To most, Labor Day weekend symbolizes the end of summer, and what better way to celebrate the remaining days than with a weekend of parades, festivals and more family-friendly fun? The following are the top events to help you soak up the last days of summer this Labor Day weekend in Iowa.
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
Des Moines
The annual Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines has returned this Labor Day weekend from Sept. 3 to Sept. 5. The faire features a magical experience for all ages, taking visitors back in time to the days of knight jousting, kings and queens, fairies and turkey legs. Tickets are $12 for early birds and $19 for adults at the gate. To learn more about The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow, visit sleepyhollowrenfaire.com.
NewBo Run Half Marathon & 10K
Cedar Rapids
Enjoy some of the last warmer days of the season with a run at the NewBo Run Half Marathon & 10K. The Labor Day tradition for running enthusiasts will take place on Sunday, Sept. 4, with a scenic climb into Prairie Park Fishery and Fox Trails. At the end of the stretch, participants will receive locally crafted medals and join the after-party with pretzels, breakfast burritos, kolaches, beer and more locally-sourced goods from the NewBo area. To learn more about the NewBo Run Half Marathon & 10K, visit allevents.in.
2022 Essex Labor Day Weekend Festival
Essex
Perhaps the biggest Labor Day weekend celebration in all of Iowa can be found in Essex at the 2022 Essex Labor Day Weekend Festival. The annual event has been running since 1910 and offers family-friendly fun all weekend long, starting on Friday, Sept. 2, all the way to Monday, Sept. 5. Each day is packed with day-long activities, including a carnival on Main Street, kid’s water balloon fights, horse rides, bull riding, vendor markets, food trucks and so much more to help kick off the end of summer. To learn more about the 2022 Essex Labor Day Weekend Festival, visit essexiowa.com.
84th Annual Dayton Rodeo Labor Day Parade
Downtown Dayton
The 84th Annual Dayton Rodeo Labor Day Parade in Downtown Dayton is back on Sept. 5 and will start on Highway 175 and finish at Grandview Health Care Center. The Iowa parade will feature many entries, including civic organizations, clubs, businesses, schools, churches, youth groups, bands, institutions, specialty groups and more. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. To learn more about the 84th Annual Dayton Rodeo Labor Day Parade, visit daytonrodeo.com.