Illinois Labor Day 2018 Guide: Weather, Traffic, Things To Do

ILLINOIS — These days, Labor Day is a day off, a well-deserved respite from the daily grind — and we owe it, in part, to striking Chicago railway workers. While the movement to create a national Labor Day had been growing for years — along with efforts to establish an eight-hour work week — it wasn't until 1894 that President Grover Cleveland, looking to appease disgruntled workers in the wake of a railway union strike in Chicago — signed a bill making it a holiday just days after the strike was broken.

Now, Labor Day has evolved into a day when everyone who can takes the day off, relaxes — perhaps with a backyard barbecue — and bids an unofficial farewell to summer.

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 3. From holiday closings to weather, traffic and fun things to do, here's everything you need to know about Labor Day 2018 in Illinois. (Get Patched In: Subscribe to free daily email, news alerts, Facebook fun and more from Patch)

What's open, what's closed?

Labor Day is a federal holiday, which means government offices (local, state and federal), the post office (so no mail delivery), banks and schools will be, for the most part, closed. Trash pickup for most providers will also be delayed by one day to give workers a day off.

The CTA and Metra will be running Sunday/holiday schedules.

Big box stores will be open, and many will be offering Labor Day deals, so it could be a great time to scoop up a bargain.

How's the weather?

Labor Day weekend weather will be a bit of a mixed bag. We could see some rain on Saturday (71 percent chance of precipitation), a 51 percent chance of more rain on Sunday and a very slight chance of it on Monday. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s all three days, according to the National Weather Service.

What's happening?

While most people will have the weekend off, there's still plenty to do. From live music to food fests to free fireworks, there's plenty happening in Chicago and the suburbs over the long weekend.

Check it out: Labor Day Weekend 2018: Fun Things To Do In Illinois

Traffic and gas prices

If you're looking to travel for Labor Day, you might want to avoid hitting the road on Friday afternoon. It's expected to be the busiest travel time during Labor Day weekend, with around 2 million vehicles expected on Illinois tollways.

An anti-violence march set for Labor Day along the Kennedy Expressway could also impact traffic on Monday.

Gas prices were actually slightly down on Friday in Illinois, at an average of $2.86 per gallon, down 1 cent compared with Wednesday. The national average was $2.83 per gallon. AAA said prices could slightly increase over the long weekend.

Need more travel info? Find it here: Labor Day Weekend 2018: Routes To Avoid, Metra Schedules, Gas Prices

Kiss summer goodbye

The dog days of summer are over, and while fall doesn't officially start until Sept. 22, many see Labor Day as the final goodbye to summer. But just because those lazy days are over doesn't mean there's not plenty of fun to be had in Illinois.

From Oktoberfest to wine festivals to fall events full of apple cider doughnuts, live music, craft beer and more, there's a lot going on.

Find it all here: Fall Fests Worth Checking Out In Chicago Area

Fall-themed fun: Apple Orchards, Corn Mazes Open For Fall Season

Hungry for more? 5 Tasty Chicago Events To Make You Fat After Labor Day

Plus: Free Labor Day DQ Blizzards: How To Claim Them In Illinois

Photo via ESB Professional/Shutterstock.co