Made in America isn’t happening this year but there is no shortage of enticing activities to fill your Labor Day Weekend in Philadelphia. While many Philadelphians flock to the Jersey Shore, this is one of the best times to visit the City’s dining, entertainment, and cultural venues.  Whether you are seeking family fun, nighttime festivities, or live music, we invite you to get out there and celebrate. 

History

Labor Day was first declared a national holiday in 1894. It was an outgrowth of the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago, a violent clash between police and thousands of workers demanding an eight-hour workday. Today, Labor Day weekend is less about recognizing the power of the American worker and more about the official end of summer and start of the school year. 

Family Fun

Rollin’ on the river! Head to Penn’s Landing, 101 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd, to rent Paddle Boats, including Swan Boats that can accommodate up to four adults and a child. Prices start at $25 for thirty minutes and up. Advance online reservations are highly recommended. Through Monday, September 4, 2023.

While you are at Penn’s Landing, visit Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. This extravaganza includes boardwalk games, carnival rides, mini-golf, an arcade, the city’s largest outdoor roller skating rink, and much more. You’ll find food and drink options on deck, including creative cocktails for Mom and Dad at The Lodge Bar and Chickies & Pete’s. General admission is free. Through Sept. 24^th.

Or venture over to Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, for hammocks, patio and arcade games, musical performances, and good eats treats from local food trucks while strolling the boardwalk. We recommend reserving your hammock.

Take the kids to “Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches” in Old City to hear uninformed storytellers share secrets about the history of Philadelphia. Storytelling benches are located at: Independence Visitor Center, Market between 5^th & 6^th; Independence Square, behind Independence Hall, Walnut between 5^th & 6^th; Signer’s Garden, 5^th & Chestnut; Franklin Court, Chestnut between 3^rd & 4^th; and Betsy Ross House, 231 Arch Street.  Free! 11 am to 4 pm, Friday to Monday, Sept 1-4.

Adult Refreshments

Raise a stein or two at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road, in the Northeast to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Philly’s German-American Club. You can bet your lederhosen there will be traditional German food, music, entertainment, and beer. September 2-4, 2023

Speaking of beer, Philly’s roving beer garden brings brews and bites to parks and green spaces in nearly every corner of the city this year. During Labor Day weekend, traveling taps set up shop at Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown. Enjoy draft beers from Mainstay Independent Brewing, cocktails, finger foods, and sandwiches. The taps flow from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. August 30 – September 4, 2023

Get a sitter for the kids and head to Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., which advertises itself as “…a backyard beer garden on the Waterfront.” Their DJ will have you dancing. Monday-Thursday 4 pm-2 am; Friday-Sunday 12 pm-2 am.

If you wish to raise a glass to the Founding Fathers, do it at Independence Beer Garden, 100 S. Independence Mall West, a 20,000-square-foot, all-American beer garden overlooking the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historic Park. It’s a view Ben Franklin would admire.

Liberty Point, 211 S. Columbus Blvd, is yet another venue featuring tasty libations, dinners from acclaimed chefs, and live music with a waterfront view.

Get high at Bok Bar’s rooftop, 800 Mifflin St., known for its spectacular skyline view and drinks line the Mifflin Street Rita, containing Teremana Tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, lime, and a splash of club soda. Equally famous for its superb food. Fri & Sat open until midnight. After sunset, guests must be over 21 or accompanied by a parent.

Live Music

Lizzo may have canceled for Labor Day Weekend but rock legends Aerosmith are kicking off their Peace Out Farewell Tour with the Black Crows right here at the Wells Fargo Center. This is your last chance to dream with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and the rest of one of the most notable American rock bands of all time. Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm. 

Sting will be at the Hard Rock Cafe, 1000 Boardwalk in Atlantic City, Sunday, Sept 3^rd, at 8 pm.

Free Latin Dance Party at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St,  featuring cumbia and son with live music by Guachinangos. Friday, Sept 1, doors open at 6 pm, show at 9 pm. Free admission. Food and drink are available for purchase. Reservations advised.

Get your samba on at PECO’s Brazilian Day Philadelphia featuring Brazilian music, dancing, and food. At Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S Columbus Blvd. Free! Sunday, September 3, 2023, | 1-7 p.m.

However you decide to spend your Labor Day Weekend, Solo Real Estate encourages you to take advantage of the many opportunities to experience the City in new and exciting ways.