Road Trips — By Apryl Chapman Thomas on August 30, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Filed under: event, featuredarticle, holiday, Labor Day weekend

25 Things to do in the South this Labor Day Weekend

What are you doing this Labor Day weekend?

Oops; haven’t made any plans yet, have you?

Well, the good news is that it’s not too late to find something fun to do.

Whether you’re looking for an event to attend or an activity to participate in, rest assured that the south has you covered.

And if you still need some suggestions on what to do in the region on Labor Day weekend, here’s 25 of them.

Visit the beaches along the Gulf Coast. Nothing celebrates Labor Day weekend better than a beach trip. Set up a chair or lay down a towel on the beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Alabama Gulf Coast, Florida Panhandle or Florida’s West Coast.
Go fly a kite, or watch others do so at the Mile High Kite Festival in Beech Mountain, N.C., on September 5. This free event happens in the meadow on top of the mountain from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Head to a state park and discover all of things that you can do at one. Go geocaching at in Georgia’s state parks, hiking in Florida’s state park, camping in Arkansas’ state park, or exploring history in Kentucky’s state park.
Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to attend the inaugural Key West BrewFest. Scheduled for September 3-5, the event includes a VIP Event on September 3 ($5/person), the BrewFest on September 4 ($20/person), and a Beer Dinner on September 5 ($50 plus gratuity/person).
Discover nature along Georgia’s Coast when you tour with Wilderness Southeast.
Over 200 re-enactors representing both north and south retell the story of the Battle for Decatur (Ala.), September 3-5. Taking place at Point Mallard Park, the event is free to the public.
From great tasting food to live entertainment, and more the 75th annual Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in Monroe is sure to please everyone. Scheduled for September 2-5, the event is free to attend.
Zoom from tree (platform) to tree (platform) as you go ziplining in the South.
Free to the public, the Big Bend Balloon Bash in Alpine, Texas is filled with hot air balloons taking flight, September 4-6.
Schedule a time to go horseback riding with Seaside Stable or horse surfing with Great World Nature Tours in Bradenton, Fla.
It’s a slice of true Americana as you enjoy a little pickin’ at the 34th annual Banjo Rally in Eureka Springs, Ark. Scheduled for September 3-4, admission is $5/day
With over 30 blues, soul and R&B bands on three different stages, it’s hard to believe that Big Muddy Blues Fest, September 4-5, in St. Louis, Mo., is free to attend. Bring a chair and enjoy the music.
It’s a little bit of everything at the 59th annual Prairie Grove (Ark.) Clothesline Fair, September 4-6. Taking place at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, there’s a $5 parking fee.
Sample some moonshine, while learning about its history at Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
It’s never too early to begin some holiday shopping, and the Prairie Arts Festival in West Point, Miss., September 4, is the perfect place to start. With over 600 exhibits, you probably won’t walk away empty-handed.
The 5th annual Alabama Butterbean Festival in Pinson, Ala. has a goal this year. They want to break the world’s record for the largest pot of butterbeans. Come see for yourself and enjoy the free festival on September 3-4
Celebrate the rich history and culture of Farish St., in Jackson, during their Heritage Festival on September 3- 4. Tickets are $10/person in advance and $15/person the day of the festival.
End the summer with a bang, literally at the Boomsday Festival in Knoxville, Tenn., on September 5. Enjoy a day filled with activities and yes, fireworks to conclude the evening.
Calling all book lovers! You don’t want to miss the AJC Decatur Book Festival on September 3-5. The weekend is filled with panel discussions, reading, activities and much more. The event is free to the public.
It’s not a Labor Day celebration unless barbecue is involved. Smoke on the Beach, Beach Boogie and BBQ on Myrtle Beach, S.C., September 3-4, honors the last weekend of summer with ‘Q and other activities.
Join in the fun during the town of Tyrone’s (N.C.) 125th Birthday Celebration on September 3-4. Activities include live entertainment, special exhibits and more.
The name says it all: Romp, Stomp and Chomp at Wintergreen Winery in Nellysford, Va. On September 4 – 5, you can take part in the annual harvest celebration. Events feature grape stomping and wine sampling. $10/adult.
Enjoy a weekend of arts and crafts, and live entertainment at Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival, September 3-5 in Winchester, Ky. The festivities begin with street dancing in downtown on September 3 and end with fireworks on September 5.
Only at the 63rd annual National Hard Crab Derby & Fair in Crisfield, Md., you can watch a hard crab derby race and a crab picking contest. And that’s all on one day, September 4. The rest of the weekend (September 3 and 5) is filled with various activities as well. Admission to the fair grounds is free.
It’s fun for the entire family at the Vintage Race Boat Wheeling (WVa.) Regatta on September 4-5. Take in the races, listen to live entertainment and enjoy the many vendors at the free event.