Labor Day 2024: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and How to Celebrate in San Diego

As the summer draws to a close, Americans prepare to celebrate Labor Day, a holiday that honors the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy and the American labor movement. This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, 2024, and it offers a long weekend for families and friends to gather, relax, and enjoy various festivities. However, it’s essential to know what businesses and services will be open or closed during this federal holiday. Understanding these details can help you plan your errands and leisure activities more effectively.

One of the most significant aspects of Labor Day is that it is a federal holiday, which means that all federal offices and government buildings, including the DMV and local libraries, will be closed. Additionally, state and local courts will not be operating. This closure extends to the United States Postal Service, so don’t expect any mail delivery on Labor Day. Similarly, UPS services will only be available for express critical shipments and at limited locations, while FedEx custom critical service will operate with modified hours for FedEx Office locations.

Banks will also be closed on Labor Day as it is a federal banking holiday. However, you can still access ATMs and online banking services if you need to manage your finances. The US stock market will not be trading on Labor Day, so investors will have to wait until the following day to resume their activities. It’s also worth noting that many businesses and services will be affected by the holiday, but some will remain open with normal hours, allowing you to complete your essential errands.

If you need to do some shopping, most major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger stores will be open during their regular hours. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local store for any changes in operating hours. Some CVS pharmacy locations may have reduced hours, while Walgreens will operate normal hours, although most of their pharmacies will be closed. This information is crucial for those who may need to pick up prescriptions or other essential items on Labor Day.

For those planning to spend the weekend in San Diego, there are numerous events and activities to enjoy. The San Diego Performing Arts League, through Artstix, is offering discounted tickets for local attractions and performances. These include popular destinations like Legoland and the USS Midway Museum, as well as shows such as ‘Cleopatra’ and ‘Ruthless the Musical.’ A full list of attractions and shows can be found on the sdartstix website, making it easier to plan your weekend entertainment.

Music lovers can look forward to the San Diego Symphony’s ‘Tchaikovsky Spectacular,’ an annual celebration of the composer featuring a performance of the ‘1812 Overture.’ Conducted by Rafael Payare, this event takes place on Friday at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Another musical highlight is the play ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar,’ premiering at the Balboa Theatre. This play, featuring playwright-pianist-actor Hershey Felder, delves into the life of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff and his friendship with the Russian czar Nicholas II.

The ‘Songwriter Sanctuary’ is a monthly series hosted by Jeff Berkley, featuring performances by artists like Emily Afton, Julianna Zachariou, and Veronica May. This event, held at Normal Heights United Church, also offers food and drinks for purchase, creating a cozy atmosphere for attendees. Additionally, the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival will showcase over 30 short films and animations from around the world, including documentaries by 14-year-old Ukrainian filmmaker Marusya Shuvalova. This festival takes place at the Neil Morgan Auditorium at the San Diego Central Library.

Jazz enthusiasts can head to the Educational Cultural Complex South Lawn for ‘Jazz at the Creek,’ a two-day event featuring performances by musicians such as Nathan East and Jonathan Butler. Hosted by 95.7 FM radio personality Kelly Cole with DJ John Phillips, this event also offers food and beverages sold by vendors. For movie buffs, the 30th anniversary of the classic film ‘The Sandlot’ will be celebrated with a special event featuring the cast at 210 E Main St. in El Cajon.

Club 90s will host a themed dance party at the Observatory, dedicating an evening to Charli XCX. Fans of classic rock can enjoy ‘Classic Albums Live,’ where the Beatles’ album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ will be performed live with the San Diego Symphony and rock musicians from around the world. Families can also partake in a fun day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, which will feature activities like bungee trampolines, face painters, and food trucks, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For those interested in cultural events, the Barona Powwow celebrates Native American culture with drumming and dancing throughout the weekend. Held at the Barona Sports Park, this event offers multiple opportunities to witness grand entries and immerse oneself in the rich traditions of Native American communities. Tickets for this event start at $76 for a single day, making it an accessible option for those looking to experience something unique.

Sports fans can catch San Diego State University’s college football team playing their first game of the season on Saturday under new head coach Sean Lewis. The game will be held at Snapdragon Stadium, with tickets starting at $27. For a nostalgic experience, head to the Magnolia in El Cajon for a screening and Q&A session with the cast of ‘The Sandlot.’ This event celebrates the film’s 30th anniversary and offers fans a chance to interact with actors Tom Guiry, Chauncey Leopardi, and Marty York. Tickets for this event start at $30.

Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach is hosting a roller disco event on Sunday from noon to 8 pm. This event includes skate rentals, a pop-up bar, and drink specials, along with a big screen showing football games. Labor Day weekend is a popular time for the beach in San Diego, and there are multiple events and activities happening all over the county. Whether you’re interested in cultural festivals, musical performances, sports events, or simply relaxing at the beach, San Diego offers a diverse range of options to make your Labor Day weekend memorable.

In conclusion, Labor Day 2024 presents a mix of closures and open businesses, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. While federal offices, banks, and postal services will be closed, major retailers and some pharmacies will remain open. San Diego offers a plethora of events and activities, from musical performances and cultural festivals to sports games and beach outings. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make the most of this long weekend and celebrate the contributions of American workers in style.