Summer’s final long Labor Day weekend is in our sights. What will you do with your three days of Labor Day relaxation in Tampa Bay? Tampa Bay’s Labor Day celebrations are a great final summer blowout for some (although…it never doesn’t feel like the middle of summer in Tampa Bay if you’re talking about heat and humidity), and whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend to reconnect with your love, or a last hoorah for the summer, we’ve got you covered!
Check out our full guide to Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Bay, from lazy weekend ideas to activity ideas and long weekend events. And for family friendly things to do in Tampa Bay check out Tampa Bay Parenting.
TOP PICKS FOR THE LAZIEST 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. And besides, 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. These Tampa Bay beaches allow drinking on the beach. Just remember – no glass bottles.
Double check any notices about red time at online resources like visitbeaches.org and reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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. Although 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.
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.
OR close the chapter on Summer 2022 with 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. RumFish Grill is hosting a deck party with live music alongside food and drink specials to keep you lit throughout the weekend! Celebrate Florida’s endless summer with fireworks on the beach Sunday.
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). Other companies include The Picnic Social and That’s My Jam.
See a Movie at the Drive-In
How about watching a movie under the stars (…minimal effort required) this Labor Day weekend in Tampa? Drive-in movie theaters near Tampa Bay are romantic and budget-friendly. Pack snacks and snuggle up for a nostalgic date. Lots of drive in movie theaters are operating in and around Tampa Bay this Labor Day weekend, with just a bit of a drive to places like Funlan, Ruskin Family Drive-In, and Silver Moon Drive-In.
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 Hotel on 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
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. Go bioluminescent kayaking after sunset
6. Rent bikes and explore one of these local bike trails over Labor Day weekend
7. Savor a lazy Labor Day weekend brunch
8. Plan a Labor Day staycation
9. Learn new skills during a cooking class
10. Take advantage of some great Florida Resident deals on hotels, theme park tickets, and more this Labor Day Weekend.
11. Spend the day along the Tampa Riverwalk.
12. Take a Labor Day trip to Weeki Wachee Springs or go kayaking around Tampa Bay.
Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Events
Downtown Concert at Rock the Park
Thursday, September 1, 6:30pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This free monthly music series showcases musical talents of all genres. A perfect way to start the Labor Day weekend.
FREE admission
Florida’s Largest Home Show
Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5
Florida State Fairgrounds
FREE Admission on Friday, September 2. $8 adults and $7 first responders Saturday- Monday.
The Brisket Shoppe x Hyatt Clearwater Pop Up
Saturday, September 3-Sunday, September 4 from 12pm-4pm
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
The resort is partnering with local popular BBQ restaurant The Brisket to provide an on-site pit with freshly smoked BBQ selections and special BBQ-focused menus at the resort’s restaurants throughout the weekend.
First Friday Art Walk in Gulfport
Friday, September 2, 5-9pm
Downtown Gulfport
It debuted as the premiere art walk in Pinellas County in 1993, and since then Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk welcomes the region’s most innovative artists for a showcase of creativity and community among the vibrant restaurants and storefronts along scenic Beach Boulevard. Great chance to for a Gulfport Labor Day trip!
FREE Admission
St. Pete Shuffle Friday Nights
Friday, September 2, 7-10pm
St. Pete Shuffle
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
Labor Day Weekend Silent Party
Friday, September 2, 9pm
American Social – Tampa
$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.
St. Pete Labor Day Mural Tour by Bike
Saturday, September 3, 10am
Tour departs near Florida CraftArt
Hop on your bike or take advantage of Coast Bike Share for a leisurely ride with numerous stops. Learn more about these dynamic murals and the power of public art in St. Pete! Bike rental included.
$25
Cocktails for Ukraine Fundraiser at Willa’s
Sunday, September 4, 5pm
Willa’s Tampa
Hosted by the Litvinenko family, who are from Ukraine and friends of the restaurant, and Willa’s lead bartender Matthew Veronesi, the event invites guests to experience three Ukrainian-inspired cocktails with a $35 donation. All donations will benefit Kostiantyn Matsipura, a Ukrainian citizen who has been bringing food from his restaurant in the city of Ternopil to hospitals, schools and anyone in need. Cocktails to choose from will include the following:
- Ghost of Kiev – Jack Daniel’s bonded whiskey, Select Aperitivo & Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
- Slava Ukraini – Santa Teresa Rum, Lo-Fi Dry Vermouth, lemon, cinnamon, honey, Angostura bitters & Kvass
- Sunset in Ternopil – Amaro Montenegro, lime, grapefruit, ginger & sparkling water
- Ukrainian Smoothie – Loaded High Noon with Montenegro
Busch Gardens Bier Fest
August 12 – Sept 5
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Each weekend, park guests can toast delicious brews and coast on epic thrill rides at Busch Gardens’ beer-inspired food festival.
Included with theme park admission, weekends only
Planning a weekend escape? Check out our guide to spending Labor Day Weekend 2022 in Orlando.
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