CHICAGO — The summer festival season is almost over, but there are still plenty of events and activities to round off your summer on a strong note. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, here are five things to do in Chicago over the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5.
1. North Coast Music Festival (September 2-4): Billed as "Summer's Last Stand," the three-day music festival returns to Union Park with a massive lineup boasting a diverse collection of folk, indie rock, hip-hop and electronic music. EDM giants Odesza, Bassnectar and Zedd will be headlining this year. Look out for various after parties around smaller clubs and venues at night. Tickets, depending on the day, run $60 to $70.
2. Chicago Jazz Festival (September 1-4): A fixture of Chicago's Labor Day weekend celebration since 1979, the Chicago Jazz Festival returns this year with free live musical performances by acclaimed jazz artists at Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion. The highly anticipated lineup includes Chicago saxophonist Eric Schneider, trumpeter Orbert Davis and Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra among others. Click here for the complete lineup. Free.
3. African Festival of the Arts (September 2-5): This Labor Day weekend watch Chicago's Washington Park transform into a simulated African Village for four days — complete with a bustling bazaar, handcrafted artwork, authentic African cuisine, museum quality artifacts and more. Advance tickets are $15; general admission at the gate is $20.
4. Taste of Polonia (September 2-5): Get a taste of the vibrant Polish culture at Jefferson Park. The annual four-day festival showcases live music, carnival rides, cultural exhibits, and of course, Polish food and beer. Tickets are $5 before 5 p.m.; $10 after 5 p.m.
5. The Great American Lobster Fest (September 2-3): The Great American Lobster Fest returns to Navy Pier for the third year with lobster meals, live music performances and family-friendly activities to finish the summer full and strong. Treat yourself to some quality lobster at the Midwest's largest lobster and seafood festival. Ticket information here.
6. Labor Day Parade (September 3): The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, kicking off at 104th Street and South Ewing Avenue and going south along Ewing Avenue. At 112th Street, the parade will turn and go east to Eggers Grove.
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