wood, watercolor, oils, acrylics, pottery, jewelry, wearable art, ornamental bird houses, iron works, fibers and more.

Thumb Fest Lexington
When: September 2
Where: Downtown Lexington
This free acoustic festival features 12 stages (jam sites, workshops, community sings), arts & crafts vendors, food trucks.

A Festival of Oddities
When: September 2
Where: Courthouse Square Museum, 100 West Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, MI 48813
Visit the Marketplace featuring over 100 of the state’s most talented artists and makers. Visit Food Truck Row for a wide variety of delicious cuisine from all over The Mitten. Play vintage carnival games to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

Ludington’s 5th Annual Floatilla
When: September 4
Where: Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington, MI
Boats will congregate on Pere Marquette Lake and parade around the harbor to bid farewell to the summer of 2022. Decorations, lights,and costumes are encouraged.

Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk in Saugatuck
When: September 4
Where: South Side of Blue Star Bridge, Douglas, MI
Be a part of 24 years of tradition. Bring your family, friends, pets and dress to impress. Crazy hats, costumes, instruments, flags, motivational signs, etc. are strongly encouraged. Starting at 9:30 am from the. It’s a .19k walk. Join us or watch from the sidewalk along the bridge. Saugatuck is a fabulous place to celebrate summer vacation season coming to close.

Labor Fest
When: September 4; 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle.
FREE All Day Admission to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Live Music, Food Trucks, Labor Exhibits, Beer Tent, FREE Fun Things for the Kids, Classic American Made Auto “Show & Shine” Car Show, Arts & Craft Vendors

Michigan Labor Day Parades 2023

Holland/ Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade
When: September 4, 9:15 – 10:30 am
Where: Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. 8th St., Holland, MI 49423

75 trucks travel the parade route from downtown Zeeland to the Holland Civic Center, where they park for you to tour them and meet the drivers. Also, at the Civic Center, will be a free Ice Cream Social, entertainment, and giveaways.

Muskegon Labor Day Parade
Where: Downtown Muskegon, 4th St and Clay Avenue, Muskegon, MI
When: September 4, 11 am- 12:30 pm

Don’t miss this community parade through the streets of downtown Muskegon. There is a fun-filled and FREE celebration following the parade until 3:00 pm. You’ll find food from multiple food vendors, refreshments, treats, balloons, face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts, and much more!

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Looking for the Ultimate List of Michigan Fall Festivals?

More Things to Do on Labor Day Weekend in Michigan

Visit an Apple Orchard or Cider Mill

Go Peach Picking in Michigan

Visit a Sunflower Farm

Go Kayaking on a Michigan Lake or River

Swim and Splash in One of Michigan’s Inland Lakes

Visit a Michigan Lighthouse

Kensington Metropark: Guide to Best Michigan Parks 2022Go to Kensington Metropark in Metro Detroit

More What is There to Do on Labor Day Weekend in Michigan? Ideas