Labor Day is rooted in the late 19th century, when activists pushed for a holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America.
It's August and the kids are back in school, football games are nearing and Starbucks announced the date of its Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Sounds a lot like fall to us, which means it's almost time for Labor Day.
The unofficial end of summer, Labor Day means a relaxing three-day weekend for some in honor of American workers. Here's what you should know.
When is Labor Day 2025?
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, is Labor Day. The holiday is held annually on the first Monday in September.
Why is Labor Day a holiday?
You can thank organized labor groups for getting Labor Day on the national calendar, just like you can thank them for enshrining an eight-hour workday as opposed to toiling 12 hours a day for pennies on the dollar.
"Labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being,"according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Oregon gets credit for recognizing Labor Day first in 1887. Twenty-three states soon followed and in 1894, then-President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September Labor Day.
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Are government offices closed on Labor Day?
Yes, Labor Day is a federal holiday, meaning state, local and federal offices will be closed.
Schools, courthouses, banks the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the U.S. post office will be closed on Labor Day.
Will I get mail on Labor Day?
Nope, there will be no mail delivered Monday, Sept. 1. The United States Postal Service will be closed.
UPS and FedEx also do not deliver on Labor Day.
Will grocery stores be closed on Labor Day?
Most grocery and big box stores, including Target and Walmart, will be open for Labor Day. Costco, however, will be closed.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.