Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Chicago is a major destination for Midwest residents during the Labor Day holiday. The city is close enough to Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Minneapolis to attract tourists for the long weekend. Vacationers can enjoy activities on the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan coast. Many Labor Day weekend visitors are drawn to Chicago for several annual events that celebrate summer's end.
The North Coast Music Festival takes place Friday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This festival is organized by the North Coast Music Group, a partnership of five independent promoters in Chicago. Music fans can listen to jam bands, hip hop artists and other acts on four stages at Union Park. The Toast of the Coast Play-in allows one local DJ and one local musician to win spots at the festival through online voting. Festival organizers work with local venues like the Congress Theater to host nightly after-parties.
North Coast Music Festival
1501 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-746-5494
northcoastfestival.com
The Chicago Jazz Festival is held Thursday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This event has been offered free to the public since the inaugural festival in 1978. Jazz concerts are held throughout Chicago at venues like Millennium Park, Grant Park and the Chicago Culture Center. Attendees can see the festival's artist-in-residence, along with nationally touring musicians. The Chicago Jazz Festival also attracts jazz ensembles from Roosevelt University and the University of Chicago. This event is sponsored by Chicago Jazz Magazine, Chicago Jazz Partnership and CareFusion.
Chicago Jazz Festival
337 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-742-7648
chicagojazzfestival.us
The Taste of Polonia is a Polish cultural festival held Friday through Monday of Labor Day weekend. The Copernicus Foundation hosts this annual event at the Copernicus Cultural and Civic Center. Visitors head to three stages for rock concerts, traditional Polish music and folk dancing. Festival organizers attract families with face painting, contests and games at the Kids World area. This festival is also known for booths serving kielbasa, potato pancakes and Polish beer. The Festival Marketplace contains vendors selling art work, crafts and handmade goods.
Taste of Polonia
5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
773-777-8898
copernicusfdn.org