Nine (Nearly) Free Things To Do on Labor Day Weekend

We had a baby on July 29 and I’ll be taking some time off to welcome him to the world. I am grateful to friends and fellow bloggers who are helping out with guest posts. This article is by Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore of Buttoned Up.

Labor Day is your opportunity to give summer one last hurrah before buckling down and getting back to work, school, or normal life. If you’re one of the millions wondering what you should do for fun, we’ve got lots of ideas for making the most of your weekend without breaking the bank.

1. Hit the Parade

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, to celebrate the social and economic achievements of the American worker. We’ve come a long way since then, but with a recession in full bloom, there’s no better time than now to rally behind American workers. Big cities and small towns alike will be hosting parades, so search the Internet to find a schedule for a parade near you, grab a friend or some family members, and celebrate the true meaning of Labor Day.

2. Throw a Horseshoe Tournament

When was the last time you played a good game of horseshoe? There’s no time like Labor Day weekend to throw down the gauntlet and challenge your friends, family, or neighbors to a little game. If you don’t have equipment, order a game set for under $20 at eSportsonline, or check your local sporting goods store. If you need a refresher course, review the rules. Treat the winner to a two-scoop ice cream cone after the game.

3. Throw a Block Party Potluck BBQ

If you live on a residential street, and not a main thoroughfare, many towns actually encourage you to get to know your neighbors by hosting a block party. The town will shut down traffic on the street during your party, so all can congregate safely. Designate one person from the neighborhood to coordinate with the mayor’s office or the police to set the date and get the rules for the party. Once you have the date set, make sure everyone on the block knows about it and agrees to bring a dish to the party.

4. Have a Top Chef Competition

If you live in sweltering climes, or are anticipating bad weather in your area, try throwing a Top Chef competition, with one meal unveiled on each night of the long weekend. Designate three teams consisting of two or three people. Each team is assigned a night and on “their night” are responsible for preparing three dishes: an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert. On the last night, everyone casts their vote for the best dish and the best overall meal.

5. Take in an Outdoor Concert

Labor Day and outdoor concerts go hand-in-hand. There’s nothing like closing out summer with a picnic under the stars set to a fantastic live soundtrack. Check the Internet for outdoor concerts in your area.

6. Play a Neighborhood Game of Kick the Can

When was the last time you truly let your hair down and played a good outdoor game like Kick the Can? Round up a good group of grown-ups and kids from your neighborhood and invite them to play. You’ll get a good workout and have a lot of fun to boot. If you need a refresher course, here are the rules.

7. Go to a Street Festival

Summer weekends and street festivals go hand-in-hand. In honor of the last real weekend of summer, take in a street festival near you. We took a quick look online and found options as varied as a Renaissance festival, a jazz festival, a catfish festival, and an African festival.

8. Pick Some Apples

In some areas, the end of summer coincides with apple picking season. If you live in a place like North Carolina, Virginia, New York, or Washington, set aside a few hours on Labor Day weekend to go pick some fresh apples at a nearby farm. If you’re feeling adventurous, take some and make a fresh apple pie. Try this great recipe.

9. Have a Water Balloon Toss

Every hot Labor Day party should involve a water balloon toss. It’s fun (and refreshing) for kids of all ages. Pair people up and give each pair of players one balloon filled with water. Line up players side-by-side, with their partners facing them. Move the lines away from each other. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.

Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore are co-authors of Everything (Almost) In Its Place and co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized. We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at Buttoned Up.

Photo credits: parade, guitar, balloons.

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