Labor Day Weekend is the much cherished three-day weekend that marks the end of summer. For the bourgeoisie, it’s the last day for donning white shoes; for everybody else, it’s a day off work. Labor Day celebrates and honors the working people of the United States, with origins in the 1880’s. 
The national holiday allows us to take a break, forget about deadlines and meetings and to-do lists, and have a bit of fun. Here are a few recommendations on how to spend your long weekend in Corpus Christi.
Arts Alive Labor Day Festival
The Art Center of Corpus Christi is throwing an art fair, September 3-4. There is so much going on. Watch dance performances; see a theater production in a shipping container; stand by as a steam roller makes art.  There will be hands-on art activities for the whole family: 3D collages, dreamcatchers, flower crowns, shell painting, DIY hand fans and more. Special exhibits and craft time with the Texas State Aquarium and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History will educate and entertain. On Sunday, don’t miss the singing and storytelling session by the Sparkling City Mermaids.  Arts Alive takes place on September 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and September 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission costs $5 per day, free for ages 12 & under. The Arts Center of Corpus Christi is located at 100 N Shoreline. Visit artcentercc.org/arts-alive for more information.
Catch the Cure: Paddle for Parkinson’s
Hop on a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and race in a relay to support the 1.5 million Americans that live with Parkinson’s disease. The event takes place on September 3 at Padre Island’s Billish Park at 9 a.m. Each registration comes with a T-shirt and barbecue plate. Visit catchthecure.com for registration and more information. 
ArtWalk
On Friday, September 2, you’ll find artists, musicians and all things creative converge in the Marina Arts District, now back at home in La Retama Park after the park’s year-long makeover. Food trucks line up from Mesquite to Starr streets. Vendors take Starr Street to Lower Broadway, while live music and art liven every corner.
The grassy section of La Retama hosts interactive artists along with family-friendly games, karate demonstrations, photo books and karaoke.
This month, the Bike Renegades will be giving bicycle safety and bike maintenance lessons in honor of the new bike sharing program in downtown Corpus Christi. Bike Corpus Christi Bikeshare begins September 1 with seven locations and 40 bicycles. Cost is $3 an hour after the first free hour. Visit marinaarts.com for more information.
Bras for Babes Labor Day Bash
Benefiting the Women’s Shelter of South Texas, Dewey’s Beer Garden is hosting a donation bash. Bring in a brand new bra (must still have tags or original packaging) to support the cause. The beer garden will be hosting a horseshoe, cornhole and pool tournaments with door prizes and raffles all night long. Tickets are $5 with donation and $10 without. The bash is on Saturday, September 3. Join the fun at 2301 Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi.
For more things to do in the Coastal Bend, visit our events calendar at 101CorpusChristi.com/EVENTS.