It felt like summer sprang eternal throughout much of the country this year, but Labor Day is less than a month away, meaning it’s time to plan your “sayonara summer” getaway now. Here are 10 great destinations to celebrate summer’s slide into fall.
Denver
End your summer on a (mile-) high note at the Taste of Colorado, bringing food and music to downtown Denver September 3-6.
Chicago
Chicago’s longstanding Labor Day Weekend tradition is the Chicago Jazz Festival; the 32nd instrumental installment is this September 2-5.
Orlando
The week of Labor Day is among Disney World’s periods of lowest attendance. IgoUgo members Kathy-n-John call it an “unexpected pleasure” and “the ideal time to visit.”
Albuquerque
Just north of town, Bernalillo hosts the New Mexico Wine Festival, featuring vintages made from quirky ingredients like chilis and pistachios.
St. Louis
The Big Muddy Blues Festival takes place September 4-5 at Laclede’s Landing, with free entertainment on the Mississippi River.
Virginia Beach
Old-school tunes dominate the American Music Festival September 3-5. Can’t make it for Labor Day? Consider a late-September jaunt to Virginia Beach for the Neptune Festival and its towering sand sculptures.
Aspen
Catch the Black Crowes, Wilco, Lynard Skynard, and more at this year’s Jazz Aspen Snowmass September 3-5--or watch the MotherLode Volleyball Classic, “the place to be if you enjoy the sport,” according to c_rau.
Hermosa Beach
The place to be for volleyball enthusiasts year-round is Hermosa Beach (pictured above), and Labor Day is no exception. An added bonus is the Southern California town’s Fiesta Hermosa September 4-6.
Washington, D.C.
On September 5, the National Symphony Orchestra forgoes its usual space at the Kennedy Center to put on a free show on the West Lawn of the US Capitol.
Harrisburg
Well, why not? Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River is the site of the annual Kipona Festival, a unique celebration of water. One highlight? Boat racing.
Comment by MilwVon on August 13, 2025
What? No Alaska??? LOL
We will be fishing on the Kenai Peninsula Labor Day weekend (halibut on Friday and silver salmon on Sunday); followed up with an overnight bear viewing trip to Lake Clark National Park and hopefully some clamming on Labor Day Monday!
Look for extensive journals and reviews next month!
Wherever you go . . . have safe travels.
Von
p.s. Virginia Beach in September is wonderful.