Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Labor Day weekend in DuPage County? This list explores the best ways to make the most of your long weekend in this beautiful part of Illinois.
1. Grab a Seat on the Patio
Take advantage of the remaining sunny days and warm weather! Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or night out under the stars with good company:
Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar
Anyway's Resturant & Pub
Berger Bros Pub
Brook's Kitchen & Tap
BubbleHouse Brewing Company
Church Street Brewing Company
Cooper's Hawk: Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Naperville, St. Charles
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Oak Brook
Mesón Sabika
Pinstripes
Pollyanna Brewing Company
Reserve 22, Village Links of Glen Ellyn
2. Tee Off on the Green
DuPage happens to be one of the top golfing destinations in the United States, with gorgeous greenery and state-of-the-art facilities. Golf Digest's 2023-2024 ranking for America's 100 greatest golf courses included three DuPage County courses on the list. Hit a hole in one at a DuPage County golf course!
3. Plan Your Experience
If you're looking for a challenge, we have one for you! 33 Olmec heads have been placed all throughout DuPage as part of "Olmec Trails: Culture & Legacy". This ambitious exhibition provides access to the culture of Olmec civilization in a fresh and accessible way by featuring hand-painted large-scale renditions of Olmec head sculptures. Over 30 contemporary artists from across North America have contributed their talents to this initiative--how many can you find this Labor Day? Visit the website for more information on where to find the heads.
Want to enjoy a place where nature meets art? The Morton Arboretum is the perfect opportunity for that! You still have an opportunity to see "Of the Earth". Created by Polish American artist Olga Ziemska, her work is created from reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials gathered from the Arboretum's 1,700 acres. Then, challenge your family and friends to some friendly competition with Wonder Woods Mini Golf. From giant mushrooms to larger-than-life bugs and acorns, learn how tree rings can tell the life story of a tree, how trees support the ecosystems of bugs and wildlife, and other wonderfully cool—and surprising!—scientific concepts.
You can also experience the magic of fun this Labor Day. Enchanted Castle Entertainment and Haunted Trails Entertainment are offering a special deal: for $36.95, customers can experience up to three hours of unlimited rides and attractions! Go laser tagging with friends, race with go karts, play mini golf, or play the over 200 arcade games. The options are endless!
4. Optimize those Shopping Hours
Spend this Labor Day Weekend shopping the sales and prepping your fall wardrobe. DuPage is a shopping mecca full of outlets, major shopping centers, cute downtown boutiques, and of course Oakbrook Center — one of the largest outdoor premier shopping destinations. Finish your shopping, and then enjoy lunch or dinner (or both!) at some of our favorite dining destinations:
Burr Ridge Village Center: Cooper’s Hawk Burr Ridge, The Hampton Social
Oakbrook Center: Antico Posto, Beatrix, Blanco Cocina and Cantina, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Piccolo Bucco, Pinstripes, Roka Akor, The Table at Crate, Wildfire
Yorktown Center: Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, Holy Mackerel! Fresh Seafood
Another way you can partake in shopping is by visiting one of many DuPage farmers markets! Read this blog to learn about the markets you can visit during Labor Day weekend!
5. Museums in DuPage
DuPage offers one-of-a-kind museums and galleries rich with history, attention to detail, and compelling backstories. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is one-of-a-kind in the country with unique displays of Chinese jade. "The Richard H. Driehaus Lapidary Collection" is currently on display and will end on August 31, 2024; the late Chicago philanthropist left a rich legacy of objects to his Foundation, and the Lizzadro received his lapidary collection.
Explore the Tank Park and learn about “The Big Red One” at the First Division Museum at Cantigny. While there, make sure you see the "Nothing but Victory" exhibit that commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Afterwards, enjoy live music in the beer garden.
This year, the Lombard Historical Society is celebrating Little Orphan Annie's 100th birthday! Leapin' Lizards: A Hundred Years of Little Orphan Annie is a captivating exhibit that invites you and your family to delve into the world of one of the most iconic comic strips of all time. The reason Lombard is celebrating is because the author of the comic strip, Harold Gray, was a resident of Lombard. It's a small world after all!
Be transported into the age of the American pioneers when you step onto the grounds of Naper Settlement. This living museum provides guests with an experience of life in Naperville when it was first developed and showcases its progress today. In addition, it is the only nationally accredited outdoor history museum in Illinois.
Check out our full list of museums here.
If you want to find more events during Labor Day Weekend, be sure to visit our Calendar, as new events are added weekly. Able to make it a staycation? Pick from over 100 hotels and resorts and discover even more DuPage: things to do with kids, best brunch spots, and our top 10 trails.