Typically, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, with people celebrating through parades, barbecues, and community events. Many businesses close, and it’s a major retail weekend with significant sales, rivaling Black Friday in some sectors. In 2025, expect widespread store discounts, especially on clothing, electronics, and home goods, with online and in-store deals starting as early as mid-August. Government offices, schools, and non-essential services like post offices and banks usually close, though some states may have partial operations.  

Labor Day in the United States is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September, which in 2025 will fall on September 1. It honors the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy and social fabric. Established in the late 19th century during the labor movement, it was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1894 under President Grover Cleveland, following significant labor strikes, notably the Pullman Strike. The holiday emerged as a way to acknowledge workers’ rights and the growing influence of labor unions.

Today, the holiday is more about leisure than activism, with 160 million Americans likely to travel or enjoy festivities. States like California and New York hold big parades, while others focus on local events or rallies for workers’ rights. What do you have planned for today?