The event honors the city's labor movement and the workers who helped shape it. The parade returned for the first time since 2022 and brought together dozens of unions in the East Side neighborhood.
Also happening this holiday weekend across the city is the African Festival of the Arts and the Pilsen Mexican Independence Parade.
"Local 2 for Chicago firefighters and paramedics allowed firefighters and paramedics to negotiate contracts, work conditions things like that, uniforms with the city as a collective as opposed to an individual," said Lorraine McCauley, a paradegoer and retired paramedic.
Colorful floats lined Ewing Avenue as unions representing a range of industries marched through the neighborhood. Following the parade, participants gathered at Steelworkers Park for Eddie Fest, named for Edward Sadlowski, a celebration of workers and Chicago's labor movement.
"It's necessary, workers have to come together," said Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union. "So we're here to standup for each other and working families."
Sharon Green, a steward with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, said the event highlighted the importance of workplace safety and labor protections.
"We work with the Chicago Transit Authority. We're now Amalgamated Transit Union and we're promoting safety and worker's rights," Green said.
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The celebration came during a week marked by labor activity in Chicago, including strikes involving hotel workers and nurses.
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined union members at the parade and voiced support for organized labor.
"I fully support every single worker who is showing up for the people of Chicago, for our country, and they deserve a right to unionize without being intimidated," Johnson said. "Look we gave too many corporate leaders and corporations that are putting profit over the interests of people."
Attendees said they hope the annual event will inspire future generations to continue advocating for workers' rights and labor protections.
Meanwhile, Chicago's annual celebration of African culture is also happening this Labor Day weekend.
The three-day event is being held at the historic Washington Park Sunken Garden.
Because of the Labor Day events, neighborhood festivals, and concerts, city officials are laser focused on making sure one of Chicago's busiest weekends stay safe.
Historically, holiday weekends see significant spikes and water related incidents.
The U.S. Coast Guard plans on conducting safety checks and stepping up patrols targeting illegal charter operations.
Chicago police will continue its crackdowns on drunk and reckless boating operations as safety advocates encourage the use of life jackets while on the water.
City leaders say additional police officers and other public safety resources will be deployed throughout the holiday weekend as the city's emergency management office and other agencies coordinate security across Chicago.