<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Summer’s final long Labor Day weekend will be here before you know it! What will you do with your three days of Labor Day relaxation in Tampa Bay? Labor Day celebrations are a great final summer blowout for some (if only that meant the end of the heat and humidity!) Reconnect with your summer sweetheart and make the most of the holiday weekend with our curated list of Tampa Bay Labor Day Weekend ideas.
A reminder, Labor Day is Monday, September 2, 2024. Check out our full guide to Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Bay, from lazy weekend ideas to activities and long weekend events. And for family-friendly things to do in Tampa Bay check out our sister publication, Tampa Bay Parenting.
TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST TAMPA BAY LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Hit the Beach this Labor Day
The gulf waters may not exactly be refreshing in the dead of summer…but if you just can’t resist the call of the sea, head to the coast for a lazy beach Labor Day in Clearwater, St. Pete, or beyond. It just doesn’t get more summery than a beach day, especially during Labor Day weekend.
Arrive early to stake out your spot in the sand, complete with snacks and drinks. You can even toast the end of summer with a bevvie or two. These Tampa Bay beaches allow drinking on the beach. Just remember – no glass bottles.
Labor Day Lounging by a Tampa Bay Pool
Treat yourself to an indulgent pool day on Labor Day to celebrate the long weekend. You can book a day pass for just the pool through sites like ResortPass.
Participating hotels include Clearwater’s Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, St. Pete’s The Don CeSar, and more. However beware, day passes can be extremely hard to come by on holiday weekends (…like Labor Day), especially in the summertime. Extend your stay by booking a staycation at a local resort with a sweet Tampa Bay pool.
Here are our favorite Tampa Bay hotel pools, including options for day use and those exclusive to overnight guests.
Go Tubing this Labor Day
Nothing says lazy Labor Day quite like floating down a lazy river or natural spring in an inner tube. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, these tubing spots are 2 hours or less from Tampa, and the cool water temperatures will provide a welcome reprieve from our steamy summer temperatures.
Make sure to plan ahead though, as parks typically reach capacity early in the peak summer months.
Related post: Tubing down Rainbow River
Book a Labor Day Weekend Getaway!
Use the extra day off of work to plan a long Labor Day weekend getaway or staycation. We’ve curated a handful of three-day getaway itineraries for you. Each itinerary includes options for where to stay, where to dine, and fun activities to enjoy in the area this Labor Day. Or, take advantage of one of these summertime staycation deals.
Enjoy a spark-tacular weekend Gulf front at TradeWinds Island Resorts with sand between your toes and a cocktail in your hand, as well as activities galore, such as beachfront cornhole, poolside games, and thrill-seeking rides. Not to mention live music all weekend, daily Vibe pool parties, beach volleyball, food and drink specials, and more – everything you need to stay lit all weekend long!
Celebrate Florida’s endless summer with fireworks on the beach on Sunday, Sept. 1 at dusk.
Have a Labor Day Picnic Date
Grilling is fun, but having someone else do all the work including setup is better. Several local picnic companies offer elaborate setups in local parks complete with fancy cheese and charcuterie spreads and photo-worthy decor.
St. Pete Picnic Co. offers a special package at Sunken Gardens (along with many other local spots). We also like The Picnic Social. Check out our guide: How to Plan a Romantic Tampa Bay Picnic for Two for even more inspiration.
Go on a Sunset Boat Tour
Labor Day weekend booze cruise with sunset views…sign us up! Our favorite sunset tours and cruises range from dinner cruises to dolphin watching and kayaking. But our personal favorite is Florida Tiki Tours, which offers private group tours for 4-6 people on a floating tiki.
Tours depart from Maderia Beach. Cruisin’ Tikis Tampa also offers a similar experience at multiple locations, including one departing from the Tampa Riverwalk.
Plan a relaxing spa day
Use your extra day this Labor Day weekend to really relax and unwind at a local spa. Spas like Pallavi Spa located at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Spa Evangeline, and Spa Jardin all offer unique treatment options for couples. Refer to our post on Tampa Bay spas for couples for more ideas and treatment highlights.
Labor Day Weekend Activity Ideas
We’re sharing a few relaxing ideas on ways to spend Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
2. Visit a Farmers Market (try the Ybor City Saturday Market or one of these other local farmers markets) this Labor Day weekend
3. Unwind this Labor Day at a Tampa Bay rooftop bar or tiki bar
4. Visit Bok Tower Gardens on a date day trip this Labor Day
5. Rent bikes and explore one of these local bike trails over Labor Day weekend
6. Savor a lazy Labor Day weekend brunch
7. Take a Labor Day trip to Weeki Wachee Springs or go kayaking around Tampa Bay.
Now, let’s check out some Labor Day Weekend Events!
Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Events
Bourbon & BBQ – NEW
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Including Labor Day, July 19 – September 2, 2024
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Check back for more info on this new event!
Included with theme park admission, weekends only
Florida’s Largest Home Show
Friday, August 30 – Monday, Sept. 2, 2024
Florida State Fairgrounds
Usually, there is FREE Admission on Friday. $8 adults and $7 first responders Saturday- Monday.
St. Pete Shuffle Friday Nights
Friday, August 30, 7-10pm
St. Pete Shuffle
559 Mirror Lake Dr N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Learn to play shuffleboard with help from St. Pete Shuffle’s staff and volunteers, who will get you set up on a court and teach you how to play.
$10; free for members and their guests
Urban Kai Sunset Paddle Happy Hour
Friday, August 30, 7pm
Departing from Armature Works
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Enjoy discounted Happy Hour pricing on Fridays for SUP and kayak rentals to take in the sunset on the Hillsborough River this Labor Day!
Labor Day Kickoff Silent Party
Friday, August 30, 9pm-12am
American Social – Tampa
601 South Harbour Island Boulevard #107, Tampa, FL 33602
$10 gets you a pair of headphones for the evening. You have the option to switch back and forth between 3 DJ’s playing a bunch of different genres. Don’t like what a channel is playing… change the color!
$7
The Great American Bacon Race
Saturday, August 31, 8am
Al Lopez Park
4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
This is a bacon-themed 5k run that offers custom finisher’s medals, a T-shirt, and FREE BACON at the finish line. Digital timing for awards and prizes is available. The event also features a 1k Bacon Dash for kids, followed by the Bacon Bash After-Party with music, food trucks, vendors, and plenty of free bacon. It is a fun-filled event for bacon lovers to enjoy.
$44
GeckoFest
Saturday, August 31 from 10 am-10 pm
Gulfport
This vibrant end of summer celebration captures the spirit of Gulfport with its artistic energy and throws in a dash of Mardi Gras flair. The day is filled with live music on two stages, energetic street theater performances at every corner, and a showcase of local and regional talent. Throw in some costumed characters for a sprinkle of whimsy, a walking parade where everyone is welcome to join, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect family outing
Hyde Park Village Fresh Market
Sunday, September 1, 10am – 3pm
Hyde Park Village, 1509 Swann Ave
The perfect South Tampa setting for a stroll, peruse the wonderful, pet-friendly market featuring 80+ local vendors every first Sunday of the month. Shop for produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy live music by Gasparilla Music in Village Circle.
FREE
September Sing-Along Sundays: Grease
Sunday, September 1, 3pm
The Tampa Theatre
Grease elevates the teenage high-school romance of greaser Danny (Travolta) and prim Australian transfer student Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) as they navigate their respective cliques to Hollywood perfection. It’s a little corny, and it’s a little campy, just like a good musical should be. But it’s also unforgettable. And now nobody will complain as you sing along under the Tampa Theatre stars about oh, those summer niiiiii … iiiiiiights!
$14.50, General Admission, or $11.50 for Tampa Theatre Members
Grill & Chill: LaborDay Fest
Sunday, September 1, 3-9pm
The Garden Riverview
6445 U.S. 301, Riverview, FL 33578
Enjoy an unforgettable day of live music, incredible performances, and delicious food! Special performances by Karen’s Hora Loca Samba Dancers, Sherwiizy Hypelyfe.
$10
Labor Day Island Party
Monday, September 2, 9 am
2828 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde
Go on a guided adventure through Shell Key Island. All equipment will be provided Be sure to bring a lunch to enjoy an island picnic. Small coolers are welcomed.
Labor Day Pool Party at Epicurian Hotel
Monday, September 2, 12 pm-5 pm
1207 South Howard Ave, Tampa
Epicurean Hotel is making waves with an epic pool party in celebration of summer’s end. The splashy soiree includes music from DJ Styles, a complimentary drink, festive food offerings, and fun pool floats. Reserved VIP areas are available for up to 10 guests and include reserved comfortable seating, sun umbrellas, and dedicated bottle service with choice of a bottle of Astral or Ketal One with mixers for $250.
Admission is $25 and includes a complimentary Ketel One Spritz, a variety of rotating entertainment and activities and free valet parking until 7 p.m. Admission is free for hotel guests
Downtown Concert at Rock the Park
Thursday, September 5, 6:30pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This free monthly music series showcases musical talents of all genres. A perfect way to extend your Labor Day weekend and keep the good vibes flowing through the week.
FREE admission
Planning a weekend escape? Check out our guide to spending Labor Day Weekend 2024 in Orlando.