Labor Day getaways

From city parades and coastal escapes to food festivals and weekend adventures, Labor Day is the perfect excuse to get away and celebrate American workers in style.

With Hertz’s newest fleet ever, available at thousands of locations across the U.S., it’s never been easier to pick up the right rental car for your journey.

Make the most of the long weekend and ride in style with Hertz today.

Places to go for Labor Day weekend

Whether you're chasing skyline views in a major city, craving a peaceful escape to the mountains, or planning a classic all-American road trip, there’s a Labor Day destination to match. From coast to coast, we’ve pulled together some of the best places to visit over the long weekend.

Once you’ve picked your spot, booking your rental car is quick and simple. You’ll be ready to hit the road in no time. 

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of the best places to spend Labor Day weekend, offering a culture-packed city break filled with art, architecture, and an unbeatable food scene. From lakefront strolls to deep-dish slices, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

The weekend highlight? The world-famous Chicago Jazz Festival, held for free in the heart of Millennium Park. With a mix of jazz icons and up-and-coming talent, it’s a must-see event that brings energy and soul to the city.

And if you’re performing at the festival, rent a van from Chicago Midway International Airport to easily transport your instruments and explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods while you’re there. 

NYC, New York

New York City comes alive over Labor Day weekend, offering something for everyone. Whether you're enjoying a picnic in the park, catching a Yankees or Mets game, or dancing at Electric Zoo Music Festival, the city is packed with ways to celebrate.

The main event is the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, one of the largest Caribbean cultural celebrations in the U.S. Expect vibrant costumes, live music, and an unforgettable atmosphere filled with energy and pride.

Planning to explore the beaches or head beyond the city? Renting a car with Hertz is a smart way to travel on your terms.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Not everybody wants the buzz of a city across Labor Day weekend. If you’d prefer to escape city life, Colorado Springs is the perfect getaway for exploring the stunning Rocky Mountains. All you need to do is rent a truck from Colorado Springs Airport and hit the open road.

Over the holiday weekend, the main event is the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, a spectacular hot air balloon festival held in Memorial Park. Arrive by 6:30am to catch the balloons take flight, then return at 7:30pm to see them light up the evening sky.

This popular event draws big crowds, so book your rental car early and get ready for a Labor Day you won't forget.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The city of Pittsburgh has a strong connection to the American labor movement, so it understandably offers a host of excellent free concerts, festivals (check out the Pittsburgh's Soul Food Fest), and other special events across Labor Day weekend.

The Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade is also one of the best and largest in the country. This vibrant, family-friendly parade goes from Centre Avenue to Grant Street and down the Boulevard of the Allies, before fittingly ending in front of the Steelworkers Building.

You can reserve your vehicle online from an HLE in the city centre or collect it from Pittsburgh International Airport with Hertz.

Phoenix, Arizona

If you’re searching for a Labor Day destination that boasts exciting, unforgettable day trips, then exploring the Grand Canyon National Park from Phoenix is unrivalled.

Plus, with Hertz, you can rent a car from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and head out on an adventure of a lifetime as soon as you land.

Day trips from Phoenix include the stunning red rock formations and hiking trails of Sedona, exploring the Sonoran Desert landscape at Saguaro National Park, and taking a scenic drive along the beautiful Apache Trail.

The historic towns of Prescott and Jerome are also well worth a visit, offering timeless character and charm. 

Nashville, Tennessee

Few destinations are better at celebratory parties and events than Music City! Home to a vibrant culinary scene and trendy music venues on every corner, Labor Day in Nashville is always a memorable and exciting experience.

Nashville is also a gateway to incredible places across Tennessee. Franklin and Mammoth Cave National Park are must-sees, while the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is perfect for a short road trip and a tasting tour.

Whether you want to encounter the live music, art, comedy, and sports Nashville’s city center has to offer, or enjoy one of the day trip ideas we’ve listed here, you can rent a car tailored to your needs from Nashville International Airport.

Canal Winchester, Ohio

For an action-packed weekend that ticks all the right boxes, Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival is the place to be. This Ohio-based Labor Day event is known for its live music, food trucks, and family activities, offering a small-town weekend getaway with a community vibe.

Three days of family fun include musical performances, a Labor Day parade, rides, a car show, a tailgate party, and a vendor market. The best part? Admission to all the events is completely free of charge.

If you’re arriving in Columbus before traveling across to Canal Winchester, you can rent a car with Hertz for the short 30-minute trip. Nearby rental locations include John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Located on the riverbanks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is famed for its European-inspired neighborhoods and culinary favorites like Goetta and Cincinnati Chili. No visit is complete without a sunset river cruise, offering scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere.

The city comes alive over Labor Day weekend, with Riverfest as the main attraction. Spend the day enjoying live music, family activities, and the popular Rubber Duck Regatta before settling in to watch the largest fireworks display in the Midwest light up the night sky.

To get around with ease, collect your car rental from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and enjoy the city at your own leisure.

Car rental on Labor Day

Labor Day is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with hundreds of thousands of Americans packing their bags to make the most of the long weekend.

At Hertz, we make it easy to get where you’re going with thousands of convenient rental locations across the U.S. Whether you’re heading to a major city, a small-town festival, or somewhere off the beaten path, we’re likely already nearby.

Choose from our newest fleet ever, including spacious SUVs and premium luxury cars. One-way car rentals are also available if your trip takes you in a different direction.

Let’s go!

Enjoy one last hurrah before the summer ends by choosing one of our expertly curated Labor Day vacation ideas. Whatever Labor Day looks like for you - live music, local food, or quiet moments outdoors - Hertz is here to get you there.

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