What is Labor Day?

Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire (although recent research has shown that it might have been his brother Matthew’s idea), a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.

The date chosen was simply “convenient,” according to Maguire, because it was midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

Although the day’s focus on organized labor has diminished over the years, the holiday has become a way to mark the end of the summer season—and the start of the school year.

Labor Day Dates: When Is Labor Day?

Labor Day Recipes

Traditionally, Labor Day consists of barbecues and time together with family. We’ve got some great recipe ideas below for this final summer holiday weekend.

Fried Chicken (an Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest First Prize Winner)

Summer Salsa Salad (Also see our Salsa Recipes collection.)

Summer Salsa Salad

Super Steak Sandwich

Spicy Grilled Beef and Black Bean Salsa

Summer Couscous and Shrimp Salad (or use chicken)

Zucchini Pancakes (goes with most meats)

Fresh Melon, Fig, and Prosciutto

Best Brownies

Topless Pear Fig Pie

Featured in the Almanac Everyday Baking cookbook. Photo credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Blueberry Pancakes for a lazy morning!

See our list of grilling recipes.

See our list of cold picnic recipes.

Labor Day Fun

Check out some of the Almanac’s great nature links to guide you in your outdoor activities, including camping and sky watching!

Labor Day weekend can also be a great time to fish. See the Almanac’s best days for fishing!