Long weekend? Yes, please! Labor Day 2025 is on Monday, September 1. In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. Many people receive this day off to honor the hard work and sacrifice of American laborers. Labor Day is also considered the unofficial “end of summer,” so it’s the perfect time to take one last getaway or attend an event.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your holiday, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite Labor Day weekend events in Southern California. From festivals and parades to whale watching and wine tasting, there’s something for everyone. Gather your friends, book a ride, and check out one of these fantastic Labor Day events below!
Labor Day Weekend Travel Tips
Before we dive in, let’s review some travel tips to help you get the most out of your weekend. At Xpress Shuttles, we’ve met travelers from all over the globe who have shared their secrets for smooth trips. Even if you’re just doing an overnight stay or a daytrip, planning ahead will help ensure you avoid headaches and inconveniences.
Tip #1. Pack Your Essentials
You probably won’t need a giant suitcase to attend Labor Day weekend events in Southern California, but consider packing a small backpack or tote bag with items to keep you and your fellow travelers comfortable. We recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or visor
- Water and snacks
- A phone charger or extra battery
- A light jacket or sweater
- An umbrella or poncho
- Any medications you may need
Don’t forget to dress for the occasion. Wear comfortable shoes that you won’t mind walking in, and check the local weather to see how many layers to bring. Although September in SoCal is usually hot, it may get chilly after dark or potentially rain.
Tip #2. Coordinate with Your Group
There’s nothing worse than scrambling to get your group together at the last minute. If you’re attending a Labor Day weekend event with family or friends, plan ahead. Start a group chat or coordinate over email to make sure everyone knows what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, and how you’re getting there.
Tip #3. Get Tickets in Advance
While many of the Labor Day events on our list don’t require advance ticketing, some do. If you’re attending a music festival or embarking on an adventure like whale watching, get your tickets in advance. After all, nothing’s worse than showing up for your Labor Day event only to turn around and go home.
Tip #4. Book a Ride
One of the downsides of Labor Day is the traffic. With so many people enjoying their three-day weekend, the roads and freeways in Southern California can get very crowded. So don’t let the stress of driving ruin your fun.
Book a private car or shuttle for your group! You’ll get to your destination in the ultimate comfort, stress-free – and as a bonus, you won’t have to worry about gas or parking fees.
Labor Day Weekend Events in SoCal
With these travel tips in mind, now it’s time to decide how you’ll celebrate the long weekend! Although picnics and barbecues are always a great way to spend time with loved ones, Southern California offers an array of special occasions. Here are some of the best ones:
Disneyland Fireworks (Anaheim)
Disneyland in Anaheim is one of our favorite SoCal theme parks, and they know how to end the summer with a bang! For Labor Day weekend, Disney lights up the sky with a magical fireworks show. Catch it after a day at the park or enjoy the display from a restaurant or bar at Downtown Disney.
Long Beach Greek Festival (Long Beach)
Opa! The Long Beach Greek Festival is held every Labor Day weekend, offering beachside views and an authentic cultural celebration. Enjoy delicious Greek food, dancing, and shows that highlight the rich history of Greece and Greek culture. It’s a fantastic festival for the whole family. Plus, admission is only $5!
Big Bear Rotary’s Boat Parade of Lights (Big Bear)
Big Bear is the place for SoCal nature lovers. Less than 100 miles from Los Angeles, this quaint mountain lake community celebrates Labor Day with a boat parade sponsored by the local rotary club. The Big Bear Rotary Boat Parade of Lights on August 31 is free for spectators and concludes with a drone show!
SoCal Music Festival (San Diego)
With its breezy weather and sunny beach vibes, San Diego is one of the best places for a weekend getaway in Southern California. For Labor Day weekend, the city hosts the SoCal Music Festival – four stages featuring a mix of DJs and live performances from acts like Cold War Kids, Roger Sanchez, Krewella, and more. There’s also delicious food, carnival rides, and an 80s/90s arcade tent.
Orange International Street Fair (Orange)
Down in the city of Orange, you’ll find the Orange International Street Fair overlapping with Labor Day weekend events from August 29 to August 31. Established in 1973, the Orange International Street Fair offers food and drinks from all over the world, arts and crafts, and seven stages of live entertainment.
Wine Tasting (Temecula)
If you’re in the mood for a stroll through stunning vineyards while sipping delicious wine, consider a weekend getaway to Temecula. Temecula is one of Southern California’s hidden gems and its Inland Empire wineries offer a world-class experience that includes wine tasting, spas, and luxurious villas for an overnight stay.
Whale Watching (San Diego)
Finally, no list of Labor Day events would be complete without one of our favorite Southern California activities: whale watching! In late summer, the coast off San Diego is home to migrating whale species including humpbacks, fin whales, and even the world’s largest animal – the blue whale. Book a ride down to San Diego and stay in a quaint downtown hotel, then wake up early the next morning to sail out and see these spectacular cetaceans.
Cheers to a Fabulous Labor Day
No matter how you celebrate your Labor Day weekend in Southern California, we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday. Book a ride with Xpress Shuttles today for smooth, stress-free travel. We’ll pick you up and drop you off on-time, every time, in comfort and style. Call 866-381-4481 or schedule your ride online.