Less labor, more leisure: Five of the best Chicago activities this Labor Day weekend

While most Chicagoans will adamantly tell you that Labor Day is NOT the end of summer in the city, there is no denying that the holiday marks a turning point in the year. Kids head back to school, summer travel winds down, and the realization that the warm weather won't last forever inspires Midwesterners to appreciate every nice day like it's their last. So as August gives way to September, the holiday brings with it one of the premier weekends to get out and explore all that summertime Chicago has to offer.

To help take some of the labor off of celebrating this Labor Day, here are five of Chicago Star’s favorite things to do in the city over the holiday weekend.

Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest

There is no more quintessential way to celebrate the holiday than at the city’s Labor Day parade. The procession this year will step off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, near 112th St. and South Avenue F. First debuting back in 1880, the Labor Day parade has become a summer staple featuring floats, music, and performances from local troupes. The parade is immediately followed by Eddie Fest, a free annual event at Steelworkers Park celebrating the working-class, unions, and local labor movements.

Chicago Jazz Festival

One of the city’s premier Labor Day traditions, the Chicago Jazz Festival returns to Millennium Park for its 44th year. The free four-day event honors the genre with performances by both famous industry names and rising stars, making it a can't-miss for aficionados and casual music fans alike. With multiple stages, food, drinks, and more, visitors can take in the final days of summer while enjoying the sound that has defined the city for decades. 

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Bike the Drive

Stay active over the weekend with the 25th annual Bike the Drive fundraiser. Bike the Drive is a yearly charity cycle ride that closes DuSable Lake Shore Drive to motor vehicles so thousands of people can come together to cruise their bikes along Chicago's scenic lakefront. The event raises money for the Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout Chicagoland.

Catch a ballgame

With both Chicago baseball teams in playoff contention as the season comes down the stretch, there's never been a better time to head to the ballpark to catch a game. The first-place White Sox will be home all weekend at Rate Field for a series against divisional rivals the Minnesota Twins, while the Cubs will be traveling to take on the Miami Marlins. Avid sports fans can also tune in to watch the Chicago Fire take on Toronto FC on Saturday, Sept. 5.

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North Coast Music Festival

If you're in the mood to turn the party up this weekend, look no further than North Coast Music Festival. This EDM concert is celebrating its 16th year in Chicago by bringing in some of the biggest names in electronic music, including headlining acts such as Griz and Illenium. The festival will take place from Friday, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 6, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeport, featuring nearly 75 artists across six different stages. Tickets for the event are still available for purchase, ranging from $175 for a single-day entrance to $375 for full weekend wristbands.