10 Best Ways to Celebrate Labor Day Weekend
Every Labor Day weekend starts the same way. You finally get that extra day off, and then the question comes up: “what should we actually do?”
Most of us fall into the same loop. Someone fires up the grill, you sit in the backyard, maybe squeeze in a quick nap, and before you know it, the weekend is gone. Tuesday hits and you’re left wishing you had done a little more with that time.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With just a bit of planning, Labor Day can be the highlight of your summer. It’s not about going over the top, it’s about doing things that bring people together, make you laugh, and keep your stomach happy. That’s where this list comes in. 10 simple ideas, each one fun and easy to pull off. And when it comes to food, Pickle’s Deli has your back so you don’t waste the whole day cooking instead of enjoying.
1. Host a Backyard Barbecue
Nothing says Labor Day like firing up the grill. Picture the burgers sizzling, kids chasing each other across the lawn, and a cooler packed with ice-cold drinks. It’s simple, familiar, and it feels like summer’s last big gathering.
You don’t need to overdo it on the menu. Burgers and hot dogs always hit the spot, but a few extras like grilled chicken, veggie skewers, or a sandwich platter give people more to choose from. For dessert, keep it easy. A plate of cookies or eclairs from Pickle’s Deli will disappear in no time.
The food sets the mood, but it’s the little things that make it fun. Set up a cornhole game, let the kids loose with water balloons, or turn on the sprinkler for them to run through. And if you’d rather not spend the whole day behind the grill, you can let Pickle’s handle the catering so you actually get to sit back and enjoy your own party.
2. Plan a Family Picnic at the Park
A picnic is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a long weekend. Spread out a blanket, bring food that everyone actually likes, and let the kids run free without worrying about the mess.
Stick to simple food. Bagels, muffins, fruit, and sandwiches travel well and keep everyone happy. If you don’t feel like packing it yourself, Pickle’s Deli has a Continental Breakfast Box with coffee and juice that makes it even easier.
Choose a park with open space or a playground. That way the kids stay busy while the adults get time to relax. You can also add a fun touch by packing red, white, and blue snacks or letting everyone bring their own homemade dessert to share.
3. Take a Local Day Trip
You don’t need a plane ticket or a pricey hotel to make the weekend feel like an adventure. A quick drive to the beach, a nearby trail, or even a small town you haven’t visited yet can feel like a mini vacation.
Day trips are perfect for avoiding the chaos of airports and long road trips. Pack a cooler with wraps, salads, or a sandwich buffet from Pickle’s Deli. Easy to eat, easy to share, no mess.
Here’s a small tip: prep everything the night before. Sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, all in the car and ready. That way you can leave early, beat the traffic, and spend more time actually enjoying the day.
4. Celebrate with a Pool Party
If you have access to a pool, you’ve basically got Labor Day made. Kids swim until they’re tired, adults lounge with a drink, and no one complains.
Food should be light and easy. Think veggie trays, hummus platters, or sandwiches that don’t fall apart when it’s hot. For something sweet, a tray of black-and-whites or fresh fruit skewers keeps it refreshing.
Add some poolside fun: floating ring toss, relay races, or even a giant inflatable volleyball set. And yes, music matters. Put together a playlist of summer hits and bring a waterproof speaker so the vibe stays up all day.
5. Support Local Events and Festivals
Labor Day usually comes with parades, fairs, and concerts. They’re lively, fun, and a nice way to support your local community. There’s usually something for everyone: rides for kids, live music for adults, and more fried food than anyone really needs.
One tip: bring cash and a tote bag for the little things you’ll pick up. Also, fair food can get pricey fast. You’ll save money and avoid long lines if you bring sandwiches or snack trays from Pickle’s Deli. Eat before, then splurge on the cotton candy later.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose between heading out to a festival or staying in for your own gathering:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Festival | Fun atmosphere, entertainment, variety | Crowds, traffic, long lines |
| Home Gathering | Personal, relaxed, your own vibe | Requires planning and setup |
6. Host a Movie or Game Night at Home
Not in the mood for crowds or sunburn? A movie or game night is a great way to celebrate without leaving the house.
For movies, set up a backyard projector or just pile into the living room. For games, go old-school with board games or run a small tournament with friends. The key is to make it feel special, not like an ordinary Friday night.
