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August 30, 2011

Roundup: Where To Celebrate Labor Day Weekend This Friday Through Monday, September 2-5

There are two sets of fireworks this holiday weekend, in addition to concerts, special events in Historic Philadelphia, an outdoor BBQ and more, all outlined below. (Photo by Jesse Simmers courtesy Camden Riversharks)

Labor Day is fast approaching, and there’s plenty to do for those of us that plan on sticking around the city.

Here’s a roundup of our top picks for can’t-miss events in Philadelphia over the long holiday weekend. And stay tuned for our full Weekend Picks post, as always, on Friday.

Camden River Sharks Fireworks: Friday, September 2, 9 p.m. Penn’s Landing. The Camden River Sharks will be having post game fireworks after their game vs. the Lancaster Barnstormers. Make your way to Race Street Pier, or to your closest friend’s apartment with roof access, around 9:15 p.m. on Friday evening for a dazzling fireworks display at the waterfront.

SRUTI’s 25th Anniversary Festival: Friday, September 2, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sheraton in University City; Saturday, September 3, 7 p.m., Sunday, September 4, 7 p.m., Independence Seaport Museum. Friday free, Saturday/Sunday start at $39.50. Celebrate Labor Day South Asian Style during SRUTI’s 25th anniversary festival. Enjoy two free Indian classical music appreciation sessions in the Benjamin Franklin Ballroom, rooms 4 and 5 at the Sheraton in University City. Then attend a classical instrumental concert by sarod master Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, followed by the Gundecha brothers, at the Independence Seaport Museum, Saturday and Sunday.

Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe: September 2-17, Locations and costs vary. September 2 is opening day of the city’s 15th annual Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe, celebrating outstanding live performance art including theater, music, dance and everything in between. The event spans 16 days and includes shows, free events and more in venues throughout Philadelphia. Click here to check out our top picks, many of which fall over Labor Day Weekend.

Franklin Square: Specific festivities Monday, September 5, noon-3 p.m., Free. Head down to Franklin Square for family friendly rides and festivities all weekend. Both kids and adults can play some Philly Mini Golf or take a ride on the carousel and Lightning Bolt Express. Monday from noon-3 p.m. the park will feature free games on the Great Lawn. Don’t forget to hit up Stephen Starr’s Square Burger for some all-American goodness!

Longwood Gardens Fireworks & Fountains: September 3, 8:15 p.m., $38, ages 16 and up; $22, ages 15 and under. For the last time this summer, fireworks and music will bathe Longwood’s 1,050-acre horticultural showplace. It’ll be a night to remember, featuring American composer Leroy Anderson’s best known works, including “Blue Tango,” “The Syncopated Clock,” and “Home Stretch.”

More, below.

Chaddsford Winery Labor Day Picnic and Wine Tasting: September 3-5, noon-6 p.m., Admission free, wine tasting $10 including a souvenir Chaddsford glass. Another option for those looking to forgo the shore this holiday weekend is the three-day-long picnic gathering at Chaddsford Winery in Chester County. The laid back event will feature live music, wine tastings and a barbecue-style spread from Joseph’s Catering available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to pack their own picnic to enjoy on the estate’s scenic grounds.

Philadelphia’s Tri-State Labor Parade and AFL-CIO Family Festival: Monday, September 5. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Festival is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, $5. More than 100 unions will be celebrating Labor Day with a march from Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. The parade will be followed by a family-friendly celebration including food, games and activities, crafts and music by the Urban Guerilla Orchestra.

The Farewell Address at the National Constitution Center: September 3-5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Free. The center’s Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon exhibition closes this Monday with fitting aplomb. Join the center in bidding farewell to George by taking a look at how Washington said farewell to his presidency. Saturday through Monday, events will include a full reenactment of Washington’s Farewell Speech and a special program where visitors can learn how Washington’s parting words impacted the course of the presidency for years to come. Afterward, visitors can put their own spin on Washington’s famous address by reciting it at a special karaoke station. In honor of Labor Day, visitors can take part in a special tour of Signers’ Hall to learn about the diverse occupations of the Founding Fathers. Families also can create their own Liberty Bell and cherry tree sun catchers, as well as George Washington hats.

Historic Philadelphia: September 2-5, times and costs vary. All weekend long, attractions from Independence Hall to the Betsy Ross House are hosting special programming and events. We’ve got all the details.

Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway Circus Week: Now through September 5, $7 Green Admission, Kids 3-17 $7, Students and active military $7, Adults $16, Seniors (65+) $14, PennCard holders and Children under 3 Free. The Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway will be closing out its summer season on Labor Day with the conclusion of a week-long ode to the arts, history and fantasy. Insider tip: the arboretum has special “green” rates if you hike or bike there. The entrance is directly across the street from the Wissahickon Trail.

Philadelphia Museum of Art: Monday, September 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Adults $16, Seniors (ages 65 & over): $14, Students/kids 13-18 $12, Kids 12 & under free. Labor Day is a great rare chance to visit the museum on a Monday (normally closed). Check out the new world-renowned acquisitions, Rembrandt exhibition and more.

WHYY Connections Festival: September 2 and 3, Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Free. The festival kicks off Friday evening with a preview screening of Ken Burns’ latest film, Prohibition, which doesn’t air on PBS until October 2. On Saturday, WHYY and DRWC will host a concert headlined by Philadelphia indie-rock band Dr. Dog. The event will also feature live dance, painting and other art demos. Kids don’t miss out either; the Y Kids Club, open 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, will feature kid-friendly music and yoga lessons, a meet-and-greet with The Cat In the Hat and Clifford the Big Red Dog and balloon crafting.

National Liberty Museum: In honor of Labor Day, and the longstanding practice of sign-making associated with labor rights, the museum invites you to make your own special sign at the Labor Day Weekend Craft Corner. You will also receive a frame-worthy Cesar Chavez “Heroes of Character” poster. Bonus: both the Craft Corner and poster are FREE with your regular Museum admission.

• September First Friday: Stroll through Old City from 5-9 p.m. and check out this month’s open art galleries and enjoy complementary snacks and wine. Doylestown also holds a monthly First Friday (6-9:30 p.m.), in addition to Frankford Avenue (6-9 p.m.).

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