If you want to soak in the last days of summer, then Boston is the place to be! There is so much to do in Greater Boston for your entire family. Red Sox games, concerts and shows, special cruises, and of course huge sales are just a few reasons to get excited for the holiday! The unofficial end of summer means fantastic weather and with a ton of fun things to do, it’s the perfect combo to kick off Labor Day weekend in Boston. It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Experience Boston before the end of the season with farmers markets, outdoor dining, live music, and from the best seat in the house-on the water with sightseeing and dining cruises with City Cruises.
The History of Labor Day
We all know Labor Day means time off and a break from the grind, but do you know the origins of Labor Day? For many of us, it signifies picnics, parades, a day off from work, and the end of summer, but the roots of Labor Day have a significant meaning. In 1894, Labor Day became a national holiday in the United States celebrating the long history of U.S. workers and their enormous contributions, often under difficult conditions, to the country’s abundance and success. Employees, including children, were often required to work extremely long hours, six days a week, in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces. Workers decided to strike and rallied for shorter workdays and better conditions. Tens of thousands of labor union members took unpaid leave to march on a day that culminated in picnics, speeches, fireworks, and dancing to demonstrate the strength of labor organizations. Today, Labor Day is a time of barbecues, outdoor activities, and long weekends to honor and celebrate American workers. It is observed on the first Monday in September and represents the end of summer for many.
Laptops Off, Music On: Boston Labor Day 2024
Labor Day in Boston is the perfect opportunity to cherish the warm weather before fall begins and spend some time outdoors with your favorite people. People flock to the area from across the country to embrace and absorb its history and beauty. Boston is one of America’s greatest cities and with so much to do over Labor Day weekend, this “hot spot” is beckoning you, your family, and friends to enjoy all that it has to offer. Here are some great ideas for kicking off your holiday weekend in 2024:
Boston Whale Watching Cruise
Set sail with us for the whale watch experience of a lifetime on the New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise. Our destination: Stellwagen Bank Marine
Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine creatures. Stellwagen is home to many species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes. New England Aquarium naturalists will share knowledge, answer your questions, and explain the fascinating behaviors of these truly magnificent mammals on the sea life cruise experience. Your whole crew will love this amazing experience to cap off the summer.
Tour Fenway Park
You can’t go to Boston without thinking of the Red Sox. Boston fans are known for their fanatical devotion, and Fenway Park is “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.” A great way to spend Labor Day weekend is by taking a guided tour of America’s oldest ballpark, home to the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Your guide will share commentary on baseball legends, show you iconic stadium features (green monster left field wall), and let you see how this truly great ballpark lives up to its hype. Check out their schedule here.
Boston Signature Dinner Cruise
Come dine, dance, and celebrate aboard a Boston Signature Dinner Cruise. Enjoy freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts, creative cocktails, wine,
and beer from our well-stocked cash bar. Pair that with live DJ entertainment, and the best views of the Boston skyline and waterfront landmarks, including Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston’s Seaport District, and the USS Constitution warship. Our decks are climate-controlled to cruise year-round in all weather conditions. Join us for a unique dinner cruise experience! Spend some time with your favorite people reliving the best of summer while relaxing and soaking in the views.
Get Artsy at ICA
In honor of Labor Day, the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) is offering free admission for all on Monday, September 2. Tickets are required and are available to reserve here. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds are welcome and invited to participate in the excitement of new art and ideas with exciting exhibitions.
Celebrate the Hustle by Not Moving a Muscle This Labor Day in Boston with City Cruises
Whether it’s your first-time visiting Beantown or you’re a longtime local, there’s plenty to do to check off your summer bucket list for Labor Day. The weather is warm and comfortable and it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy with summer’s final curtain call. The city will be buzzing with activity before kids go back to school and the start of fall with all the hustle and bustle begins. Grab a bite to eat at a rooftop restaurant, catch a baseball game, embrace the art scene, or get out on the water with a whale-watching or dining cruise that feutures the best views. No matter how you spend Labor Day weekend in Boston, enjoy some well-deserved time off from work and give thanks to those who made it all possible.
