Five for Labor Day play

It’s called “Labor Day” because it honors the contributions of workers in the United States, but it’s also sometimes described as the unofficial last day of summer. Here’s what it really means to most of us is: There’s still good weather, and many are lucky enough to have the day off from school or work. Time to take advantage of the three-day weekend and check out some of the great festivals happening in and around Sacramento this Labor Day weekend. To help you make the most of it, here are the SN&R’s top five picks:

Chalk It Up!

This festival, held annually at Fremont Park, celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year. It features kid-friendly activities, intricate chalk art on the sidewalk squares surrounding the park, live music and local food trucks. Proceeds from the event go toward children’s arts education. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, September 1-3; free. Fremont Park, 1515 Q Street; www.chalkitup.org.

Rainbow Festival

Organized by the Court of the Great Northwest Imperial Empire, a local community nonprofit, the Rainbow Festival celebrates—and raises money for charities within—Sacramento’s gay and lesbian community. Highlights include dance clubbing on Friday, a Rainbow Ball on Saturday and a street fair on Sunday. 8 p.m. Friday, August 31, at Badlands, 2003 K Street; and Faces Nightclub, 2000 K Street; 10 p.m. Saturday, September 1, at Badlands; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, September 2, at the MARRS Building, 1050 20th Street; $5-$40; www.bit.ly/RainbowFest.

Greek Festival

While the country of Greece is trying to pull itself together, financially speaking, Sacramento’s Greek community is leaving its problems behind to celebrate Greek culture. This weekend’s Greek Festival features an extensive menu of Greek food, live music and dance performances. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, August 31; noon-11 p.m. Saturday, September 1; and noon-10 p.m. Sunday, September 2; $4-$5 per day. Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street; www.sacramentogreekfestival.com.

Sacramento Anime Convention

SacAnime is throwing one of the year’s premier events for fans of comics, anime and video games. It’ll fill the Woodlake Hotel this weekend with plenty of cosplay (costume play), console-gaming tournaments, live music, card-games, panels, workshops, celebrity guests, and even a maid- and butler-themed cafe. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, August 31, and Saturday, September 1; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, September 2; $15-$30 per day, or $35 for a weekend pass. Woodlake Hotel Sacramento, 500 Leisure Lane; www.sacanime.com.

African Cultural Festival

This year’s African Cultural Festival, the second annual, showcases various African cultural dances, arts and crafts, food, music and forums. Its aim is to unite all diasporic African cultures, and proceeds will benefit the Humanitarian Foundation. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2; $10 -$15 per day. William Land Park, 4200 Freeport Boulevard; www.africanculturalfestival.org.