⚒️ Days Until Labor Day
There are
days until Labor Day (September 1)
Related holidays
About Labor Day
Labor Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. The holiday was first celebrated in 1882 and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and many Americans celebrate with barbecues, parades, and end-of-season sales. It is also traditionally seen as the last weekend for wearing white in fashion.
How to prepare for Labor Day
Plan one last summer outing — a beach trip, lake day, or camping weekend — since Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Shop end-of-season sales for summer clothing, outdoor gear, and patio furniture at steep discounts. Prepare for the school year if you have kids: stock up on supplies and finalize routines. If you're hosting a Labor Day cookout, try something different from Fourth of July — a clambake, taco bar, or seafood boil can be a refreshing change.
Traditions and customs
Labor Day grew out of the 19th-century labor movement and was first celebrated with a parade in New York City in 1882; it became a federal holiday in 1894. Beyond honoring workers, it now signals the unofficial end of summer — celebrated with barbecues, one last beach or lake trip, and back-to-school preparation. It also marks the traditional cutoff of the old fashion rule against wearing white after Labor Day.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Labor Day?
- Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September in the United States and Canada, creating a three-day weekend.
- What is the purpose of Labor Day?
- It honors the American labor movement and the social and economic contributions of workers. It grew from union organizing in the 1880s and became a federal holiday in 1894.
- Why is U.S. Labor Day in September and not May 1?
- Most countries mark International Workers' Day on May 1. The U.S. deliberately chose September to distance the holiday from the May 1 date associated with the 1886 Haymarket affair and radical labor politics.