Labor Intensive – Top 10 Labor Day Weekend Activities
Get out and enjoy this Labor Day weekend. You earned it.
Celebrated since September of 1882, Labor Day is a longstanding observance dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the American workforce and the contributions they have made to the prosperity and well-being of our country. It also signifies a long weekend for many to ring in the unofficial end of summer, complete with family outings, barbecues and more.
As with all holidays and special occasions, the greater Sarasota area is filled with events and activities to entertain residents and visitors–and you deserve it. Here are our top 10 Labor Day weekend activities taking place in the Sarasota area:
1. Labor Day Family Picnic at the Point – Bring the whole family for a day of fun at Historic Spanish Point, the premier outdoor museum. This Monday, September 6, starting at 9:00 am, just $10 per car load gives your family access to 30 acres of shady nature trails, scenic boardwalks, historic buildings, rich gardens, bay breezes and more, with plenty of picnic tables at a variety of interesting locations throughout the museum. Bring a Frisbee or baseball bat and balls and play on the Lychee Field near one of the largest butterfly gardens in the area, or take in some sunshine right next to the cool waters of Little Sarasota Bay overlooking Casey Key. Sorry no grills or pets. Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with no site admittance after 4:00pm. Visit HERE for more information.
2. Labor Day All Day Celebration – Looking for a delicious brunch complemented with live music on your extra weekend day? Blu Smoke Island Grill and Bar is offering an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Holiday Weekend Brunch starting at 9am and ending at noon on Monday, September 7. Stay for the pig roast from noon – 4 pm and live reggae on the from 2-6 pm. Go HERE for more information.
3. 5th Annual Selby Instructors’ Summer Showcase – This Monday, September 6, enjoy an annual exhibit and sale showcasing the work of many of Selby’s talented art instructors, giving you a preview of the fun and interesting experiences waiting at the Gardens every week. Come see this exhibit and be inspired to sign up for classes taught by these talented artists and instructors. Many of the works will also be available for sale. Cost: Included in admission to Gardens. More information is HERE.
4. 30 Days of Discovery at Mote: 2-for-1 Admission – Not just limited to Labor Day, you can enjoy two-for-one admission to Mote Aquarium throughout September during “30 Days of Discovery.” Learn about the exotic creatures living in our gorgeous coastal waters. Mote Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Normal Mote ticket prices are: $17 for adults (over 12); $16 for seniors (over 65); $12 for kids (ages 4-12) and free for ages 3 and younger. Mote Members always get in free. More information HERE.
5. Libby’s Hipper Happy Hour – Savor the end of summer at Libby’s with a variety of drink and dining deals. Its Hipper Happy Hour (4-7 pm daily) just got a lot more fun and affordable, including newly introduced “Libbypops,” big kid lollypops of 10 different bite-sized indulgences. Paired with one of the many wines by the glass, beer or drink specials, Libby’s has brought a new creative flair to day’s end (or evening’s start). Click HERE to learn more.
6. Pioneer Days – Come enjoy Englewood’s 54th Annual Pioneer Days Parade and Festival this Monday, September 6 starting at 9 am. This year’s theme is “We’re Going Green” and features green parade categories, green trophies, green vendors and two entertainment stages featuring live music. This year will also be the 20th anniversary of the Beard Contest, with three awards for both new beards and not so new beards. There will be an extended variety of affordable food choices as well as ticketed and free things for the kids to do. Learn more about it HERE.
7. Downtown Venice – Discover some of the area’s best pieces of local art at the second annual downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 am, this event takes place in the same site as the popular March Art Classic along Miami Avenue, one of Venice’s downtown streets, with stained glass, handmade jewelry, paintings, photography, personalized products for your kids and pooch, and much more. Adding to the weekend will be an expansive Green Market with plants, flora, orchids and homemade soaps. Click HERE for more information.
8. Triathlon – Feeling fit? Try competing in the Venice YMCA 2010 Triathlon on Saturday, September 4 at 7:30 am. The race consists of a 400-meter swim, point-to-point in the Gulf, a 9-mile bike ride on a closed course down Harbor Drive, and a 5-kilometer run on Harbor to Caspersen beach. The event features live music, prizes, awards for up to 5 finishers in all age group divisions, and a full breakfast, hosted by Sharky’s. Register Aug. 1-Sept. 2 $70 ($140 for relay). Learn more HERE.
9. Cross Country – Feeling fit and live closer to Manatee County? Sign up for the 18th Annual Canes Cross Country Classic 5K & 1 Mile taking place on Labor Day, Monday, September 6 at G.T. Bray Par in Bradenton. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., and the 1-mile at 9:00 a.m. Fast 5K course over roads, grass & trails. This event is open to all ages and abilities with awards to overall, masters, GM, SGM, & VGM & great door prizes. Find out how to register for participation HERE.
10. The Beach – Summer isn’t over yet, so the weather is still perfect to get out and enjoy any of our gorgeous area beaches. Click HERE to find the one nearest to you.
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