News Summary
Milwaukee’s Laborfest is set for September 1, starting with a parade at Zeidler Union Square. The festival highlights workers’ rights, featuring activities like live music, children’s games, and more. Coordinated with the AFL-CIO’s tour on fair labor, the event promotes community spirit and unity. Road closures are expected. Other Labor Day weekend events include the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Third Ward Art Festival, making it a festive time for residents and visitors alike.
Milwaukee is set to celebrate workers’ rights and community spirit with the annual Laborfest, which will take place on September 1, starting at 11 a.m. This free event will commence with a parade departing from Zeidler Union Square in downtown Milwaukee and will march east along Wisconsin Avenue before heading south on Water Street. The parade will culminate at Henry Maier Festival Park, located at 200 N. Harbor Drive, where festivities will continue until 5 p.m.
This year’s Laborfest coincides with the AFL-CIO’s bus tour titled “It’s Better in a Union: Fighting for Freedom, Fairness and Security.” The tour aims to raise awareness about workers’ rights and the importance of unions in organizing efforts and achieving fair contracts. The festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with live music suitable for all ages, along with a variety of activities including children’s games, bingo, wrestling, and a classic car show.
To ensure the parade and festival operate smoothly, certain roads in downtown Milwaukee will be closed from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 1. This is a necessary measure to accommodate the large crowds expected for the event. Participants and attendees are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and utilize public transportation whenever possible.
The Milwaukee Area Labor Council, which is responsible for organizing the annual Labor Day parade and Laborfest, encourages local families, workers, and community members to come together and celebrate. The spirit of unity and solidarity among workers is a central theme of this year’s celebration.
Laborfest is just one of the many activities taking place over the Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee. Other notable events include:
- The Harley-Davidson Museum, offering motorcycle rides and events that run throughout the weekend.
- The Third Ward Art Festival, showcasing over 120 juried artists with free admission, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 30-31.
- The Falcon Flea Market, which will feature a variety of vintage items and artisanal goods on August 31.
- The Milwaukee Mud Fest, where mud wrestling and live performances will take place on August 31.
- A free Urban Bird Hike at Lakeshore State Park scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. on August 31.
- The Cream City Clash, featuring armored tournament battles at the Bavarian Bierhaus on August 30.
- The Cheesehead Hustle, a running event set for August 31.
For those looking for more information regarding Laborfest and its associated activities, updates are available on the official Laborfest website. The festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of labor and community engagement, aligning with the broader festivities occurring throughout Labor Day weekend.
This year’s Laborfest is an opportunity for the community to come together, recognize the importance of workers’ rights, and enjoy a day filled with fun, family-friendly activities. Milwaukee’s Labor Day weekend offers a rich tapestry of events welcoming residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- TMJ4: Milwaukee Gears Up for Laborfest
- Jsonline: Milwaukee Labor Day Parade 2025
- Urban Milwaukee: Labor Day Offers Jam-Packed Weekend of Fun
- Hoodline: Milwaukee’s Ald. DiAndre Jackson Leads Charge for Labor Day Celebrations
- Jsonline: Weather Forecast for Labor Day in Milwaukee
- Wikipedia: Labor Day
- Google Search: Milwaukee Laborfest 2025
- Google Scholar: Labor Day Celebrations in Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Day
- Google News: Milwaukee Laborfest
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
