It’s almost our favorite 3-day weekend of the year! Labor Day means celebrating the 40-hour work week, the invention of the weekend, and all of the achievements made by workers in the US. There are plenty of ways to celebrate and we want to make sure you know how to do all of that on budget!
Keep reading for our guide to free and cheap Labor Day events in Boston:
ALL WEEKEND LONG
Campfire. Festival– One of the best Boston-area music festivals, this event is going on all Labor Day weekend and on Labor Day itself! Experience live music in a completely new way- where the lines between audience and performer are blurred. Admission is just $10 per day!
Free Events at The Lawn on D– This outdoor venue is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They’re closed on Labor Day but they have plenty of fun activities waiting for you in the meantime! There is no admission fee and all of their public events are free.
Gloucester Schooner Festival & Block Party– The 35th Annual event is all weekend long! Celebrate through Sunday with public viewing and deck tours every evening, plus the Block Party on Friday night. Enjoy Maritime Gloucester Heritage Day on Saturday. You can also watch the sailboats line up on Sunday morning before the race!
USS Constitution– The USS Constitution is free and open to the public every day. The museum has a suggested donation of $5-$10 per person and both will be open on Labor Day as well as all weekend long.
Beacon Hill Walking Tours– Celebrate Labor Day with a free, self-guided walking tours. You can access the map online. The route is about 1.3 miles and it takes less than two hours. Some of the stops may have an admission fee.
Labor Day Sale, Music, & Craft Beer Festival at Wachusett Mountain– Every year, this outdoor and recreation store offers their huge Labor Day Sale, Music & Craft Beer Festival. Even if you’re not shopping for outdoor equipment {why would you not be?} you can enjoy the SkyRide, obstacle course, face painting, food trucks, and craft beer contest. Admission is free, some activities may have a fee.
Spencer Fair– With Main and Side Stages, this festival will have awesome live acts going on all weekend long. There will also be family fun activities, shows, an antique tractor display, live animals, and more. Admission is $12 per person and you can purchase a pass for unlimited rides for just $20!
Annual Appleseed Country Fair– This festival runs Saturday through Monday with food and beverages, craft vendors, a Brew Barn for wine and beer, live entertainment, a dog show, and much more. Admission is $10 per car.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Feast of the Three Saints– Free concerts, musical acts, the Torchlite Parade- what more could you ask for? This 96 year tradition runs through Sunday. Parking, shuttle, and admission are free!
Vineyard Artisan Festival– Celebrate Labor Day by getting out of town! Visit Martha’s Vineyard for a weekend-long Artisan festival with free admission! There is a $2 parking fee which goes toward their annual scholarship fund. All of the juried works are created by artists who will be on-site and are from the island!
Don’t Tell Boston– What’s better than a night of comedy? A secret location! Purchase a ticket and the location of the pop-up comedy show will be emailed to you. Plus, it’s BYOB!
Astronomy After Hours– Every Friday evening, the staff from Museum of Science Boston stay late for an evening of stargazing with the people.
Live Music at Democracy Brewing– Head to Democracy Brewing for an evening with Mel! This Piano Bar Singalong encourages participation. Don’t worry about the lyrics, you can just watch the show! Admission is free, just pay for your food and drinks.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Free Workout at Seaport Sweat– This free fitness class by Lululemon is the biggest outdoor workout in Boston! This full-body HIIT workout incorporates kickboxing and animal flow. Registration is mandatory. The class is held at Seaport Common at 10 am.
Kids Craft at Atlantic Wharf– This hand-on educational workshop for kids is great way to spend Labor Day weekend. Artist Judy Belben will be helping the kids make silly clock faces and more. The activity will be held at Waterfront Square Lobby at 12 noon. Registration is required.
Boston Jazz Fest– At South Boston Maritime Park, get ready for a weekend of true American Jazz, great food, and free admission! The party starts at 12 noon.
Greek Festival at Saints Anargyroi Greek Church– Just a short drive away to Marlborough at Saints Anargyroi Greek Church is one of the best festivals around. Enjoy three days of Greek food, live performances, beer and wine, dance groups, and more. Admission is free!
Tango In the Park at Boston Harbor Hotel– The very last session of FREE Tango lessons in the park is happening this weekend. Head to the Boston Harbor Hotel for a free lesson, no partner needed. The event is also free for the audience!
Spectacle Summer Nights– Celebrate Labor Day in Boston with a good, old fashioned family cook out. Bring your picnic blankets and order a picnic basket with food options in advance. You can also make s’mores, go fly fishing, take a guided hike, listen to live music, and more. Tickets are $35 per person if you book now.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Fit in the Fenway– Head to Fenway Park to keep fit when you’re off work! This 10 am vinyasa class is a great way to end the weekend. Class starts at 10 am and registration is required.
Sunday House Tours– Visit a historic house in Jamaica Plain for a docent lead tour beginning on the hour each hour from 1- 3 pm. There is a suggested donation of $5. Celebrate Labor Day by visiting one of the oldest residential homes in Summer Hill.
Terrier Tailgate– Boston University’s Men’s and Women’s soccer teams are inviting the public out to celebrate the kick-off of soccer season! Admission is free and will include free food, giveaways, the BU band, and more. The part starts at 3 pm.
Open Mic with Dobby– Head to Trident Booksellers for an Open Mic Night channeling Hogwarts! Admission is free as well as the show! Be there by 7 pm.
Summer Concerts at Spectacle Island– The Daniel Sky Band will be playing live on Spectacle Island. Take a boat and a picnic blanket, admission is free!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Marlborough Labor Day Parade– If the Greek Festival was not enough for you, head back on Monday for a Labor Day Parade. Enjoy the music, the floats, and more, for free!
Free Labor Day Admission at ICA Boston– The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston offers free admission on Labor Day.
Free Labor Day Concert at Brewer Fountain Plaza– Join the Berklee School of Music for a free concert in the park. Summer in the City this week features Tasya Rifalia, a pianist, keyboardist, and organist. Admission is free and you can bring your own chairs and picnics.
$1 Hot Dogs at Bone Up Brewing– You can go out on the town and still get your Labor Day dog fix! Bone Up Brewing will be offering $1 hot dogs on Sunday and Monday Labor Day Weekend starting at 12 noon. There is no cover charge.
Do you have other free or cheap plans in Boston this Labor Day weekend? Tell us where you’re headed in the comments below:
