Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Last-Minute Labor Day Travel Ideas

Labor Day is one of those holidays that tend to creep up on us pretty quickly. Although it marks the unofficial end of summer, that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a great weekend vacation before the fall routine sets in.

We’ve scoured event listings across the country and put together five of our favorite ideas for last-minute Labor Day travel (hotel ideas included).

Recommended Videos

Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park

Rebirth Brass Band Below View
Rebirth Brass Band/Chicago Jazz Festival Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Midwest’s biggest jazz event celebrates its 39th edition this year with special tribute sets honoring Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Ella Fitzgerald. The Rebirth Jazz Band closes out the fest Sunday night with an excellent mix of reggae, rap, and funk. It’s the perfect time to explore the modern amphitheatre in Millennium Park and, of course, get your picture in front of “The Bean.” For more inspiration, check out our Chicago travel guide here.

Hotel: Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop – Just a few blocks from the Park and free breakfast to refuel.

Made in America Fest – Philadelphia

Made in America Fest
Made in America Fest/Facebook Image used with permission by copyright holder

Budweiser’s biggest indie/hipster festival has established itself as a marquee music event in spite of all of the corporate underwriting. This year, the festival went a bit more mainstream with J. Cole and The Chainsmokers as headliners. The bill is bottom-heavy though with sets from Run the Jewels, Little Dragon and Pusha T to round things out. A complete guide to Philly can be found here.

Hotel: Kimpton Hotel Palomar – A classic choice with free bikes and a hosted wine hour each night.

626 Night Market – Los Angeles

626 Night Market
DJ Ivory performs at 626 Night Market in 2015. Photo by Daniel Kim Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are few better places to experience Asian culture in American than Southern California. The 626 Night Market has built a reputation as the biggest and best Asian night market in the country with a number of vendors, performances and of course, food hawkers. Here, you’ll find everything from okonomayaki to fried octopus. The Labor Day weekend edition takes place at Santa Anita Park, meaning you can explore the Chinese heritage of the San Gabriel Valley before hopping over to the market.

Hotel: JW Marriott LA Live – A stunning property within walking distance of the downtown core.

Bumbershoot – Seattle

Bumbershoot: the Party of the Summer

Bumbershoot is a Pacific Northwest music tradition. Bands, comedians and art installations take over Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle, while thousands enjoy the splendors. Lorde, Odesza and Flume headline this year with appearances from Margaret Cho and Todd Barry on the comedy stage too. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see Gucci Mane and the rest of Seattle.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Max – An artsy hotel complete with Sub Pop music, free craft beer and a bevy of local spirits, what’s not to like?

Southern Decadence – New Orleans

Southern Decadence
Image used with permission by copyright holder

New Orleans’ party vibe is taken to another level when their annual LGBT celebration takes over The Big Easy. Southern Decadence is centered in the French Quarter with plenty of DJs and outdoor concerts to keep things moving all weekend. Over its 46-year history, it has turned into one of the pre-eminent LGBT celebrations in the country, with more than 250,000 attendees (!) expected this year. Don’t miss the trademark parade through the Quarter.

Hotel Recommendation: Old No. 77 Hotel + Chandlery – Soak in southern flavor with wide, comfortable rooms, a great lobby restaurant and a bit of peace just outside of the French Quarter, while being steps away from the action. Also, Mother’s Restaurant down the street is a can’t-miss southern treat.

Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
Inside Hawaii’s iconic pink palace: A stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Although there are 22 Marriott Luxury Collection resorts in the United States, only one is located in the beautiful state of Hawaii: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki. This stunning "pink palace" holds significant importance both to travelers and residents of the island of O'ahu, symbolizing both Hawaiian elegance and architectural beauty. You can read about the fantastic history of this resort online, but experiencing it in person is an entirely different experience. The resort immerses you in not just the history of the building, but also teaches you essential lessons about Hawaiian history and culture.

As one of the first luxury hotels in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian has earned a hefty reputation due to its stunning pink architecture and elegant feel. Here's what you can expect during a stay at this luxury resort and what you don't want to miss.

Read more
This surprising state just ranked No. 1 for summer road trips
Minnesota offers road trippers endless adventures
Minneapolis

When it comes to epic summer road trips, most people think of California’s coastline or the wide-open highways of Texas. But the top spot for summer road trips this year? It’s Minnesota.

According to WalletHub’s latest ranking, Minnesota edged out all 50 states thanks to its winning combo of affordability, safety, and non-stop summer fun. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is a dream for outdoor lovers, with some of the country’s highest spending on parks and recreation and the third-most fairs and festivals per capita. Translation: there’s always something cool happening.

Read more
The perfect New England hotel just reopened in Kennebunkport — here’s why you should go
The beautiful Breakwater Inn reopened on July 1
Breakwater Inn

If you’re craving a classic New England summer, Kennebunkport, Maine, is calling. This charming coastal town is famous for its laid-back beaches, busy harbor, affordable lobster rolls, and small-town charm that feels straight out of a postcard. Long known as a summer retreat for the Bush family, Kennebunkport offers coastal elegance and the quintessential New England experience.

And now, there’s an even better reason to visit. The beloved Breakwater Inn just reopened on July 1, 2025, after a full-scale renovation that breathes new life into this historic waterfront property. Perched where the Kennebunk River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, the inn has been thoughtfully refreshed while preserving its 1880s cottage charm.

Read more