Michigan Labor Day Festivals (2023): Celebrate Labor Day Weekend

by Bella DiMascio

Best Labor Day Festivals and Events in Michigan

Looking for fun Michigan Labor Day festivals?

When it comes to embracing the spirit of Labor Day, Michigan has an lineup of festivities showcasing community, culture, and fun. As the summer season gracefully gives way to autumn, our Great Lakes state comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of events that cater to every interest and age.

From charming small-town gatherings to bustling urban celebrations, the Best Labor Day Festivals in Michigan, as curated by mymichiganbeach.com, promise an immersive experience that blends local traditions with modern entertainment.

Whether you’re a Michigander eager to uncover hidden gems or a curious traveler looking for an authentic cultural experience, these festivals are your ticket to an unforgettable Labor Day celebration in the Mitten State.

2023 Michigan Labor Day Festivals in Southeast Michigan

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 on Labor Day weekend.

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.

Labor Day Luau
When: September 1 – 4
Where: Detroit Ann Arbor KOA Holiday Campground, 668- Bunton Rd, Ypsilanti, MI

This labor day celebration is unlike any other. Here, the KOA style celebration features hula dancing, entertainment, and fun, including a stunning paper lantern release.

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 – September 4
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, especially if you love peaches!

DeBucks Sunflower Farm Sunflower Festival
When: September 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.

Algonac Art Fair
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Algonac Waterfront Park, 1130 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001

The 51st 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.

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!

2023 Michigan Labor Day Festivals in West Michigan

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.

Toy Haven Toy Show
When: September 3
Where: Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI

Annual toy show! Come and shop for toys of all kinds, comics, and even support local artists and authors! Doors open at 10, and the event runs until 5! Adult tickets are $5.00 and kids 11 and under are always free! A nice day to come downtown Holland, and see all of the fun toys!

Muskegon Polish Festival
When: September 1 – 2
Where: Hackley Park in Downtown Muskegon

Celebrate Labor Day and Polish Heritage in Muskegon. Polka dance and music take center stage and the smell of delicious Polish food fills the air, from pierogies to kielbasa.

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 2023.

Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk in Saugatuck
When: September 4
Where: South Side of Blue Star Bridge, Douglas, MI

Be a part of 25 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 the summer vacation season coming to a 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

Belding Labor Day 2023
When: September 1 – 4
Where: Downtown Belding, MI

In downtown Belding, a classic Labor Day celebration brings the community together to watch the parade, run the 5k or Fun Run, dance to local music, and more. There’s even a carnival and a car show.

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.

Lake Bluff Artisan Fair
When: September 2
Where: Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph

Visit this eclectic art fair to see a huge variety of handmade goods. From jewelry to home decor, candles, woodwork and more, there’s something for everyone at this fun festival in St. Joseph.

2023 Michigan Labor Day Festivals in Mid Michigan and the Thumb Region

Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing

If you love chicken wings, there’s no better place to be on Labor Day Weekend than Michigan’s Capital, Lansing. Endless delicious chicken wings are available alongside all the top festival favorites, including live music, a beer tent, a kids zone, and more – and of course, no chicken wing festival without a chicken wing eating contest.

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.

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.

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.

2023 Northern Michigan Labor Day Festivals

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!

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.

Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival
When: September 1 – 2
Where: 17073 Northwood Highway, Arcadia, MI

One last hoorah of the summer season in Arcadia, this music festival invites you to enjoy local brews, great food, and plenty of music, all set on the scenic backdrop of northwestern Michigan.

Traverse City Tournament of Champions
When: August 30 – September 3
Where: Flintfields Horse Park, 6535 Bates Rd, Williamsburg, MI

Horse lovers congregate in Traverse City around Labor Day for the Traverse City Tournament of Champions. This premier equestrian competition is sure to amaze.

Torch Lake Labor Day Art & Crafts Show
When: September 2 – 4
Where: Alden Depot Park & Museum, 10670 Coy St. Alden, MI

With both local and nationally celebrated artists, there’s plenty to do and see at the Torch Lake Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show. Sidewalk sales are also happening here at this time, so pick yourself up something nice and unique.

Manton Area Harvest Festival
When: September 1 – 4
Where: Downtown Manton and surrounding area/Manton Station on Wall St.

The joy of a small-town Michigan Labor Day festival can easily be found in Manton. With Music, food, and fun, there’s plenty to enjoy here. There’s also a parade that travels through town.

Labor Day Festivals in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

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.

Arts Dockside, St. Ignace
When: September 2 – 3
Where: Huron Boardwalk, St. Ignace Public Marina

Alongside the Mackinac Bridge Walk, St. Ignace hosts an arts festival on the northern end of the bridge. Of course, there’s plenty of art, but food, music, and activities round out the festival and make the trip across the bridge even more exciting with what’s waiting on the other side.

Escanaba Labor Day Celebration
When: September 4
Where: Ludington Municipal Docks, Escanaba

Escape to Escanaba this Labor Day for a relaxed, but fun, holiday weekend celebration in one of the UP’s most charming towns.

Ontonagon Labor Day Celebration
When: September 1 – 4
Where: Downtown Ontonagon

Mark your calendars for the yearly extravaganza taking place across the charming village of Ontonagon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the Labor Day weekend.

You can immerse yourself in a vibrant array of events, including an impressive auto show, a delightful children’s parade, electrifying live music, awe-inspiring fireworks, a scrumptious pancake breakfast, the iconic Labor Day Festival parade, and a whole lot more. This annual celebration is your gateway to a weekend brimming with entertainment and excitement, set against the picturesque backdrop of Ontonagon’s scenic beauty.

Ontonagon Laborfest Auto Show
When: September 3
Where: Downtown Ontonagon

During Labor Day weekend unique cars flood downtown Ontonagon. From antiques to street rods, sports cars, motorcycles and more, there’s a vehicle to wow everyone.

Marquette Area Blues Fest
When: September 1 – 3, 5pm – 11pm
Where: Mattson Lower Harbor Park, 200 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI

Head up into the Upper Peninsula for scenic views, endless wilderness, and three days of stellar blues music in downtown Marquette, the UP’s largest town.

Boogie Fest Too 2023
When: September 1 – 3
Where: 14069 County Line G Road, Rock, MI

Deep in the wilderness of the western Upper Peninsula, Boogie Fest invites you to have fun on the campground, complete with a costume contest, poker run, music, and plenty of bonfires. There’s even a campground parade.

48th Annual Show U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Association
When: September 1 – 4
Where: U.P. State Fairground, 2401 12th AVE N. Escanaba, MI

This celebration of the UP hosts a pancake breakfast as well as a barn dance in Escanaba. Plenty of arts and crafts for all ages are also available among many other festival activities.

More Things to Do on Michigan on Labor Day

• Michigan Fall Colors (MAP): When to See Michigan Fall Color Change
• 36 Michigan Fall Color Experiences for with MAP
• Tunnel of Trees Michigan M-119: Your BEST Guide
• Lake Superior Agate Hunting: 10 BEST Spots for Finding Agates in Michigan
• Discover Michigan’s Natural Wonders

About the Author-

Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland. She later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school. She is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.