Squeeze the juice out of these final days of summer! Labor Day weekend is here, and you know what that means – the carefree summer days are wrapping up as shorter days and changing foliage creep in. This could be your last chance for a fun and relaxing extended weekend getaway! There are a lot of exciting things happening near Seattle and throughout the PNW over Labor Day weekend. Pack up the car for a road trip, rock out at a local music festival, or get together with some friends to drink in those last few drops of summer. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the long weekend:
Road Trip to a New Small Town
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is known as the “Viking City,” and this charming town is the perfect destination to unwind. Nestled up against the peaceful Liberty Bay and bustling with dozens of shops to explore, the atmosphere is easy to fall in love with.
The Scandinavian architecture and colorful Norwegian flower paintings that adorn the streets are a clear indication of the deep European heritage that has resided here for generations. After experiencing the authentic pastries and delicious food, picturesque scenery and unique shops, it’s very likely that you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Winthrop
Drive up to Northern Washington and check out Winthrop, a quaint town with a lot going on! There are great things to do all year long, but during Labor Day weekend there are a few activities that you don’t want to miss!
Check out fresh, locally grown produce and high-quality arts & crafts by kicking off your morning at the Methow Valley Farmers Market in neighboring Twisp, WA.
Then throw on your cowboy hat and mosey on over to the Methow Valley Rodeo on August 31st and September 1st, starting at 1pm.
Along with these events, there are plenty of recreational activities for those who love the outdoors. Popular activities for this time of year include hiking, biking, mountain climbing, paddle boarding, horseback riding, river rafting, sight-seeing, and much more.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a friendly, rural town with a peaceful atmosphere and superb mountain views. Originally a coal mining town, Black Diamond has a lot of neat history, a fantastic bakery, a museum, and plenty of state parks to explore!
Stop by over the weekend to celebrate Black Diamond Labor Days! Enjoy tons of fun events, kicking off at 6PM Saturday, evening with trivia & karaoke followed by a movie at dusk.
Local Festival Fun:
Oak Harbor Music Festival
Amidst all the other music festivals going on over the summer, the Oak Harbor Music Festival is a great one to check out. Head over to Whidbey Island for a weekend of free music, great food, a beer garden, and tons of vendors.
With over 25 bands of all genres playing throughout the weekend, you’ll get a taste of everything! This festival promotes community involvement while supporting students studying music with the scholarships they need to reach their goals.
Chateau St. Michelle 50th Anniversary Party
Get ready for wine, family fun and wine this September 1st. Enjoy live music by The Machine, rocking out hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s 90s & now!
Add a Pop-up Mimosa Bar to Lawn Games, Hands-On Crafts from 20 Selected Artisan Booths, & the world-famous Bubble Man and you have the makings of an unforgettable fun-straveganza!
Bremerton Blackberry Festival
A berry yummy celebration! This free festival is an opportunity to appreciate blackberries to the absolute fullest – with blackberry pies, lemonades, pastries, and even blackberry wines. Stop by to check out food vendors, blackberry-themed apparel, and a scenic boardwalk. This is the perfect outing for all ages to indulge in blackberry goodness!
Staycation:
If community events aren’t your speed, there are myriad exciting adventures right in your backyard! Whether you’re craving something new, or to kick back with friends and family, here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
Set out into Nature:
If you haven’t already done a hike this summer, we would highly recommend that you do. Washingtonians are lucky to have an abundance of beautiful trails at their fingertips, so snag the opportunity and get out there while the sun is still shining! Check out our BarTrails blog post for some trail excursion ideas.
Host a Backyard Party
The long summer nights are getting shorter, so make sure to send out those invites for your last patio party while you still can. We know that hosting a gathering can be intimidating, but if you follow some of our simple tips and tricks you’ll be a pro in no time:
1. Tidy Up: Your yard doesn’t need to look like it came straight from a garden magazine, but doing a quick sweep, raking and lawn cutting can go a long way to make your yard look trim and well-kept.
2. Include Guest Activities: For adults, board games, puzzles (maybe not your favorite one, just in case) or playing cards after dinner let things wind down while maintaining fun levels. If children are coming, have some sidewalk chalk or bubbles at the ready.
3. Don’t Forget the Little Things: Sunscreen and bug spray can be a life saver, but little touches like fresh flowers, a s’more platter, or wine charms add a new level of festivity to your event.
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How will you be celebrating Labor Day weekend?