Chicago-area residents celebrate Labor Day 2025 with parades, festivals


Chicago-area residents celebrate Labor Day 2025 with parades, festivals

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) -- It's been a busy day in many communities in the Chicago area, where residents are taking advantage of just about perfect weather this Labor Day.

The marching bands got their work done early in Naperville, with the annual Labor Day parade. Thousands lined the course, watching the many community organizations marching by.

"We ride bikes as a big group and come here and watch the parade. It's a great last weekend of summer," parade attendee Kia Cvengros said.

Of course, one highlight for the kids was plenty of candy to collect. It's a neighborhood parade.

"This year we got up early, walked over and got a good spot," Remington Haymon said.

RELATED: Here's what's open and closed on Labor Day 2025

On the city's Northwest Side, there's the Taste of Polonia. It's billed as the largest Polish celebration and festival in the United States. The festival runs every Labor Day weekend with food, music and entertainment.

The music of Pink filled the air in Schaumburg Monday afternoon. The main stage has been busy all weekend, with more to come. And over at the food tent, it's the Taste of Schaumburg, and it's charity day. Non-profits take over the food booths, and volunteers serve the hot dogs and other fare. The restaurants, like Moretti's, donate all the profits.

"We probably get about 90 percent of our fundraising for the year at this fest," said Alan Osinkosky, with Citizens Police Academy.

In Buffalo Grove, they are drawing huge crowds.

"Weather has been perfect this weekend. You can't get better, great crowds," Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith said.

The festival also hosts a special low-sensory experience at the carnival and lunch for some kids with physical or mental challenges.

"They don't overload you. Go on what you want, as many times as you want, everybody is cordial and patient," Millie Ewald said.

In Schaumburg, they are gearing up for a big show Monday night, starting with a Foo Fighters cover band and followed by the headliner, Sister Hazel, getting underway about 7:30 p.m.

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