Major holidays · in 99 days
When is Labor Day?
Labor Day 2026 is on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Labor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, 2026.
A US federal holiday honouring the labour movement and workers. It marks the unofficial end of summer.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 37. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Labor Day
The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, organised by the Central Labor Union. Oregon made it a state holiday in 1887. Congress passed federal legislation in 1894, just days after President Cleveland sent federal troops to break the Pullman strike, in part to make peace with the labour movement. Most other countries observe International Workers' Day on May 1; the September date was chosen specifically to avoid association with the European May Day labour movement.
How Labor Day is celebrated
Cookouts, beach trips and end-of-summer sales dominate the long weekend. The Made in America music festival and the start of the NFL and college football seasons typically anchor the weekend. Many schools open the week after.
Did you know?
Labor Day was deliberately placed in September to distance it from the international May Day labour movement.
There's a fashion convention that white clothing shouldn't be worn after Labor Day, though it's largely fallen out of use.
The first Labor Day parade in 1882 drew about 10,000 workers.
Labor Day in upcoming years
How the date is set
The first Monday in September.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Labor Day, see these references.
Related dates
Labor Day: questions and answers
When is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, 2026.
What day of the week is Labor Day this year?
In 2026, Labor Day is a Monday, September 7.
How is the date of Labor Day determined?
The first Monday in September.
Where is Labor Day observed?
Labor Day is observed in United States. Other countries may mark a similar day on a different date.