Labor Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a celebration of the contributions of workers and the end of summer. Traditionally observed with parades, picnics, and time spent with family and friends, it’s a perfect opportunity to slow down, appreciate hard work, and make memories together before the school year kicks into high gear.
Labor Day weekend also marks the unofficial end of summer, and it’s the perfect excuse to get out with the family and make the most of the long weekend. Whether you’re looking for a festival close to home, a quick outdoor escape, or a road trip to a big celebration, Virginia has plenty of options for families ready to soak up the last rays of summer.
Stay Local in Roanoke
There’s actually quite a bit happening close to home this year, so you don’t have to travel far to make a weekend of it.
- Roanoke Labor Day Parade — Saturday, September 5
Head downtown for a Roanoke Labor Day tradition. The parade begins at noon and travels along Campbell Avenue before ending at Williamson Road. It’s free and an easy Saturday outing with the kids. - Free Movie Night in Salem — Friday, September 4
Pack a blanket and kick off the long weekend with Disney and Pixar’s Elio at Kiwanis Park. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the movie begins around dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. - Franklin County Agricultural Fair — Through Saturday, September 5
The Franklin County Agricultural Fair runs September 2–5 at Franklin County Recreation Park, which means you still have Friday and Saturday of Labor Day weekend to get in some classic county-fair fun. Friday hours are 5–10 p.m., with the fair open noon–10 p.m. Saturday. - Salem RidgeYaks Baseball — Friday through Sunday
Baseball is sticking around for one more summer weekend at Salem Memorial Ballpark. The RidgeYaks host the Hill City Howlers Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Friday night fireworks, Saturday’s First Responders Appreciation Night and Bark in the Park, and a Sunday afternoon game to wrap up the home regular season. - Parrotheads on the Parkway at Explore Park — Saturday, September 5
If your family loves live music and being outdoors, Explore Park is hosting a Jimmy Buffett-inspired evening from 5–9 p.m. with music, lawn games, food and drinks available for purchase. Kids 6 and under are free, with discounted tickets for ages 7–11.
One important heads-up if you’re heading that direction: a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Mill Mountain Parkway and Roanoke River Parkway is currently closed. Explore Park is still accessible from VA 24 or its alternate entrance on Rutrough Road.
- The Avett Brothers at Elmwood Park — Saturday, September 5
For families with older kids, teens, or parents looking for a night out, The Avett Brothers take over Elmwood Park Saturday night. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. This one is ticketed, so check availability before making plans.
And of course, we live in one of the best places in Virginia to simply hike, bike or pack a picnic. Labor Day weekend can be a great excuse to revisit a favorite trail or finally try one that has been sitting on your family bucket list.
Day at the Lake
For a classic Virginia summer send-off, pack a picnic and spend the day on the water:
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park (~45 min): Swimming, hiking, and boat rentals.
- Claytor Lake State Park (~1 hr): Sandy beaches and paddle-friendly waters.
- Fairy Stone State Park (~1 hr 15 min): Fishing, boating, and scenic picnic spots perfect for kids.
Festivals Around the State that May be Worth the Drive
- Front Porch Fest — Stuart | September 3–6
Front Porch Fest returns to Spirithaven Farm in Patrick County with more than 30 bands and a weekend of live music, camping and activities. It’s a family-friendly festival, and children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticket. - Highland County Fair — Monterey | September 2–5
This year marks the 75th Highland County Fair. Labor Day weekend activities include a demolition derby, kiddie show, drone shows, bluegrass, face painting, a dog show and truck and tractor pulls. - Page Valley Sunflower Festival — Luray | Saturday, September 5
This one has family day trip written all over it. Head to Ralph H. Dean Recreation Park for sunflowers, hayrides, inflatables, games, a butterfly garden, crafts, pony rides, live music, vendors and more. You can even pick your own sunflowers to take home. - Shenandoah Valley Music Festival — Orkney Springs | September 4–6
The final weekend of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival lines up perfectly with Labor Day. The Four Tops perform Friday, Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute takes the stage Saturday, and the season closes Sunday with the Hot Strings & Cool Breezes Americana Minifest. - Virginia Scottish Games & Festival — The Plains | September 5–6
Watch Highland athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dancing, sheep herding and other Scottish traditions throughout the weekend. This is a fun one for families looking for something completely different from the typical end-of-summer festival. - Rebec Vineyards Labor Day Wine & Music Festival — Amherst | Saturday, September 5
For families who enjoy an outdoor vineyard festival, Rebec Vineyards hosts its annual Labor Day event from noon–6 p.m. with live music, food and artisan vendors alongside wine, cider and spirits for the adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free. - Hillsville Labor Day Flea Market — September 4–7
If your family loves digging for treasures, antiques, toys and unexpected finds, Hillsville’s massive Labor Day weekend flea market is back Friday through Monday. Be prepared for crowds — this is one of the biggest weekends of the year in Hillsville. The VFW portion of the weekend also includes a gun show, something families may want to know before deciding whether it fits their plans. - Boar’s Head Resort Labor Day Celebration — Charlottesville | Sunday, September 6
Boar’s Head is bringing back its Labor Day weekend celebration with live music from Beatles tribute band Abbey Road, food trucks, yard games, face painting, balloon art and a 200-drone light show after dark. Advance parking passes are required and cover everyone in the vehicle. - Labor Day Festival at Keswick Vineyards — Monday, September 7
Still looking for something to do on Labor Day itself? Keswick Vineyards near Charlottesville is hosting a festival from noon–4 p.m. with live bluegrass, a mini petting zoo, face painting, temporary tattoos and food vendors.
Family Day Trips & Getaways
- Williamsburg (~3.5 hr): Colonial Williamsburg tours, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA.
- Kings Dominion – Doswell (~3.5 hr): Thrill rides, water fun at Soak City, and kid-friendly attractions.
- Luray Caverns (~2.5 hr): Explore underground wonders, the Car & Carriage Museum, or a rope adventure course.
- Natural Bridge Zoo (~1 hr): Feed giraffes and meet exotic animals.
- Blue Ridge Parkway (~20 min to access): Scenic drives with overlooks and short family hikes.
Virginia Beaches
- Virginia Beach (~4.5 hr): If you’re up for a longer road trip, Virginia Beach has one of the busiest Labor Day lineups in the state this year with 2 big events!
Labor Day Weekend Oceanfront Concert Series — September 4–6
Free concerts take place on multiple Oceanfront stages at 17th, 24th and 31st Streets Friday through Sunday. The 2026 lineup includes everything from a K-Pop kids party and The Aquabats! to Greensky Bluegrass, Carbon Leaf, Deep Blue Something and a Pop 2000s show featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera and LFO.
Super Girl Surf Festival — September 5–7
Also taking over the Oceanfront is the Super Girl Surf Festival, a free three-day celebration featuring thousands of female athletes, surfing, skateboarding and other action sports along with live music and entertainment. Some concert areas require free advance registration and are subject to capacity, so look over the details before you go.
- Sandbridge and Chincoteague (~5 hr): Quieter coastal escapes ideal for families wanting a peaceful seaside day.
Whether you spend Labor Day weekend watching a parade downtown, squeezing in one last lake day, hunting for sunflowers, listening to live music or heading out on a Virginia road trip, there are plenty of ways to make that extra day off count.
School may be back in session, but summer isn't officially over quite yet. Pack the snacks, load up the kids and make one more memory before we trade swimsuits and lake days for pumpkins and fall weekends.
Please note: Event schedules, park operations and outdoor activities can change because of weather or other circumstances. Always check with the venue or event organizer before heading out, especially when traveling any distance.
