Best Things to Do in the Bay Area This Labor Day Weekend

Paula Phommounivong

Ah, yes, Labor Day — the unofficial end of a great summer. However, Labor Day is more than just that — it’s a three-day weekend that recognizes all the hard work we’ve done and the achievements we’ve accomplished. Since Labor Day was declared a federal holiday in 1894, Americans have been celebrating it in true American fashion by enjoying festivities like barbecues, picnics, patriotic parades, and block parties. However, with rising gas prices, this year’s Labor Day may look a little different for everyone. So, if you’re trying to plan an affordable staycation, we got you! Here’s a plentiful selection of the best things to do in the Bay Area this Labor Day Weekend.

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Frank McKenna

Foodies Rejoice

Don’t go hungry this Labor Day Weekend. Kick off the weekend by indulging in some delicious Latin dishes like pupusas or birria tacos at Speakeasy’s Sazon Latin Food Festival in San Francisco. With 12 different Latin food vendors to choose from, you’ll leave stuffed and satisfied. If you want something lighter and healthier, visit the Bizerkeley Food Festival — Berkeley’s first and only vegan food fest. At Bizerkeley, you can try guilt-free, vegan versions of some of your favorite foods. It’s also worth mentioning that vendors will be offering free samples and cheap eats for under five bucks. Come hungry, leave happy!

It’s Five O'clock Somewhere

A three-day weekend calls for a much-needed cocktail. Grab your friends, a drink or two, and celebrate the holiday at San Pedro Square Market in DTSJ. With a unique selection of bars in the downtown area, you’re guaranteed a good time and a bottomless drink. Take advantage of all the happy hour deals too. We recommend checking out District San Jose for $7 well drinks and 2-for-1 oysters on the half shell, and Five Points for $10 artisanal craft cocktails. Cheers!

For the Granola, Outdoorsy Types

Put on your hiking boots, grab your trekking poles, and spend your weekend in nature. You don’t have to drive out to Yosemite or Pinnacles to enjoy the great outdoors. The greater Bay Area offers many hiking trails and campsites for the best open air things to do on Labor Day Weekend. For a day hike, visit Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve or Almaden Quicksilver County Park near San Jose. These parks offer trails perfect for first-timers and seasoned hikers. For a weekend-long camping trip, we recommend visiting Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve and hiking up to Star’s Rest. The journey up Star’s Rest may be strenuous and exhausting to some, but once there, the 360-degree panoramic views make all the hiking worth it.

Family-Friendly Fun

Dates vary

Get in touch with the arts and be part of the community at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. YBG Fest is a free, seasonal arts festival dedicated to presenting jazz music, dance, theater, and cultural events that highlight the city’s rich diversity and cultural roots. On September 3rd, from 1pm to 2:30 pm, Marcus Shelby’s New Orchestra: Blues in the City will be performing on the YBG stage. Marcus Shelby is an iconic figure in the Bay Area jazz scene, so if you’re a music fan, you don’t want to miss it. YBG Fest is an excellent opportunity for your family to have fun in the sun, enjoy great entertainment, and learn something new. Located along Howard Street in the SoMa district, you are also steps away from other family-friendly attractions like the Children’s Creativity Museum and Metreon Shopping Mall.

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!