16 ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia

Here in Philly, we've got a ton of holiday festivals and activities to help you welcome the fall.

Made in America returns this weekend.Read moreRON CORTES / File Photograph

Published Aug. 30, 2017, 10:41 a.m. ET

Summer is unofficially coming to a close. It's only fitting to send the season off with a proper Labor Day weekend celebration.

Here in Philly, we have a ton of holiday festivals and activities to help you welcome fall. From Sesame Place's annual BBQ to the star-studded Made in America music festival and fireworks over the Delaware River, there's plenty to keep you busy this holiday weekend.

With that in mind, we've rounded up 16 festivals, parties, promotions, and exhibits that are perfect for marking the holiday weekend. Check out our guide below.

Philadelphia's Historic District has been running specialized, outdoor programming all summer, and much of it will come to a close this holiday, including the Once Upon a Nation storytelling events and Dr. Franklin's walking tours of Philadelphia. Don't miss out; they're almost history.

Friday through Monday, Independence National Historical Park, 143 S. Third St. Free.

Bert I. Gordon's 1950s sci-fi classic The Amazing Colossal Man gets the Betsy Ross treatment with an outdoor film screening, complete with preshow activities, quizzo, and a tour of the historic Betsy Ross House. Snacks and drinks are on you, so don't put the coolers away just yet.

8 p.m. Friday, Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., $5.

World Café Live's monthly Cuba-themed event returns for Labor Day weekend, complete with music from local Cuban outfit Conjunto Philadelphia, which focuses on music from pre-revolutionary Cuba. Plus, look out for Cuban food and drink specials.

7 p.m. Friday, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., Pay as you go.

It's your last chance to strap on some roller skates and get moving at the Blue Cross RiverRink, which wraps up Monday after a season of fun. If skating isn't your thing, don't worry — there's mini-golf, carnival games, rides, and snacks to keep you busy, but not for too much longer.

Opens 1 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. weekends through Monday, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Columbus Blvd., Free ($10 for skate rentals, $3 to skate).

» READ MORE: Moana Outdoor Film Screening

Disney's Moana follows the film's titular character as she works to save her people from disease and famine with the help of a Polynesian demigod named Maui, who just so happens to be played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. What, not enough? Play some mini-golf first, or take a spin on the carousel.

8 p.m., Saturday, Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St., Free.

» READ MORE: Budweiser Made in America Festival

Head down to the Ben Franklin Parkway if you need a little musical entertainment. From J. Cole and Run the Jewels to The Chainsmokers and Little Dragon, this year's Made In America Festival has a little something for everyone, thanks to founder Jay Z's curation.

1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, $162 for two-day passes.

It doesn't get much more family friendly than Sesame Place, especially on Labor Day weekend. Featuring the amusement park's annual Labor Day BBQ, this event will have your kids' favorite Sesame Street characters on hand while you grub on some smoky 'cue.

5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Big Bird's Riverside Pavilion at Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, $60.

Kids 12 and under get in free on Labor Day weekend, but they'll also take home a historical swag bag of coloring pencils, a coloring book, erasers, and other items. Also for the kiddies: Storytelling and activity programs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. all weekend long, including flag designing and secret-message decoding.

Opens 9:30 a.m. Saturday through Monday, Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., $19 for adults.

Chaddsford Winery celebrates the holiday with a full weekend of local music and killer food, including options from Nick's Roast Beef and The Sweetest Rose Cupcake Co. Philadelphia Union fans can also check out the "U on Tour," which features Union merch giveaways, games, and a soccer goal for testing your soccer skills.

11 a.m. Saturday through Monday, Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford. Pay as you go.

» READ MORE: Labor Day Fireworks on the Delaware River

This year's Labor Day fireworks on the Delaware River kick off around 9:30 p.m. at Penn's Landing near the Independence Seaport Museum. For a better view, consider the museum's Labor Day fireworks party, which includes access to the building's terrace and balcony. Tickets to that event run $16.

9:30 p.m. Sunday, Penn's Landing near Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Free.

» READ MORE: Meek Mill

Philly's own Meek Mill is ringing in the holiday with a performance at NOTO, aka Not of the Ordinary, which opened in February this year. This will be one of Mill's first live performances since the release of his latest album, Wins and Losses, last month, so expect plenty of new material.

9 p.m. Sunday, NOTO Philadelphia, 1209 Vine St., $60.

Getting into the Art Museum usually costs $20, but this holiday weekend, you can check out some world-class for (almost) free thanks to the museum's pay-what-you-want First Sunday promotion. Don't miss Wild: Michael Nichols, featuring the art of wildlife photographer Michael Nichols, on display through Sept. 17.

Opens 10 a.m. Sunday, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Pay what you wish.

» READ MORE: Free First Sunday at the Barnes

Free tickets for the Barnes start going out at 9 a.m., so make sure you're there early for a pass. If you miss out, have no fear — the Barnes will also feature a free performance from the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble and treats from Weckerly's Ice Cream on Sunday.

Opens 10 a.m. Sunday, Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Free.

The Penn Museum's latest exhibition concludes Sunday, which means there is still time for you to get the low-down on magic — and we're not talking about pulling rabbits out of hats. Here, the museum looks at how the idea of magic influenced ancient cultures, and presents some historic artifacts associated with practicing magic.

Opens 10 a.m., through Sunday, Penn Museum, 3260 South St., $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for children and students, $5 for active military.

» READ MORE: Blue Corn Organic and Green Festival

Music, vendors, food, and crafts abound at the Blue Corn Organic and Green Festival, which comes to Philly as part of PECO's Multicultural Festival Series. This time, the focus is on Mexican indigenous traditions.

1 p.m. Sunday, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd., Free.

Parks on Tap is setting up shop in Clark Park in West Philly and Cliveden Park in Mount Airy. Enjoy craft beer, cocktails, and snacks in Philly's green spaces while you can — after all, fall is here.

Opens 5 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. Sunday, Through Monday, Clark Park (4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.) and Cliveden Park (6415 Musgrave St.), Pay as you go.