The children have survived the start of school, and the whole household can spend the Labor Day holiday weekend relaxing and celebrating.
Fun fact: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City when the unions of New York City decided to have a parade to celebrate their members. It became a federal holiday in 1894.
There are many ways to spend your long weekend across the Gulf Coast. We put together our top events happening for the whole family. Spend time expanding your artistic side in the air conditioning by visiting the Beyond Van Gogh immersive experience at the Pensacola Fair Grounds. Polish up your classic ride and head to OWA for the Labor Day Car Show or The Grounds in Mobile for the Labor Day Showdown. If you want to lace up your sneakers and race, head to Gulf Shores for the Bloody Mary 5K. That is just a sampling of the events happening this weekend.
If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or next. Search for events by the distance from your hometown or vacation spot. Get out and explore our neighboring cities.
Beyond Van Gogh
- What: Step into the colorful works of Van Gogh. The Beyond Van Gogh immersive experience is currently in Pensacola until Sept. 9. The show incorporates both still and moving art in a multimedia experience. The show is a fun way to introduce children to some of the great works. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.vangoghpensacola.com.
- When: The show runs through Sept. 9
- Where: Pensacola Interstate Fair, Building 6, 6655 Mobile Hwy., Pensacola
- Price: Ticket prices vary
OWA Labor Day Weekend Party
- What: OWA will be abuzz with activities over the Labor Day weekend. Shine up your classic wheels and enjoy the annual Labor Day Car Show benefiting First Baptist Church Foley. Enjoy all the activities in Downtown OWA like live music and a patriotic firework display that will light up the sky. Visit www.visitowa.com for a full schedule of events for the weekend.
- When: Friday, Sept. 1 – Sunday, Aug. 3, times vary
- Where: Downtown OWA, 101 South OWA Blvd., Foley
- Price: Free to attend
Bloody Mary 5K & Walk
- What: Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run the flat fast streets of Gulf Shores in the final race in the Run the Coast Summer Series. Don't forget to wear your favorite team's colors to kick off football season and a chance of winning a Team Spirit Award. For more information or to register, visit www.active.com.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 2, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores, 240 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores
Labor Day Showdown Car Show
- What: Are you a gearhead? Head over to The Grounds for an epic car show featuring everything from custom motorcycles, electric cars, lowriders and more. To purchase tickets in advance, visit Eventbrite.com.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 2, – Sunday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile
- Price: One-day general admission tickets are $15
Light Up Labor Day
- What: Celebrate the holiday weekend with music, games, fireworks and the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience at The Wharf.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 3, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
- Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Fairhope Elks Lodge Labor Day Barbecue
- What: Skip cooking this Labor Day and enjoy a barbecue meal cooked by the Fairhope Elks Lodge. Stop by and pick up a pork rib or chicken plate served with coleslaw, baked beans, white bread and sauce. Don't skip the bake sale.
- When: Monday, Sept. 4, starting at 11 a.m.
- Where: Fairhope Elks Lodge No. 1879, 561 S. Mobile St., Fairhope
- Price: $15 per plate
Lillian Mullet Festival
- What: Celebrate Labor Day in Lillian with a 5K, breakfast, mullet toss, live music and more. For a full schedule of events, visit www.optimistclubpb.org.
- When: Monday, Sept. 4, 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Where: Lillian Community Club, 34148 Widell Ave., Lillian
- Price: Free to attend
