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A Guide To Labor Day In Los Angeles

Beach Volleyball
STR/AFP/Getty Images

The first-ever Labor Day was celebrated in the U.S. by labor unions in New York in the 1880s with a parade in honor of the working class. The holiday, which became a federal holiday in 1894, is observed every first Monday in September in honor of the contributions workers have made to the prosperity and well-being of our country. Labor Day is now celebrated as a day of rest and the unofficial end of summer.

Whether you're firing up the grill, hitting the beach or finishing up on some back-to-school shopping, here's some help to enjoying the weekend.

Labor Day Closures

Government offices, courts, schools, libraries, banks and post offices will be closed Monday for Labor Day. The Los Angele Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation will pick up trash in the city of Los Angeles a day later than usual.

Transit Changes

Los Angeles Freeway
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

All Metro-operated buses and trains will operate, but on a Sunday schedule. Visit Metro's website or call (800) COMMUTE for more information.

Metrolink trains will not be operating, except for two round trips between Union Station and Lancaster on the Antelope Valley Line. Regular service will resume Tuesday. For train schedules, visit www.metrolinktrains.com or call (800) 371- LINK.

Getting Away?

The Auto Club projects an 11 percent increase in Labor Day travel compared to last year. Top destinations by car include San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Carlsbad and Big Bear. Travel plans are up this year compared to last year, possibly fueled by the drop in gas prices to an average of $3.03, according to AAA.

Best City Escapes From Los Angeles

Hitting The Beach?

Santa Monica Pier
(credit: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

It doesn't have to be a holiday to hit the beach in L.A., but it sure does help! Perennially popular beach destinations include Santa Monica, Venice, Huntington Beach and Long Beach.

Need some help picking through the vast selection of free beaches? Get some guidance:

A Guide To Santa Monica, Venice And Malibu Beaches

Let's Go Shopping!

You don't want to miss out on the Labor Day sales! All malls and shopping centers will be open as usual, but you might want to spend your holiday trekking out to one of Southern California's many outlet malls. Or, L.A.'s Fashion District. Maybe even one of your favorite neighborhood malls! Take your pick:

A Guide To Southland's Outlet Malls
Best Shopping Centers & Malls In Los Angeles
Back-To-School Clothes For Los Angeles Kids
Guide To Los Angeles' Fashion District

Labor Day Events/Parades:

The LA/Long Beach Labor Coalition and AFTRA-SAG Labor Day Parade
Members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the Screen Actors Guild and the LA Long Beach Labor Coalition will march at 10 a.m. from Broad and E Street south on Avalon Boulevard to Banning Park in Wilmington, where they plan to gather for a rally that will include speakers, music and hot dogs. Picnic begins at noon at Banning Park, 1331 Eubank Ave., Wilmington and the event is free.

Los Angeles County Fair

Fried Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
"Chicken Charlie" takes a bite out of his fried peanut butter & jelly sandwich, which will be for sale at the L.A. County Fair.

The L.A. County Fair kicks off Labor Day weekend and runs through September. Gather up the family and enjoy live music, rides and all manner of fried foods. The fair is at the Fairplex in Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Presale tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children and $17 and $12, respectively, at the gate. Parking is $10.

Long Beach Greek Festival
Opa! Enjoy some delicious Greek food, dancing and games all weekend at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado Street in Long Beach. Tickets are $3 and children 11 and under are free. If you attend Monday, get in for free from noon until 4 p.m. Call 562-494-8929 or visit www.lbgreekfest.org for more information.

Cinecon Classic Film Festival

Charlie Chaplin Film
Lost Charlie Chaplin film to repremiere at Cinecon (credit: www.cinecon.org)

Use your day off to indulge in a celebration of rare, unusual and forgotten movies from the silent and early sound era. The festival will feature screenings of more than 30 classic films, celebrity guests and film book and movie memorabilia shows. The film fest takes place at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, in Hollywood. A $20 membership is required to buy tickets and day passes are $25 to $30. Go to www.cinecon.org for more information.

Fiesta Hermosa
More than 270 vendors, live music and a kiddie carnival complement Hermosa Beach's three-day arts and crafts festival on the Hermosa Beach Pier. The event is free. See www.fiestahermosa.com for more information.

Leimert Park Village African Art & Music Festival
Celebrate the art of Charles Bibbs and Sylvia Rundles and the 50th anniversary of Motown. The festival's events include a fashion show, kids' activities, a juried arts & crafts show, an international food court and music all weekend. The festival is free. See leimertparkfestival.blogspot.com for the details.

Conquer the Bridge

Rainbow over the Vincent Thomas Bridge
Vincent Thomas Bridge (credit: www.conquerthebridge.com)

Runners, get ready! This Labor Day race will run a five-mile course through San Pedro, where the runners will traverse the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Monday's race will be the first time a race has been allowed on the bridge in a decade. See www.conquerthebridge.com for race details and registration info.

Descanso Gardens
Boddy's opening up his Big Backyard for a summer party! Descanso Gardens is hosting "Boddy's Big Backyard" with fun for children and adults from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. There will be a variety of fun activities, plus live music by the Mobile Homeboys in the afternoon. Bring a picnic or blanket or partake of barbecue from Patina Catering. The event is free with admission. See Descanso Gardens website for more information.

Free Holidays at LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will be open from noon to 8 p.m. for free. The museum will have gallery educators in the Latin American galleries from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and live performances by the group Cambalache at 12:30 and 2:45 p.m.

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