Last Minute Labor-Free Labor Day Ideas

For many people, Labor Day marks summer’s end. The holiday, which was passed into federal legislation in 1892, gives us a day off from work and gives our kids a day off from school. It’s a great opportunity to kick back and relax. But it also presents some practical concerns.

While cookouts and parties may seem like a good idea, it’s a little counterintuitive to spend Labor Day laboring over a grill or stove. It’s, since you still have to wake up for work the next morning. And since the holiday always falls after the start of the school year, mini-vacations and long day trips are often out of the question.

So what is one to do on this precious day off?

If you haven’t figured that out yet, here are some last minute ideas for labor-free Labor Day fun:

Labor Day Chicken BBQ at SpringHouse. This  starts at noon and lasts until the food is gone. Hurry out to SpringHouse for barbecued chicken and ribs, roast beef sandwiches, corn pudding, American cheese pie, Texas sheet cake, Alabama vegetable casserole, cabbage and noodles, and more.

 Pay $10 at the gate to watch cookout teams battle for the titles of “Best Ribs” and “Best Chicken Wings.” The titles may belong to the teams, but the taste of victory is yours! Also included at the event are children’s activities, a petting zoo, craft booths and pony rides.

Musical performances throughout the day include Allegheny Idol (at 1:15), Brotherville (at 2:30), the Kiger Band (at 3:45), Granati Brothers (at 5:05). National act Molly Hatchet hits the stage at 6:45.

Steelers Coors Kick-Off and Rib Fest. Labor Day is your last chance to hit the annual Steelers kick-off event and rib fest at Heinz Field, where you can feast on ribs, chicken and other delicacies dished out by grillers and pit masters from across the nation. Ice cream, apple dumplings and many other sweet treats also await.

Tour the Steelers’ home field and take a gander as some hallmarks of football history. Make sure you stick around for Butler native Bret Michaels’ free concert, which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. O ye’ knights and ye’ damsels, t’is yer time to be merry! Step back in time and partake of Renaissance-themed activities, crafts and foods. The festival occurs each weekend throughout the fall. Special Labor Day goings-on include a Prince, Princess & Pirate Party for yer wee lads and yer wee lasses. Grown-ups can take part in Wine Revelry activities, such as grape stomp competitions.

Food, family and fun are the essential elements of a meaningful Labor Day celebration. Whether you stay close to home or trek out to an event in Pittsburgh, enjoy your day off with your family.

Related Topics: Barbecue, Concerts, Labor Day, Pittsburgh, rib festival, and steelersWhat’s on your Labor Day agenda?