10 Fun Things to Do This Labor Day 2024 Weekend in Washington

Do you have some time off for Labor Day Weekend? Labor Day weekend is national holiday in America with roots tracing back to the mid-1880s.

Many of us look forward to this national holiday because it means we have some free time to sit around the house and veg out, host a family and friends barbecue, get out of town, go camping, or sightseeing across the state.

A lot of people just think of Labor Day Weekend as a chance to have some time off work, and while that is definitely true, we seldom reflect on the tragedies and turmoil that brought us this precious time away from the job. (Sorry to get so somber; I recently watched season 2 of The Gilded Age and it made me think about this.)

The labor movements of the 18th and 19th centuries helped us get things we sometimes take for granted, like 5-day work weeks, 8-hour days, employer-provided medical insurance and other benefits, the freedom to create labor unions where applicable, vacation time, sick leave, workplace safety, and more.

That being said, I still think it's fantastic for a few "free" days off to do whatever we want, like getting out of the house for a road trip. Check out this list of ten fun events happening all over Washington State this Labor Day Weekend!

Get our free mobile app

1. PACKWOOD

Packwood is hosting its annual Labor Day Weekend Flea Market. It will be packed, pun intended, so be prepared for lots of traffic, great treasures, and big crowds.

2. ELLENSBURG

The Ellensburg Rodeo has been going on every Labor Day Weekend since 1923 (wow!). Enjoy some professional rodeo hosted by the PRCA, fun concerts with "Rockin' the Chutes', and extreme bull riding competitions. Open August 30th thru September 2nd.

3. SEATTLE

The Bumbershoot festival is this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. There will be two whole days of fun, ranging from live bands to art exhibits, and culinary demos.

4. SPOKANE

Pig Out in the Park is a huge festival for all the foodies sponsored by the City of Spokane. It is held at Riverfront Park going on now through September 2nd. There will be at least 65 food vendors and live bands throughout the weekend.

5. BELLINGHAM

The North Cascades Bluegrass Festival is happening now through September 1st. It's sponsored by Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation, and 5 Starr Jams. Bring your own lawn chairs and maybe think about doing a camping trip nearby.

6. PUYALLUP

You can go to the Washington State Fair this Labor Day Weekend and get hopped up on fair food, exhibits, carnival rides, and concerts. Foreigner performs Friday night and Wiz Khalifa hits the stage on Sunday, September 1st.

7. TRI-CITIES

The Tumbleweed Music Festival 2024 is a folk festival held in Richland. Enjoy an open mic stage, singalongs, free workshops and music lessons.

8. WALLA WALLA

The G.O.A.T. Frontier Days event is happening at the Fairgrounds on August 30th and 31st. This fair claims to be the oldest one in Washington state, going back to its origins in 1886!

9. BREMERTON

Have you ever been to the Blackberry Festival in Bremerton? It's this weekend, sponsored by the Bremerton Rotary Foundation and Kitsap Credit Union. Enjoy "all things blackberry."

10. YAKIMA

This Labor Day Weekend in Yakima will bring out the tourists who want to see the Labor Day Artist Studio tour, sponsored by the Larson Gallery and Artebella Gallery. There are 8 artist studio locations on the map this year and you'll get to view over 40 artists exhibits.