How To Spend Your Labor Day In 2021
Labor Day is one of our favorite summer holidays – it’s a day of food, relaxation, and celebrating and honoring the American labor movement. But how do we spend such an important day, especially after this year of masks, quarantine, and social distancing? Time to grab your loved ones and closest pals and find a fun Labor Day activity to make the most of this relaxing and wonderful holiday.
1. Have A BBQ
One of the best ways to spend Labor Day (or any holiday really) is with a good old fashion barbeque. If you’re from the South like I am, weekends and holidays meant your dad was getting out the grill to make burgers, hot dogs, pork chops, and chicken (way more food than anyone in your family could conceivably eat). So the best way to spend this year’s Labor Day and slow return to a sense of pre-covid normalcy is with a yummy BBQ. Invite a small group of your family or friends over to cook delicious food and talk and laugh and just enjoy the day together.
2. Project A Movie
Watching movies is great – it’s honestly one of my favorite pastimes. But there’s something about projecting a movie that makes it seem extra special, and that’s exactly the way you want to feel this Labor Day. If you can project your movie outside on the side of a building, definitely do that. If not, a living room or indoor projection is just as good. Stock up on your favorite movie snacks – I’m talking popcorn, candy, soda, the whole shebang. Then enjoy the company of your favorite people as you watch a great movie projected bigger than just a normal TV can accomplish.
3. Take A Weekend Vacay
Need to get away and take a breather for just a while? Labor Day weekend is a great time to take a little vacay just for you (and maybe your bestie or boo). It doesn’t have to be anywhere far or expensive or grand (although it definitely can be). Maybe you just pick a place nearby you’ve never been before, or maybe you just drive until the location feels right. Either way, take the time to relax and enjoy your day off – you’ve earned it.
4. Go Camping
Not looking for a big vacation but still trying to get away this Labor Day – camping is always a great option! Go with a group to make it a fun multi-person party camping trip, or maybe even take it up a notch and go glamping (glam camping) with all those fancy accessories and amenities you’ve always wanted to try. Enjoy the throwback to your childhood with yummy s’mores and scary stories with your pals while taking that much-needed break during the long Labor Day weekend.
5. Check Out A Local Exhibit
A lot of museums have temporary or traveling exhibits that are only on display for a short time, so Labor Day is a great time to take a fun day trip to your local art, history, or science museums to see what the newest exhibits are like! It’s like an educational trip just for yourself. Maybe you take a friend, partner, or family member, or maybe you just decide to go enjoy the sights and displays by yourself – either way, it’s great to take this free day to see something you might not get the chance to see during your regular, busy weeks.
6. Try A Brewery Crawl
Breweries are all the rage these days, and with so many possible ones to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit on Labor Day. But it’s no problem–just try all of them! Pub crawls are well known and heavily loved, so it’s time to take this traditional alcoholic adventure and transfer it to all your local breweries. For some, you may want to visit a large city nearby to really get the true brewery crawl experience–however, if you do travel, make sure you have a safe and stable way to get home so you can fully enjoy your brewery crawl experience!
7. Relax By The Pool
Labor Day is all about giving yourself the opportunity to relax and take a break, and what better way to do that than by chilling by the pool. Pool days are some of the most relaxing days I can remember, just the cool water and warm sun. Whether you like to swim laps or read or maybe just take a nap in one of your comfy pool chairs, relaxing in or by the pool can be a great way to get the most out of your day of chill and fun.
8. See A New Movie
Sometimes you need to get out and go somewhere, but don’t have the money for a big vacation and aren’t big on camping. This is totally reasonable, and the best way to get out of those stuck-in-the-house slumps without spending big bucks is by going to see a new movie! Now that theaters are starting to see more patrons coming out to enjoy the new Marvel features or Disney films, there are sure to be plenty of new movies coming out soon. Labor Day is a great time to take a few hours for yourself and go see a new movie, whether it’s one you’ve been waiting for or just a random one that seems interesting.
9. Plan A Bonfire
Maybe you don’t want a whole camping trip but still want that “sitting around the fire, enjoying music and food and company” feeling. Planning a fun and safe bonfire is a great way to achieve that outdoorsy experience without committing yourself to a weekend of tents and bugs. Bonfires are easy to do once you collect the right materials and firewood, and they allow everyone to mingle and laugh and drink without the expectations of dinner parties or museums. A bonfire is a great way to get the most out of your Labor Day without having to go out of your way to plan a big, extensive event.
