Labor Day weekend has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s the Fourth of July, and the next, you’re staring at the calendar wondering how summer went by so fast.
This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1, 2025, giving you one last long weekend to soak up the sunshine before routines and cooler weather settle in. It’s the perfect excuse to gather family, friends, and neighbors in the backyard.
But here’s the thing: a Labor Day party doesn’t need to be a big production to be memorable. In fact, the best ones are often the simplest. These easy Labor Day entertaining ideas will help you keep things stress-free while still having plenty of fun.
Most people aren’t traveling — and you don’t have to either
You might imagine everyone heading out of town for Labor Day, but the reality is that most people stay close to home.
According to Numerator’s Labor Day Intentions Preview, three out of five celebrants (61%) plan to grill — making it the most popular activity for the holiday. And these aren’t necessarily big parties with dozens of guests. Smaller-scale celebrations at home, like a low-key backyard gathering, are becoming more common. Many people plan to cook or bake at home (26%) or take part in recreational activities (21%).
Here’s another fun fact: 98% of celebrants plan to buy something for the holiday, with nearly nine in 10 picking up food. Hamburgers top the list (83%), followed by hot dogs (67%), chicken (60%), and steak (41%).
Celebrate Labor Day at home without the stress
Skip the airport crowds and holiday traffic this year. With the right food, a welcoming space, and a few thoughtful touches, you can turn your backyard into the perfect place to enjoy the long weekend with friends and family.
Grill-friendly recipes keep things simple
The grill is the heart of most Labor Day parties, and for good reason. It’s an easy way to cook for a crowd while keeping you outside with your guests instead of stuck in the kitchen.
Keep the menu low-stress with things you can prep ahead: sliders that cook in minutes, marinated veggie skewers ready for the grill, or even foil packets filled with corn, potatoes, and herbs. You can dress it up with a colorful salad or sliced watermelon, but the goal is to spend more time outside with your guests than in the kitchen.
If you want a small detail that feels special, freeze slices of lemon or berries in ice cubes. They keep drinks cold while adding a pop of color.
Self-serve food and drink stations make hosting easier
One of the biggest stress-savers? Letting guests serve their own drinks and snacks. A table with a big dispenser of lemonade or iced tea, a bucket of sparkling water, and plenty of cups lets everyone help themselves. It also frees you up to actually enjoy the party instead of constantly playing host.
For food, consider a DIY station. Instead of making pan after pan of Pinterest-worthy skewers, set out wooden skewers alongside an assortment of fruit, cheese, and veggies. Guests can mix and match however they like — building a caprese skewer, stacking up pineapple and melon, or simply piling their plate high with strawberries. It’s fun for the guests, easy, and frees up your day to enjoy the Labor Day party.
Don’t forget the kids
If there will be little ones at your Labor Day party, make sure they have their own go-to spot for snacks and drinks. A small cooler filled with ice pops, ice cream cups, and juice pouches gives them easy access to treats without constant trips in and out of the house. It also makes them feel included in the celebration — and keeps things running smoothly for you.
Create a space that invites people to stay
You don’t need an elaborate setup or themed decorations. A string of lights, a few lanterns on tables, and a couple of extra chairs or blankets can make the backyard feel warm and inviting.
Make sure the space is comfortable, too. Keep the bugs away with citronella candles, torches, or a discreet fan that helps keep pests at bay. Check your seating to be sure it’s sturdy and cozy — no one wants to spend the afternoon perched on a wobbly lawn chair that looks like it might give out.
If you have a patio, pool, or swim spa, arrange seating nearby so people can relax and still be part of the conversation happening in the water.
Keep the fun light and easy
You don’t have to plan an agenda, but it’s nice to have a few things ready for when people want something to do. A game of cornhole or giant Jenga can get both kids and adults laughing. If it’s hot, a sprinkler or water balloons will keep younger guests entertained for hours. And as the sun sets, you can shift into movie mode with a projector and some blankets.
If you have a swim spa, it naturally becomes the center of activity. Kids can splash while adults unwind in the therapy seats, making it both a play zone and a relaxation spot.
Add a little extra excitement for the kids
While a low-key gathering is often the easiest to host, sometimes it’s worth adding a “wow” factor — especially if you’ll have lots of kids in attendance. If you have the space, consider renting a bounce house or inflatable water slide for the day. It gives kids a safe, fun activity that keeps them entertained for hours, while parents get a chance to relax and chat.
Not into inflatables? You could set up a simple obstacle course in the yard or a craft table with the supplies to make bracelets or flags. If you have a swim spa, turn it into part of the fun. Pick up an assortment of pool games or toss in some floating toys.
Have a backup plan for weather
Late-summer storms can pop up without much warning. If rain is in the forecast, set up a covered area with a canopy or pop-up tent so guests can still mingle outdoors. You could also shift the fun indoors for a bit and serve dessert or play games until the skies clear.
End the night with easy cleanup
As the party winds down, have a plan to make cleanup quick. Set out a few labeled bins for trash and recycling so guests can pitch in. Keep extra garbage bags and paper towels nearby, and you’ll be surprised at how fast the space comes back together.
Remember what it’s really about
Labor Day is a celebration of the season we’ve had, the people we love, and the moments we want to carry into fall. Whether you have twenty guests or just a few close friends, the point is to slow down and enjoy being together.
And if you’re thinking beyond this one weekend, a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa can help make those backyard gatherings a year-round thing — for Labor Day, New Year’s Eve, or any day you want to bring people together.
Ready to start dreaming about your own backyard centerpiece? Explore the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa collection or connect with a local swim spa dealer near you to find the model that’s right for you.