From the annual Labor Day parade and fireworks display to other unique events throughout the area, there's plenty to do in Philadelphia on Labor Day weekend 2011.
Philadelphia Area Labor Day Celebrations
When: Friday, September 2, 2011
Where: Penn's Landing
The Camden River Sharks will have a fireworks display after their game on Friday evening around 9 p.m. Watch from across the river at Penn's Landing.
Franklin Square Labor Day Weekend festivities
When: Monday, September 5
Where: Franklin Square
Kid-friendly activities including Mini Golf and carousel rides all weekend long, and free games on the Great Lawn Monday from noon-3 p.m.
Longwood Gardens Fireworks and Music
When: September 3, 8:15 p.m.
Where: Longwood Gardens:
Enjoy fireworks and music in the area's largest horticultural center.
Chaddsford Winery Labor Day Picnic and Wine Tasting
When: September 3-5, noon-6 p.m.
Where: Chaddsford Winery
Live music, wine tastings and option to buy a barbecue meal from Joseph's Catering or bring your own food and picnic. Admission free, wine tasting $10
Labor Parade and AFL-CIO Family Festival
When: Monday, September 5. Parade 10 a.m. Festival 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, $5.
Parade from Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing followed by celebration including food, games, activities, crafts and music.
Farewell Address at the National Constitution Center
When: September 3-5
Where: National Constitution Center
Last chance to see special exhibit Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon, which closes this Monday. Closing events include a reenactment of Washington's Farewell Speech.
When: September 2-5, times and costs vary.
Where: Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and other Old City locations
See website for all the details.
When: September 2 and 3
Where: Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Friday evening, there will be a preview screening of Ken Burns' film, Prohibition, followed by a concert on Saturday featuring local indie-rock band Dr. Dog. Live dance, art demos, kid-friendly music and yoga and a meet-and-greet with The Cat In the Hat and Clifford the Big Red Dog also featured.
Other Labor Day Weekend Events
First Friday
When: September 2, 2011
Where: Old City; other locations city-wide
Art galleries open their doors to the public, sometimes offering free appetizers, wine and entertainment.
Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival
When: September 2-5, 2011
Where: Philadelphia Airport Embassy Suites
This jazz festival features many celebrated jazz musicians including John Blake and Tyrone Brown along with Philly's own Bill Cosby.
Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe
When: September 2-17, 2011
Where: Locations citywide
The 15th annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe features 200+ comedy, dance, theater and other performing arts shows.