Labor Day Weekend in Baltimore

By Mike Unger

Updated 08/23/18

Ships in Baltimore's Inner Harbor

L. Toshio Kishiyama/Getty Images

 Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, Labor Day—the first Monday in September—became a federal holiday in the United States in 1894. Traditionally, on Labor Day Weekend, we celebrate by taking a day off work, barbecuing in the backyard, watching college football games, and transitioning from sweltering sunny days to crisp cool ones. It's no exception in Baltimore.

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    Aug. 24–Sept. 3: Maryland State Fair

    Burger stand at Maryland State Fair

    Mark E. Gibson/Getty Images

    You can learn how to milk a cow and extract honey from a beehive at the Maryland State Fair, which provides family entertainment with thrilling rides, local foods, farm exhibits, and thoroughbred racing through Labor Day.

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    Aug. 31–Sept. 3: Labor Day Harbor Tour

    Spirit of Baltimore cruise ship

    Spirit Cruises Baltimore

    Take a Labor Day Inner Harbor Sightseeing Tour on the Spirit of Baltimore. One-hour narrated cruises on historic Inner Harbor begin at 12:30 p.m. The Labor Day Dinner Cruise begins at 7 p.m. and takes passengers on a 2.5-hour cruise that includes a dinner buffet, views of the city skyline, and onboard entertainment. There's a cash bar for cocktails, wine, and beer.

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    Aug. 29–Sept. 3: Baltimore Comedy Festival

    Baltimore Motor house

    Public Domain

    Laugh your way through the unofficial end-of-summer weekend at the second annual Baltimore Comedy Festival. Fourteen diverse venues from bars to art theaters host stand-up comics to keep you entertained all weekend. The festivities start on August 29 at Motor House and continue through the weekend. Some shows are free.

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    Sept. 2: Defenders Day at North Point

    Celebrate Labor Day by attending Defenders Day at North Point, the re-enactment and commemoration of the Battle of North Point, where the British troops that invaded Baltimore in 1814 were defeated. Ninety re-enactors take part in the battle, and there are also games, music, and crafts demonstrations throughout the day. Kids can pump water into fire hoses from the 1812 hand-drawn pumper. Admission and parking are free.

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    Through Sept. 2: The Puzzling World of Dave Phillips

    Port Discovery museum

     Public Domain

    Take the kids to the Port Discovery Children's Museum over Labor Day Weekend for the last of summer fun before school starts. The "A·MAZE·D: The Puzzling World of Dave Phillips" exhibit teaches logic, math and problem-solving skills as kids and parents try to navigate through giant, indoor mazes. Everyone ages 2 and up can be an artist at the BGE Studio Workshop at the museum or travel to Egypt where the kids will decipher hieroglyphics and find lost tombs.