This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, giving you an extra-long weekend to enjoy the final stretch of summer. Stay close to Anaheim for theme park fun and a laid-back picnic or venture farther into Orange County for street festivals and one last trip to the beach!
 

Spend Labor Day Weekend at Disneyland® Resort

Summer may not officially be over, but spooky season kicks off pretty early at Disneyland® Resort and makes for a great Labor Day celebration. Their annual “Halloween Time” begins August 21, bringing all sorts of seasonal decor (think ghosts and jack-o-lanterns), ghoulish treats, and haunted attractions to both Disney parks as well as the Downtown Disney® District.
 

If you’re a true Disney fan, you won’t want to miss Haunted Mansion Holiday, which transforms New Orleans Square and the Haunted Mansion with characters and scenes from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Meanwhile, the Plaza de la Familia festivities pay tribute to the music, food, art, and traditions of Día de los Muertos over at Disney California Adventure® Park.

Pro Tip: Due to back-to-school calendars, Labor Day weekend isn’t among the heaviest crowd dates, so if you’re looking for shorter lines, it’s a great chance to head to the parks!

Eat Your Way Around the Orange International Street Fair

Come hungry to Old Towne Orange for one of the OC’s biggest Labor Day traditions. From September 4 through 6, the Orange International Street Fair fills the blocks surrounding Plaza Park with international food booths, crafts, kid-friendly activities, and live music performances from around the world.

Admission is free, leaving more room in the budget to sample dishes representing the many cultures and communities that call Orange County home. And if you’re still hungry for more international flair, pair the festival with a culinary trip to Anaheim’s Little Saigon and Little Arabia neighborhoods.

Plan a Labor Day Picnic in Anaheim

Sometimes the best holiday plans involve little more than good food, a shady table, and time with friends or family. Anaheim maintains many picnic shelters at public parks throughout the city, with select locations offering built-in barbecues, sinks, playgrounds, and other amenities.  

Eucalyptus Park is an awesome option for a cookout with plenty of areas to celebrate. However, dedicated shelters can fill quickly over holiday weekends, so reserve ahead or arrive early to secure a spot.
 

Other great Labor Day picnicking options include:

• Yorba Regional Park (Anaheim): Shaded picnic areas, lakes, bike trails, and plenty of space for families and larger groups.
• Pearson Park (Anaheim): A convenient Downtown Anaheim option with mature trees, lawns, a playground, and a reservable picnic space.
• Irvine Regional Park (Orange): Shaded lawns, walking and biking trails, a lake, and the OC Zoo.
• Craig Regional Park (Fullerton): Picnic areas, barbecues, walking trails, a lake, and shelters.

To learn more about Anaheim’s parks and green spaces (including ideas for Labor Day hikes), visit our Outdoor Guide.

Head to the Beach: Bonfires and Swimming

There’s nothing like a Labor Day weekend spent soaking up the final stretch of summer along the Orange County coast. 

• Huntington City Beach (Huntington Beach):  Known as “Surf City USA,” this stretch near Main Street offers dozens of concrete fire rings south of the pier. Parking is ample, and you’re just steps from beachside grub and grog.
• Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach): Just north of Huntington, Bolsa Chica has wide sands, mellow waves for beginners, and plenty of fire pits. Arrive early on holidays as as these can fill up fast!
• Corona del Mar State Beach (Newport Beach): This family-friendly cove near Ocean Boulevard is great for swimming, tide pooling, and paddleboarding. Fire pits are available but more limited, so plan ahead.
• Crystal Cove State Park (Laguna Beach): Offers rugged shoreline hikes, kayak rentals, and fire rings. It’s a quieter, more scenic option for those looking to explore tide pools or picnic on the bluff.
• Aliso Beach Park (Laguna Beach): A favorite among locals with a small parking lot, a snack shack, and several bonfire pits right along the sand. The mellow surf here makes it a great pick for Labor Day celebrations.
• Salt Creek Beach (Dana Point): Pair a day by the water with a picnic at Bluff Park, where gas grills are permitted and ocean views stretch along the coast. 

Don’t forget firewood, coals, and kindling, and be sure to extinguish and clean up your fire pit after use.

Experience Civil War Days in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach’s Central Park travels back to the 1860s during Civil War Days on September 5 and 6. Each year, hundreds of local volunteers reenact 19^th-century military camps, battles, and other aspects of Civil War life, giving curious visitors a closer look at the routines, clothing, and equipment associated with the era.
 

You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy old-timey traditions at this one-of-a-kind Labor Day event, though; if you’re curious about stories from the OC’s past, check out our handy History Guide to Anaheim!

Catch the Final Weekend of Laguna Art-A-Fair

Labor Day weekend offers one last opportunity to visit Laguna Art-A-Fair before its 60th season closes on September 6. The festival features work in numerous media alongside artist demonstrations, hands-on workshops, live weekend entertainment, and on-site food and drinks.

 

 Events Calendar

Stay tuned to our events calendar for more Labor Day weekend announcements!