When is Labor Day?

Upcoming dates

• 2026Mon, September 7
• 2027Mon, September 6
• 2028Mon, September 4
• 2029Mon, September 3

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September, so it always creates a three-day weekend but never sits on the same date twice in a row. Its earliest possible date is September 1 and its latest is September 7.

It is a federal holiday. Government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close, and it is treated as one of the anchor long weekends of the year.

Where Labor Day came from

Labor Day grew out of the labor union movement of the late 1800s, when workers pushed back against long hours and harsh conditions. The first celebration was held in New York City in 1882.

Congress made it a national holiday in 1894. Placing it in early September, separate from the international May 1 workers' day, was in part a deliberate political choice at the time.

How Labor Day is spent

For most people the day is about rest rather than ceremony: cookouts, trips to the beach or lake, and one last summer getaway before the school year settles in. Retailers hold major Labor Day sales.

It also carries a few informal traditions, like the old fashion rule against wearing white after Labor Day, and in many regions it signals the start of the football season.

Frequently asked questions

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day is on September 7, 2026.

What day of the week is Labor Day?

This year, Labor Day falls on a Monday.

How many days until Labor Day?

4 days.