Celebrate Labor Day Weekend and Enjoy These Local Events

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend and Enjoy These Local Events

There's plenty to take in on campus and around the city

Before Labor Day was a federal holiday celebrating the social and economic achievements of American workers, it was observed by only a few US states (Massachusetts is one of them). Since the first official parade on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, this national holiday (now observed on September's first Monday) has been celebrated with the works: parades, festivals, fireworks, and more, lasting throughout the weekend.

Since the holiday coincides with the beginning of the academic year, we hope you'll check out some fun events on and off campus, and enjoy what could be the last of the summer weather.

Friday, August 30

Boston Jazz Festival

Photo Courtesy of Boston Jazz Fest

Since 2010, the Boston Jazz Festival has brought together music lovers from all over New England for a weekend of live jams and great company. The free festival honors the distinctly American nature of jazz music, introducing more than 100 up-and-coming musicians to the world since its inception. This year, Jon Samson, the first board-certified music therapist to win a Grammy Award, will perform. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and prepare to enjoy jazz music in all its forms.

5 to 10 pm Friday, and noon to 10 pm Saturday,South Boston Maritime Park, 600 D St., Boston

San Gennaro Feast

If you missed Saint Anthony's Feast, have no fear-the summer's Italian festivities are far from over. Check out the San Gennaro Feast, in honor of the bishop of Benevento, Italy, who died a martyr in 305 AD. The festival includes 32 vendors serving up some of the North End's best Italian-American cuisine, as well as games, drinks, and special performances from Sal "The Voice" Valentinetti and France Joli.

5 to 11 pm, The Prado at the Paul Revere Mall, 370 Hanover St., Boston

Weeks of Welcome: Karaoke Night at the BU Beach

Head over to the BU Beach and sing your heart out with the help of a live band. Chat with new and returning students over fun mocktails and enjoy gorgeous views of the Charles River at this campus hotspot.

8 pm, BU Beach, 270 Bay State Road

Saturday, August 31

Weeks of Welcome: Beach Towel Yoga

Find some zen during Move-in madness with a relaxing beach towel yoga sesh, held in collaboration with BU FitRec. Make sure you get there on time, because the first 100 people to lay down their mats will receive a free beach towel.

10 to 11 am, BU Beach, 270 Bay State Road

Weeks of Welcome Picnic

Photo by Cydney Scott

As the summer comes to a close, what better way to celebrate the last couple of weeks of warm weather than with a picnic on the BU Beach? Relax on a blanket or play lawn games with friends, but be sure to arrive with an empty stomach so you can stock up on delicious picnic goodies, like burgers and charcuterie.

Noon to 3 pm, BU Beach, 270 Bay State Road

Sunday, September 1

Matriculation Sunday Worship Service

Don't miss this special interdenominational worship service, with a sermon from Robert Allan Hill, dean of Marsh Chapel, as well music from the Marsh Chapel Choir. At the end of the service, join the rest of the BU community in a procession to Agganis Arena, where Matriculation will be held.

11 am, Marsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Ave.

SoWa Open Market

Photo Courtesy of SoWa Boston

This weekly market opens its doors every Sunday to a variety of local vendors and food trucks. But the real star of this market is the row of art galleries and studios that line the street, alongside an expansive underground antique market, with items from art and lamps to furniture and clothes.

11 am to 4 pm, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston

Comm Ave Fest 2024

Photo by Michael D. Spencer

Get to know campus as you make your way down Comm Ave for the most exciting event of the new school year. As you explore your new neighborhood, be sure to check out fun stops, like the Terrier Tailgate at Nickerson Field (1010 Comm Ave), friendship bracelet-making on Marsh Plaza (735 Comm Ave), a bounce house on the BU Beach (270 Bay State Road), and plenty of tasty food and free swag along the way. Check out the full roster of events here.

3 to 6 pm, all Comm Ave Fest events

ThinkFast Trivia

Calling all brainiacs…it's time to put your skills to the test and compete for a $500 cash prize at ThinkFast Trivia. Munch on pizza and snacks while your eight-person team fights for academic victory. Fuel up, and bring your A game, because this event is sure to get competitive.

8 pm, George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom, 775 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd floor

Monday, September 2

Free Admission to the ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art in Seaport. Photo via iStock/DenisTangneyJr

This Labor Day, enjoy free admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, one of New England's most impressive collections of cutting-edge artwork. Check out Hew Locke: The Procession, a dazzling exhibition of 140 life-size sculptures covered in printed and embroidered fabric. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance, so you don't miss out on this immersive experience.

10 am to 5 pm, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston

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