Labor Day is fast approaching and that means it's just about time to say so long to summer. The feeling is bittersweet – no one wants to bid farewell to those lazy summer days, but the onset of fall brings new beginnings as we look forward to beautiful changing leaves, cooler temps, football and fall TV.


But before we usher in the new season, it's time to send summer out with a bang. New York has always been a place that really knows how to do it up. They've had a lot of practice – the first-ever Labor Day holiday was celebrated in New York City back in 1882. Colorado, Massachusetts and New Jersey were next to adopt the holiday. And before long, Labor Day was observed nationwide.

As you get ready for summer's last long weekend, check out some of the biggest, baddest celebrations our country has to offer:

Labor Day Parade & March
New York, N.Y. on September 12
High school bands, politicians, police and fire departments, trade union members and more take to the streets of the Big Apple for one of the proudest parades in the country. The parade takes place Saturday at 10AM on Fifth Avenue and 44th Street.

Labor Day Celebration and Oklahoma Bike Rally
Henryetta, Okla. on September 7
From 10AM to 10PM on Monday, Oklahoma hosts an all-day extravaganza complete with a carnival, rodeo, fireworks, games, live entertainment and an impressive bike show.

Labor Day in the Hamptons
Long Island, N.Y. August 23 -September 7
There's no better place to kick back and soak up some sunshine than in the Hamptons. The festivities kick off August 23 with the Hamptons Classic Horse Show, followed by the annual Great Tomato Taste-Off on Saturday, September 5. On Sunday, enjoy a day of shopping and browsing with friends and family at the 10th Annual Craft Fair.

Brooklyn West Indian Carnival
Brooklyn, N.Y. on September 7
The West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival is a colorful celebration of culture, song and dance. The highlight of the festivities is the Brooklyn Labor Day Parade when millions of West Indian Americans, Caribbeans, Brooklynites, New Yorkers and more march the city streets.

Labor Day Concert in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. on August 31
The National Symphony Orchestra is performing a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol as part of the Kennedy Center's Prelude Festival. This annual NSO tradition takes place Monday, August 31 at 8PM.

Detroit Labor Day Parade
Detroit, Mich. on September 7
The Motor City, where automobile unions were born, hosts one of the biggest Labor Day parades in Michigan. The free four-day Detroit Jazz Fest also takes place over Labor Day weekend with performances by Hank Jones, the Clayton Brothers, T.S. Monk and more.