Events and Things to Do During Labor Day Weekend In Wisconsin

Wisconsin doesn't do Labor Day quietly, nor should it. It's the unofficial end of summer, although I'm clinging to every official last day of summer, which really doesn't end until Monday, September 21.

From Milwaukee's lakefront to small-town main streets up north, the long weekend of September 4-7 is stacked with parades, festivals, live music and baseball.

Here's a quick scan of where to point yourself over the holiday weekend, wherever you are in the state.

Events To Enjoy During Labor Day Weekend

Laborfest (Milwaukee) — A free Labor Day celebration at Henry Maier Festival Park on Monday, Sept. 7, with live music, a classic car show and a parade honoring the region's labor history.
Brad Paisley (Milwaukee) — The day after his performance at the Minnesota State Fair, the country star headlines BMO Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 4, with special guests Jake Worthington and Laci Kaye Booth.
Wisconsin Highland Games (Waukesha) — Three days of caber tossing, hammer throws, bagpipes and Scottish fare at the Waukesha County Expo, Sept. 4-6.
Brewers vs. Cubs (Milwaukee) — The Brew Crew hosts its biggest rival at American Family Field on Labor Day itself, Monday, Sept. 7. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m.

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Oak Creek Lionsfest (Oak Creek) — Three stages of live entertainment, a car show, food and family activities at American Legion Post 434, Sept. 4-7.
Corn on the Curb Days (Balsam Lake) — A downtown festival with a carnival, car show, craft fair and plenty of corn-themed fun, Sept. 4-6.
Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show (Eagle River) — Artisan crafts, sidewalk sales, food and live entertainment fill downtown Eagle River on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Prentice Progress Days (Prentice) — A four-day Northwoods celebration with truck shows, live country music, fishing events and a golf tournament, Sept. 4-7.
Riverfront Jazz Festival (Stevens Point) — Six jazz performances at the Pfiffner Pioneer Park bandshell benefiting local scholarships, Sept. 5-6.
John Lewis Labor Day Cookout & Fair (Madison) — A free community gathering with food and connection at Olin Park, Monday, Sept. 7.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Hunting season openers (statewide) — Wisconsin's early-bird seasons are open, with mourning dove, early Canada goose, and early teal all underway as of Sept. 1 (bear season follows on Sept. 9). Check the DNR for zones and rules.
Wisconsin State Parks (statewide) — With summer winding down, the state's parks, Lake Michigan shoreline and Northwoods trails are at their late-summer best — a perfect weekend for one last hike, paddle or beach day before fall color arrives. NOTE: Reader's Digest named Wisconsin's Natural Bridge State Park as the best Labor Day weekend destination in the state. Here, you’ll find a natural sandstone arch, an 11,000-year-old rock shelter, miles of hiking trails, including a self-guided nature trail, and plenty of wildlife.

Head Indoors, Sort Of

Topgolf Monona (Monona) — Wisconsin's first-ever Topgolf opened its doors this month just outside Madison, featuring three levels of climate-controlled hitting bays, a full menu and drinks. It's the perfect rain-or-shine way to spend a holiday afternoon.

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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth