How To Spend Labor Day Weekend in Raleigh

Are you looking for fun things to do this upcoming Labor Day Weekend in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten activities and events to participate in when spending Labor Day Weekend in Raleigh! 

Labor Day is a federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September. It is considered the unofficial last day of summer, and by this time of year, most schools are back in session, and football season is just around the corner. 

This holiday honors and recognizes the American Labor Movement and celebrates the contributions of laborers in the country. Since most citizens have off on this holiday, the weekend is generally full of fun events and things to do, no matter where you live. 

If you and your family call Raleigh home, many cool things are happening throughout the cities and suburbs, such as cultural festivals, comedy shows, and live music. Labor Day is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the last few days of summer before the leaves start to change color between the end of September and mid-October. 

Check out these fun things to do over Labor Day Weekend in Raleigh 

1. Cool Off At the Pool

There is no better way to spend the unofficial end of summer than at the pool. With the start of the back-to-school season and the autumn season just around the corner, most public and neighborhood pools close on Labor Day. 

As the water temperature gets colder with cooler temperatures and lifeguards are no longer available to work as they go back to school, having a pool Labor Day weekend is a great activity the whole family will love before it closes for the season. 

Raleigh still experiences hot weather once Labor Day comes around, so cooling off at the pool is an ideal activity that everyone can enjoy. Plenty of public pools in Raleigh and the surrounding area offer memberships and day passes. 

2. Shop At a Local Market 

Labor Day Weekend features many fun things to do throughout the Triangle, including farmer's markets, art markets, and vendor markets. Attending a market is a great way to support local vendors and small businesses. 

The Raleigh Market is the largest flea market in North Carolina and is located at the NC State Fairgrounds. It is open every Saturday and Sunday, and you are free to attend, with lots of parking available. Visit during Labor Day Weekend and prepare to browse vintage, handcrafted, antique, and collectible items. 

Many suburbs in Raleigh feature farmers markets every weekend, making it a great thing to do over Labor Day Weekend. The Cary Downtown Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM from April to October and 9 AM to 12 PM from November through March.  

3. Try a New Restaurant 

Many new restaurants have opened and will continue to open in Raleigh in 2024. There is no better way to spend Labor Day than by checking out the hottest new eateries in the city. 

Flour and Barrel recently opened in Raleigh and is best known for serving rustic Italian small plates and great cocktails. Perfect for a date night or celebration with friends, this restaurant is a must-visit. 

Tamasha Modern Indian is located in North Hills and serves sophisticated Indian cuisine in an elegant setting. Named one of the 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America by OpenTable and People Magazine, it offers a unique high-end dining experience.

Postino Village District is a new wine bar in Downtown Raleigh that serves tasty snacks, soups, salads, paninis, and over 12 different types of bruschetta. It also offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. 

4. NC State Football

Once Labor Day rolls around, so does the start of college football. Raleigh is special because it is surrounded by top-rated colleges and universities, including North Carolina State University. 

As part of the NCAA Division, NC State University has a large following of fans across the state. This year, its season begins Labor Day Weekend. NC State will play against Western Carolina University on Thursday, August 29th, 2024, starting at 7 PM at Carter Finely Stadium in Raleigh. 

Since this game marks the opening of college football season and the start of colleges and universities' back-to-school semesters, many NC State students, alums, and residents will be in attendance. 

Carter Finley Stadium is located near PNC Arena, and many housing options for NC State students are nearby. Buy tickets for the game today and get ready for the tailgate. 

5. Go to the African American Cultural Festival 

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County will be held over Labor Day weekend, starting on August 31st and ending on September 1st. In its 15th year, this unique festival celebrates African American culture through music, art, and food. 

Open to the public and free to attend, this is a very family-friendly event and is the perfect thing to do over Labor Day for visitors of all ages. Welcoming artists and musicians that are locally, regionally, and nationally recognized, visitors can enjoy performances of Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, and gospel. 

Considered more than just a celebration, the African American Cultural Festival is a gathering of community. Located in Downtown Raleigh, this unforgettable experience is expected to welcome over 40,000 visitors. 

6. Durham Bulls Baseball 

Going to baseball games is an enjoyable activity throughout the summer, and the fun does not have to end over Labor Day Weekend. The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team of the International League and the affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Playing out of Durham, North Carolina, at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the season starts in March and ends in Late September. Over Labor Day Weekend, The Durham Bulls will be playing at home versus the Buffalo Bisons. 

On Friday, August 30th, after the game, visitors can enjoy Friday Night Fireworks; on Saturday, August 31st, they can participate in Stranger Things Night; and on Sunday, September 1st, kids aged 12 and under can run the bases. 

Buy tickets online for one of the above games and explore Durham and all it offers over Labor Day Weekend. 

7. Head West For a Festival 

If you want a change of scenery, head west to attend a festival or go hiking over Labor Day Weekend. Asheville, North Carolina, is located about a four-hour drive from Raleigh and is a great mountain town. 

Over the weekend, many events are happening in Asheville and western Carolina, including the Labor Day celebration at the popular Omni Grove Park Inn. This famous and historic hotel in Asheville will feature special events over the weekend, including plenty of live music and a golf tournament. 

The North Carolina Apple Festival is happening over the weekend in Hendersonville and has been a popular, family-friendly event over the last 70 years. This free event is fun for all ages and will feature entertainment, freshly picked apples, delicious food, and arts and crafts. 

8. Have a Picnic 

The summer in Raleigh and the Triangle can get hot and bring high humidity. As the weather starts to cool down at the end of August and the beginning of September, it is a great time to get outside and have a picnic. 

Many great picnic spots all over Raleigh, including Dorothea Dix Park and the North Carolina Museum of Art Park, feature large open green spaces perfect for a picnic that the whole family will enjoy. 

A great way to spend Labor Day is to have your last summer cookout before fall approaches. Not only is this a great way to get out in the community, but it is also free and encourages outdoor time. Bring a book from a local library to read on your picnic. 

9. Explore Downtown Cary Park 

Downtown Cary Park is a must-visit for anyone living in or exploring the Cary area. The family-friendly atmosphere and community events make it a great place to spend time. 

Opened in late 2023, Downtown Cary Park is located in the heart of Cary and has exploded in popularity for its beautiful landscaped gardens, night-lit fountain, kids playground, splash pad, community cafe, and dog park with a bark bar. 

The park was thoughtfully designed and is the perfect place to hang out with friends and family all year round. It has a parking garage that provides easy access to the park and the Cary Public Library located next door. 

Labor Day Weekend is a fantastic time to visit the park, especially if you want to spend time outdoors and get involved in the community. Final Friday, August 30th, 2024, will feature a swing dance class led by Retro Rhythm.  

10. Downtown Raleigh Final Friday 

Downtown Raleigh always has something fun happening, and Labor Day Weekend is no exception. Final Friday at Moore Square will occur on August 30th, 2024, and is a fun event that the whole family will enjoy. 

This fun event happens on the Final Friday of every month through October, and each month features a market and food trucks from local vendors, a free yoga class, and live music performed by local musicians. 

This Downtown Raleigh event supports local businesses and is free to the public. Open to all ages and from 5 PM to 9 PM, spending time at this event and in Downtown Raleigh is the perfect way to spend the unofficial last weekend of summer. 

Whether you love trying new food, want to enjoy a free fitness class, or love listening to live music, this event is perfect for you. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from local businesses, NerdWallet, and the Department of Labor to determine the best things to do over Labor Day Weekend in Raleigh, NC. 

FAQs 

What is the true meaning of Labor Day weekend? 

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September. This federal holiday celebrates the end of summer for many Americans. Still, the true meaning of Labor Day is rooted in the late 19th century, which recognizes and celebrates the contribution of workers and the history of labor in the country. 

What is the busiest day of Labor Day weekend? 

On the first Monday of September, Labor Day Monday is the busiest day of the weekend and is often the busiest time to travel. 

What is the best time to leave for Labor Day weekend? 

If you are traveling for Labor Day weekend, the best time to leave is early in the morning or in the evening on Wednesday or Thursday before the holiday to avoid traffic and crowds on the weekend itself. 

Labor Day Weekend in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

No matter how you want to spend your weekend, there is a lot of stuff happening this upcoming Labor Day to take part in. Whether you love college football, want to relax at a spa, or want to head to the mountains for a weekend of hiking and festivals, there are many events to look forward to. 

If you are new to the Raleigh area and are interested in making it home, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. Our team of experienced Real Estate Specialists is here to help.