Food should be fun and easy to grab. Hot wings with dipping sauces, a sandwich platter, or a big cookie tray hit the spot. No one wants to pause Monopoly for a sit-down dinner.
7. Take Time for Outdoor Adventures
If you’re the outdoorsy type, this is your excuse to get moving. Hiking, biking, or kayaking are all great ways to spend the weekend. You’ll come back tired in the best way possible.
Food-wise, go for things that pack easily. Wrap platters, cheese trays, or even some fruit travel well and give you quick energy. Don’t forget lots of water and sunscreen.
And honestly, it’s just nice to unplug. No screens, no emails, just fresh air and a chance to actually talk without distractions.
8. Enjoy a Staycation
Not everyone wants to hit the road, and that’s fine. A staycation can be just as fun if you plan it right.
Turn your backyard into a campsite, set up a DIY spa day, or plan themed family nights. It’s all about making home feel a little different than the usual routine.
Cooking can kill the vibe though. A hot breakfast spread or dinner buffet from Pickle’s Deli makes the day feel special without keeping you in the kitchen.
9. Volunteer or Give Back
Labor Day celebrates hard work, so giving back feels fitting. Join a food drive, help clean up a park, or donate meals to a shelter. It’s a meaningful way to spend the weekend, and you’ll feel good about it afterward.
If you go with a group, bring food to share. Pickle’s Deli platters are easy to bring along and turn volunteering into a little community meal. Kids especially learn a lot when they see giving back in action.
10. Host a Labor Day Brunch
Brunch doesn’t have to mean going out. You can make it special at home with just a few small touches. Put out real plates instead of paper ones, add some fruit to the table, and brew a fresh pot of coffee. Little details like that make the meal feel different from a regular breakfast.
The best part? You don’t need to spend much. A few eggs, some bread, and whatever is in your fridge can turn into something everyone enjoys. It’s more about the feeling than the menu.
Labor Day Catering Services in Newbury Park – Why Pickle’s Deli is the Top Choice
Every host runs into the same problem on Labor Day. You want to enjoy the long weekend with family and friends, but instead you’re stuck prepping food, cooking, and cleaning up. By the time you sit down, half the day is gone. The solution is simple. Let Pickle’s Deli handle the food so you can actually enjoy the party.
We’ve been serving Newbury Park since 2006, and by now locals know us as the spot where fresh food meets no-stress gatherings. Our catering menu is designed for weekends like this. Sandwich platters that disappear in minutes, breakfast boxes that start the day right, and full spreads that cover lunch or dinner without keeping you in the kitchen.
Catering That Fits Any Labor Day Celebration
Some people stick to the backyard barbecue, others head out to a park for a picnic, and a few plan brunch before hitting the hiking trails. Wherever the day takes you, good food makes it better. Pickle’s Deli offers flexible catering packages so you can bring the same fresh flavors to any kind of celebration.
Our trays are made for sharing, our desserts are always a hit, and our service keeps things easy from start to finish. That way your Labor Day weekend is filled with laughs, good company, and plenty of food that everyone actually wants to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Labor Day honors American workers and the contributions they’ve made. It became a federal holiday in 1894 and has been celebrated on the first Monday of September ever since.
Barbecue classics like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken are staples. People also love sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, corn, and of course dessert trays.
Skip the expensive travel and stick to picnics, day trips, or potlucks. Buying ready-made trays from Pickle’s Deli is often cheaper (and less stressful) than shopping and cooking everything yourself.
Yes, it’s one of the best weekends to gather friends and family. Most people have the day off, and the late-summer weather is perfect for outdoor meals. Just be sure to plan your food early since catering spots fill up quickly.
Conclusion
Labor Day weekend doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about good food, good company, and doing things that make you actually enjoy the time off. From grilling in the backyard to exploring new places or just having a movie night at home, there’s no wrong way to spend it.
At Pickle’s Deli, we’ve been serving Newbury Park since 2006, and we know one thing for sure: food brings people together. Whether you want breakfast trays, sandwich platters, or a full dinner spread, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on the fun. Call us today at (805) 480-4800 and let’s make this Labor Day one to actually remember.
