Labor Day Weekend in Baltimore

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

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

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.