Labor Day was first celebrated as a federal public holiday in the United States in 1894. This day is set aside to honor the American laborer and the labor movement and all they have done to make the US as successful and as prosperous as it is. This day is also synonymous with the end of summer vacation and a return to cooler fall weather. What does it mean for you? A day off to enjoy yourself and relax after all the hard work you have done throughout the year. Why not take advantage of this day off to have a beverage or two and enjoy Colorado’s September weather? Here are some places around town to do just that.

Taste of Colorado, September 1-4, Civic Center Park
One of the city’s biggest Labor Day weekend events is Taste of Colorado, now in its 34th year. This festival is a chance to get outside on the Civic Center park lawn and enjoy live music, delicious food and chilled beverages and the event is FREE to enter. With over 50 restaurants represented and five music stages, this all day extravaganza will delight eaters and music lovers of all ages. Are you ready for the line up? Friday is Shelia E., Saturday afternoon is AJR, Saturday night is Rick Springfield, Sunday afternoon is Lauren Duski, Sunday night is Five for Fighting and Monday night is 38 Special. To see the bands is free, but food and drink need to be purchased with a ticket system. Guests get 15 tickets for $10 and purchase is cash only. A variety of beer, cocktails and wines will be available in specially marked tents. (100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy; 303-964-2522)

Brews & Views, September 2, Hudson Gardens
In only three years, this event has more than doubled in size and popularity. This year the gardens will host almost 40 beer venders pouring sips of their favorite suds. There will also be local food trucks, music and outdoor games. Tasting Level tickets are $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door. A limited number of Connoisseur Level tickets are available for $50 in advance only, which features early entry, a Brews & Views t-shirt, commemorative glass, snacks and a private lounge area. Designated driver tickets are $5 per person. All tickets can be purchased through Altitude Tickets. (6115 S. Santa Fe Dr.; 303-797-8565)

Keystone Oktoberfest, September 2
Head for a holiday in the hills with a trip to Keystone for some outdoor German-style fun. River Run Village will be turned into Munich with German music, dancers, food and activities for the kids. The event kicks off with a 5K Das Bier Burner run at noon and the music begins at 1 PM. Headlining the event will be Those Austrian Guys with fun and polka for everyone. Cost is $35 per person and includes commemorative stein and three drink coupons for beers from New Belgium. Stein refills (after the coupons are gone) are just $5 each. The 5K is an additional $35 per person, however, the fee includes an official t-shirt, first New Belgium beer free, and prizes for top finishers. Race registration also qualifies participants for discounts on nearby lodging. (140 Ida Belle Dr., Keystone)

Phish, September 1-3, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Get ready Phish Phans. The Labor Day Weekend campground party begins at noon Friday and goes until noon on Monday. Here is how it works. Get a bunch of Phish-loving friends, a large tent and a three-day weekend of fun and music. Here is the break down. Camping passes are $90 per person, not per site. Everyone staying at one site needs to have a camping pass. However, free parking in Lot R is included. This fee is in addition to the concert tickets. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis and there are rules, like no open flames, drones, glass containers, etc. However, campers can bring a “reasonable amount of alcohol.” There will also be beverages sold inside the stadium.  Those who camp at the stadium will be able to enjoy free drinking water, ATMs, free showers, and have access to lawn games on loan. For more information and to purchase tickets and passes, check the website. (6000 Victory Wy; 303-727-3500)

Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Sept 1-3 and SF Sept 4-6, Coors Field
Your Colorado Rockies are hanging on to third place in the National League and will host the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday through Sunday and then host the San Francisco Giants beginning on Monday. Tickets are still available at a variety of levels and prices. Rooftop BallPark Passes include a $6 concession credit, which is basically good for one Coors Light. Coors Field also has its own brewery, The Sandlot, home to Blue Moon Brewing Co. (2001 Blake St.; 303-292-0200)

Rocky Mountain Brew Runs, September 2, Stanley Marketplace
How about earning that pint of beer with 5K? Join the Rocky Mountain Brew Run at Stanley Marketplace on Saturday and get a cold lager from Cheluna Brewing afterward. The run is on a flat and fast course with views of both downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. After the run enjoy a Cheluna beer and “Beer Olympics” games. Cost is $35 per person and include a pint glass and a chance to win prizes from event sponsors. This event starts at 10 AM and is kid and dog friendly. (2501 Dallas St.; 720-588-9158)

Rocky Mountain Showdown CU vs CSU on Friday, September 1, Sports Authority Field at Mile High
The annual in-state rival college football game has been going on for 120 years. The Colorado vs. Colorado State happens on Friday night under the lights of Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Per usual tailgating is allowed and there will be adult beverages served inside the stadium. All we ask is the college kids behave so we can keep this awesome matchup going for another 120 years in Denver. (1701 Bryant St., Suite 700; 720-258-3000)

Red Rock Amphitheatre Concerts, September 1-4
Rolling Stone Magazine calls Red Rocks “The Best Amphitheater in America.” Find out why by attending a show for Labor Day Weekend. The stage docket is full for the weekend. The lineup is GRiZ both Friday and Saturday, September 1 and 2, Mad Decent Block Party featuring Major Lazer on Sunday and 70s super band Foreigner on Monday, September 4. Tailgating before the shows is allowed and there will be plenty of Colorado beer (Blue Moon, Oskar Blues, New Belgium) and other beverages for sale inside. Tickets and additional information can be found on the venue’s website. (18300 W. Alameda Pkwy.; 720-865-2494)

Photo via Flickr user Larry Johnson