You must log in to register for this event.
Labor Day Parades in America date back more than a century, even before Labor Day was declared a federal holiday in 1884. Chicago has a long and storied history of Labor Day parades that pre-dates the establishment of the Chicago Federation of Labor.
Official records vary, but one can be certain that Chicago’s first Labor Day Parade took place in the 1880s. Labor Day parades in Chicago before the turn of the 20th century regularly involved upwards of 30,000 working men and women and drew thousands more onlookers. Roughly 75,000 workers turned out to march in the 1903 parade.
Over the years Labor Day parades in Chicago have come and gone, as public interest has waxed and waned.
The tradition was revived by former 10th Ward Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza in September 2015 with the support of local businesses, unions, and community members. The new parade ran down Ewing Avenue on the Southeast Side and was followed by Eddie Fest, featuring live music, food and fun for the whole family. Eddie Fest was named after Sadlowski Garza’s father, the legendary United Steelworkers activist Edward ‘Oilcan’ Sadlowski.
The 2023 Chicago Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest is moving from the East Side, but not far! After Sadlowski Garza’s retirement in 2023, the parade and festival will move to the Pullman Historic District, which has been developing and highlighting its ties to the Chicago labor movement and labor history over the past few years.
Labor Day is an American holiday that celebrates and honors the contributions of working-class people. Organized and run by the Chicago Federation of Labor, the parade seeks to celebrate union pride, solidarity, and community togetherness. We look forward to hosting another successful event that families can enjoy for years to come.
RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP.
This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.
ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 48 business hours before the start of the event.