Labor Day play

We as Americans work too hard. We’re constantly trying to overachieve, hold ourselves to higher standards and squeeze those last ounces of production out of our tired bodies. Our work addiction isn’t good: Statistics say that too much work and not enough play time can make us crazy. Luckily we have Labor Day, and a ton of festivals this weekend to help us honor our hard work–hopefully by drinking our asses off and partying.

SacAnime

What: A celebration of anime culture, gaming, cosplay, music and food.

Where: Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane

When: September 2-3, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily, and September 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why: Three good reasons to attend: 1) Appearances by comic book, video game and anime actors, authors and creators; 2) The Slants headline the concert series; 3) Costumed maids serve food and entertain guests at the festival’s Cafe Hoshi.

More: Friday or Sunday pass $15, Saturday pass $25, weekend pass $35; www.sacanime.com.

Chalk It Up

What: A family-friendly festival introducing young kids to art.

Where: Fremont Park, 1515 Q Street

When: September 3-5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day.

Why: Aside from opportunities to draw with the kids, there’ll be live music, (Walking Spanish, Exquisite Corps, Dog Party, Kepi Ghoulie) food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and proceeds will benefit youth art programs.

More: Free. (916) 583-8242; www.chalkitup.org.

Greek Festival

What: A cultural festival with Greek food, dancing and fun.

Where: Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street

When: Friday, September 2, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, September 3, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, September 4, noon-10 p.m.

Why: It’s hard to beat lamb on a spit, but this festival does. Put on by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, it features a full menu of food, wine tasting, dancing, games and more.

More: Free admission Friday, September 2, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., otherwise $5 general admission, $4 for seniors 55 and over and free admission for children under 12. (916) 443-2033; http://sacramentogreekfestival.com.

Gold Rush Days

What: A celebration of Sacramento’s history during the gold-rush era.

Where: Old Sacramento, 1000 Front Street

When: September 3-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Why: Go back to a time when the streets were full of dirt, saloons were full of cheap beer, wagons were the preferred mode of transportation and it wasn’t uncommon to see gunfights in the middle of K Street.

More: Free. (916) 808-7059; www.sacramentogoldrushdays.com.

One Love One Heart Reggae Festival

What: Two days of camping, music and Jet Skiing.

Where: Rio Ramaza Marina, 10000 Garden Highway

When: Saturday, September 3, 11 a.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday, September 4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Why: Enjoy local reggae music like King Hopeton, Eyezon and Soulmedic, or internationally known artists like Everton Blender (Jamaica) and Ras Indio (Belize). There will also be camping, boating, Jet Skiing and vendors.More: Admission: $25 for a one-day pass, $35 for a two-day pass. (916) 607-6995; http://oneloveoneheartreggaefestival.weebly.com.

Rainbow Festival

What: A celebration of pride to raise money for GLBT charities.

Where: 20th and K streets.

When: Friday, September 2, 7 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 11 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday, September 4, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

Why: Lots of opportunities to go clubbing Friday and Saturday nights, a street fair on Sunday with music, dancing, drag queens, and wet T-shirt and underwear contests–all followed by an after-party at Club 21.

More: Tickets for the street fair are $10. Weekend passes are $50. Admission is free for children 12 and under; www.cgnie.org.