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bumbershoot Kayla Johnson/Flickr

12 Labor Day weekend events in and around Seattle

Need something to do for the holiday weekend? You've got plenty of options

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Labor Day was created as a celebration of the American labor movement, and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. For many—especially those in white-collar jobs—it means a three-day weekend. If you're looking to take advantage of that extra day around Seattle, there are plenty of fun options to be enjoyed.

Obviously, Bumbershoot and PAX dominate the social calendar, but there's also a music festival up in Oak Harbor, plus psych and americana festivals right here in Seattle. There’s also plenty of musical acts, plus some very deeply-fried foods, at the Evergreen State Fair and Washington State Fair.

Rather check out some old-timey airplanes? You can do that as well up in Everett, or learn about some Boeing history at MOHAI.

Just remember to tip those that do have to work on Labor Day a little extra when you can.

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Oak Harbor Music Festival

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Oak Harbor Music Festival features more than 30 bands playing all types of music on two stages, beer gardens, food vendors, and arts and crafts on Whidbey Island. It’s also free.

Vintage Aircraft Weekend

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Airplane nerds, rejoice! The tenth annual Vintage Aircraft Weekend begins on Friday with arrival of aircraft throughout the day followed by a big band dance in the evening. The main event begins Saturday morning with speakers, live music, flying displays, vintage automobiles and military vehicles, fine food, vintage bicycles, vintage clothing and uniforms.

The Evergreen State Fair

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This state fair in Monroe actually got started on August 24, but it runs through Labor Day Weekend. It attracts over 40,000 attendees every year and you'll find every kind of farm animal, carnival ride, fair food item, and other entertainment you can think of.

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Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery 50th Anniversary Party

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On September 2 and 3, Woodinville winery Chateau Ste Michelle is celebrating its 50th anniversary by opening its brand-new visitors center, including brunch, live music, and a whole corral of food trucks.

Northwest Psych Fest

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At the Sunset Tavern, three days of psych music include Kinski, Sky Cries Mary, and Los Dug Dug’s. It’s $15 a night.

Boeing Flight Path at MOHAI

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Through September 4, this exhibit at the Museum of History and Industry explores Boeing’s impact on the region over the past century.

Bumbershoot

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Another year, another Bumbershoot Festival. Taking place across many venues and open spaces in and around Seattle Center, it's where you want to be in order to enjoy great musical acts all weekend long. This year, the lineup includes Solange, Lorde, Weezer, The Roots, Conor Oberst, Spoon, and more.

The downside, of course, is that single-day tickets cost $129—and that’s just for Friday.

Labor Day Half

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Starting and finishing at Overlake Medican Center, the Labor Day Half and Four-Mile race boasts one of the state’s fastest half marathons—perhaps because it also boasts one of the flattest courses.

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PAX West

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The annual gaming festival is back and it continues to be an ever-growing mecca for gaming enthusiasts. You can look forward to game-culture inspired concerts, panels on game topics, exhibitor booths from game developers and publishers, tabletop game tournaments, video game freeplay areas and more.

It is, however, sold out. But that doesn’t mean you can’t join in the revelry. If you can’t find anyone selling their tickets, try our map of satellite events to get you started.

Americana Festival on the Waterfront

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Country, folk, and bluegrass more your thing? On September 2 and 3 from noon to 8 p.m., Friends of Waterfront Seattle are throwing a waterfront Americana shindig on Pier 58, including Danny Newcomb and the Sugarmakers.

Bremerton Blackberry Festival

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The 28th Annual Bremerton Blackberry Festival takes over Bremerton's picturesque waterfront on September 2nd. Some of the best musicians and entertainers in the area will perform throughout all three days. Other festival staples are back this year, like the Berry Fun Run and the Blackberry Criterium Bike Race.

A post shared by Ashlee (@a2zashlee) on

Washington State Fair

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One of the top ten biggest fairs in the world, The Washington State Fair (formerly The Puyallup Fair)is the largest single attraction held annually in Washington state. The 24-day event kicks off Labor Day Weekend and each day will have it's share of live concerts, animal exhibits, fun booths, and all the fair food you can dream of.

A post shared by M A R I S S A (@marissasuafoa) on

Oak Harbor Music Festival

Oak Harbor Music Festival features more than 30 bands playing all types of music on two stages, beer gardens, food vendors, and arts and crafts on Whidbey Island. It’s also free.

Vintage Aircraft Weekend

Airplane nerds, rejoice! The tenth annual Vintage Aircraft Weekend begins on Friday with arrival of aircraft throughout the day followed by a big band dance in the evening. The main event begins Saturday morning with speakers, live music, flying displays, vintage automobiles and military vehicles, fine food, vintage bicycles, vintage clothing and uniforms.

The Evergreen State Fair

This state fair in Monroe actually got started on August 24, but it runs through Labor Day Weekend. It attracts over 40,000 attendees every year and you'll find every kind of farm animal, carnival ride, fair food item, and other entertainment you can think of.

A post shared by Savannah Ma (@savannahma_) on

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery 50th Anniversary Party

On September 2 and 3, Woodinville winery Chateau Ste Michelle is celebrating its 50th anniversary by opening its brand-new visitors center, including brunch, live music, and a whole corral of food trucks.

Northwest Psych Fest

At the Sunset Tavern, three days of psych music include Kinski, Sky Cries Mary, and Los Dug Dug’s. It’s $15 a night.

Boeing Flight Path at MOHAI

Through September 4, this exhibit at the Museum of History and Industry explores Boeing’s impact on the region over the past century.

Bumbershoot

Another year, another Bumbershoot Festival. Taking place across many venues and open spaces in and around Seattle Center, it's where you want to be in order to enjoy great musical acts all weekend long. This year, the lineup includes Solange, Lorde, Weezer, The Roots, Conor Oberst, Spoon, and more.

The downside, of course, is that single-day tickets cost $129—and that’s just for Friday.

Labor Day Half

Starting and finishing at Overlake Medican Center, the Labor Day Half and Four-Mile race boasts one of the state’s fastest half marathons—perhaps because it also boasts one of the flattest courses.

A post shared by SkierGrrl (@skiergrrlpnw) on

PAX West

The annual gaming festival is back and it continues to be an ever-growing mecca for gaming enthusiasts. You can look forward to game-culture inspired concerts, panels on game topics, exhibitor booths from game developers and publishers, tabletop game tournaments, video game freeplay areas and more.

It is, however, sold out. But that doesn’t mean you can’t join in the revelry. If you can’t find anyone selling their tickets, try our map of satellite events to get you started.

Americana Festival on the Waterfront

Country, folk, and bluegrass more your thing? On September 2 and 3 from noon to 8 p.m., Friends of Waterfront Seattle are throwing a waterfront Americana shindig on Pier 58, including Danny Newcomb and the Sugarmakers.

Bremerton Blackberry Festival

The 28th Annual Bremerton Blackberry Festival takes over Bremerton's picturesque waterfront on September 2nd. Some of the best musicians and entertainers in the area will perform throughout all three days. Other festival staples are back this year, like the Berry Fun Run and the Blackberry Criterium Bike Race.

A post shared by Ashlee (@a2zashlee) on

Washington State Fair

One of the top ten biggest fairs in the world, The Washington State Fair (formerly The Puyallup Fair)is the largest single attraction held annually in Washington state. The 24-day event kicks off Labor Day Weekend and each day will have it's share of live concerts, animal exhibits, fun booths, and all the fair food you can dream of.

A post shared by M A R I S S A (@marissasuafoa) on