Hey it’s Friday, the weekend’s almost here and it’s a long holiday too. And since Labor Day is a reminder that summer’s ending, you want to wrap it up with some serious fun! That’s where we come in. We’re all about this weekend and we’ve got your back big-time. From the nation’s coolest beer festivals to movies, music, and cutting edge TV – we’ve got you covered. So welcome to our special Labor Day Edition of our awesome Weekend Picks.

Yankee Time – There’s no better way to end summer 2013 than with a great brew festival and Portland, Maine will be home to a big one. The 3^rd Annual Portland Brew Festival is returning this weekend and if you’re up that way, you should definitely be there. This two-day, three-session beerganza (8/30- 8/31) is taking place at the Portland Company complex, a former locomotive factory on the eastern edge of the city’s old port, and will feature more than 90 beers, meads, and ciders from 35 of the region’s best breweries. For more info on what promises to be too much fun, check out: Portland Brew Fest

New Movies Opening This Weekend – Labor Day’s all about outdoor fun so it’s no surprise that Hollywood’s rolling out some truly “iffy” flicks this weekend. But if you’re so sunburned that you can no longer be seen in the light – or you’re so hungover from last night’s festivities that you need to hide away at a movie – here’s what’s happening. If insipid boy bands from London are your cup of tea, then One Direction: This Is Us is your only option. This music documentary chronicles the rise of the British popsters, One Direction and follows the band members from their humble hometown beginnings to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena.

More Movies – If pop mediocrity isn’t quite what you’re looking for and you’re in the mood for something more cynical or noir, then maybe Ethan Hawke’s new thriller’s the way to go. Getaway tells the tale of a former racecar driver (Hawke) who is pitted against the clock when a mysterious villain kidnaps his wife. He commanders a young woman’s car and takes her on a high-speed race against time. Okay, we get that this all might sound a bit tired but it has to be better than two hours with One Direction…just sayin’.

Florida Topics Calling – Key West will also be celebrating Labor Day Weekend with some serious beer when the 4^th Annual Key West BrewFest returns. This slacker-friendly celebration (8/29 – 9/2) will take place all over Key West, but as anyone who’s been there will tell you, you can just about walk to everything there. This weekend’s events include beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars, and the Signature Tasting Festival Event! Just think about it – you’ll be able to enjoy America’s tropics and taste more than 150 beers in one weekend. It doesn’t get any better that that! For more info and updates, be sure to check out: Key West BrewFest

Music/Music/Music – Chicago will be saying goodbye to summer this weekend with the North Coast Music Festival. Billed as “summer’s last stand” (and it may be), this three-day event (8/30 – 9/1) couldn’t get more eclectic. You can “rock out” to acts the likes of Passion Pit and Purity Ring or “get real” with hip-hop’s Wu-Tang Clan. For more info on this Labor Day extravaganza, check out: North Coast Music Fest