LaborFest

LaborFest

July 5 through July 31

LaborFest is a cultural and arts festival centered in San Francisco, Calif., that advances workers' rights and commemorates the achievements of the labor movement of the early 20th century. The festival comprises a three-week program of free and paid-admission events, including book and poetry readings, issue-centered discussion forums, an international film festival, music and theater performances, and historical tours and presentations. Held annually since 1994, LaborFest promotes solidarity among workers and includes performers, films, and presenters from around the world.
The festival begins each year on July 5th, the anniversary of "Bloody Thursday," when two union workers were killed by police while supporting a strike by longshoremen and maritime workers on the San Francisco docks in 1934. The deaths on that day catalyzed workers throughout the city to walk off their jobs in what became known as the General Strike of 1934. At LaborFest, boat, bus, walking, and bike tours visit historic sites related to the strike and the history of organized labor in San Francisco. On July 31, the last night of the festival, a closing party is held, featuring a music concert celebrating working-class life.

CONTACTS:
LaborFest
P.O. Box 40983
San Francisco, CA 94140
415-642-8066
www.laborfest.net

SOURCES:
PatHols-2006, p. 181