As summer winds down and autumn approaches, Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial transition from summer to fall. The federal holiday also honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement.
When is Labor Day?
Labor Day is observed each year on the first Monday in September. In 2026, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7.
Why is Labor Day celebrated?
Labor Day recognizes the contributions of American workers and the labor movement of the late 19th century.
During that period, workers organized labor unions to advocate for better working conditions, shorter hours and fair wages.
How did Labor Day begin?
The first Labor Day celebration was held Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City and was organized by the Central Labor Union. About 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square,
according to History.com.
New York also was the first state to introduce legislation recognizing Labor Day. Oregon became the first state to pass a law recognizing the holiday in 1887, followed by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York later that year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
President Grover Cleveland signed legislation establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894.
Remaining federal holidays in 2026
After Labor Day, four federal holidays remain in 2026:
- Columbus Day: Monday, Oct. 12
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 26
- Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When is Labor Day 2026? Here's when it falls and why we celebrate
