Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans is a must-do, as the city boasts some of the best activities that any city has to offer.
A Brief Background on labor day and labor day weekend
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September that honors and recognizes the American labor movement which began in the late 19th century.
Labor Day Weekend is a beloved three-day weekend that the holiday falls around. Considered the unofficial end of summer, many take their vacations during the weeks that lead into the three-day weekend, which culminates in celebration, and the beginning of fall activities such as some sports and school.
Labor Day also marks the last day that it is considered acceptable to wear white and seersucker, so don’t forget to get your best seersucker outfits out in celebration of the three-day weekend.
What is there to be done during Labor Day weekend in New Orleans?
So much. Labor Day is a great time to relax, have fun, see family, and explore everything that New Orleans has to offer.
Go On a Swamp Tour
Take a break from the city and go on an airboat tour with us, of course.
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park & Storyland
Fun Fact: Virginia amusement parks successfully lobbied for a law to prohibit schools from opening before Labor Day, so that families can gather at amusement parks during Labor Day Weekend.
People have tried to overturn the law with no success.
In honor of the nearly four-decade-long tradition, why not visit Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland? These city park attractions provide fun for the whole family.
Drive the bumper cars, take a spin on the carousel, or ride on the Lady Bug Rollercoaster.
Want to see and enjoy a stroll through a whimsical fairytale setting? That’s what the beautiful Storyland is for.
In addition, City Park is massive so why don’t you wear your seersucker, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a picnic at the park while you’re there?
While you’re in that area, why not go for a walk at the Lakefront Promenade, where you can people-watch, or enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Become A Grill Master (Or Just Eat Some BBQ)
Barbecuing is an American holiday tradition that has withstood the test of time so why not host a BBQ? Or go to a friend’s party. Parks are also great for barbecuing, and you can either use the ones they have available, bring your portable grill, or buy a few disposable grills.
Or you could just eat at a BBQ restaurant if grilling isn’t your thing.
We recommend Blue Oak BBQ or Frey Smoked Meat Co., if you or a loved one is a macaroni and cheese aficionado, definitely go to Frey, their menu has a section dedicated to the popular dish.
Blue Oak BBQ is located at 900 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 while Frey Smoked Meat Co. is located at 4141 Bienville Street #110, New Orleans, LA 70119
Cool Off at Audubon Cool Zoo
Let’s face it, New Orleans summers are very hot. That’s where the Audubon Cool Zoo comes into play. With great water activities such as a giant alligator slide and a lazy river, to name a few, the Cool Zoo is a great family activity, the kids will appreciate what is essentially a mini waterpark. Located at the Audubon Zoo, there’s the added convenience of going to see the animals, making it a wonderful all-day activity.
The zoo is located at 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118.
Watch Some Football, Labor Day weekend marks fall sports season
Fall sports season is about to ramp up, which means Football! NFL Pre Season is over and things are about to get serious, with the first New Orleans Saints game coming up the week after Labor Day. Why not kick off the season with the LSU vs. Florida game taking place the day before Labor Day, at the Superdome?
Your options are unlimited when it comes to how you’re going to watch the game. Since it’s here in New Orleans, why not snag a few tickets and go see the game at the Superdome?
Can’t get any tickets? Maybe you simply don’t want to go see it, or for any reason you have. The game will be broadcasted live, and New Orleans has an ample number of sports bars and restaurants. Here are some of our favorites:
Cooter Brown’s Tavern
This place gets rowdy during games yet is laidback at the same time. There are 17 TVs with a large indoor section as well as two outdoor sections with TVs as well. They boast a collection of 400 beers, so if you’re into craft beers, this place might become your favorite bar. What makes this place unique is the photos of deceased celebrities and public figures on their Beersoleum wall. There’s a menu full of pub grub as well as freshly shucked oysters available. If you’re not into pub grub or oysters, there are several restaurants in the immediate area that you can order from.
Cooter Brown’s is located at 509 S Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
If you have the kids in tow, Walk-On’s is the perfect spot to watch the game. Due to it being a restaurant, children are allowed in. With over 30 televisions and delicious food, this spot might just become your favorite spot to watch the game and to eat. With Drew Brees as one of the owners and amazing specials, it’s a no-brainer that it’s been ranked as the number 1 sports bar in the country. With over 40 locations in the United States, this successful chain, with modest beginnings, might become your favorite game-day spot back home as well.
The New Orleans location of Walk-On’s is located at 1009 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
One of New Orleans’s Many Breweries
Why not try out some local beer at a New Orleans brewery? These child-friendly establishments boast truly unique brews on tap, frequent restaurant popups, and a wide selection of games to play while watching the game. We love Port Orleans Brewing Co. with their beer garden full of TVs, this spot is owned by former New Orleans Saint Zach Strief, so it’s the real deal for game day despite not being a sports bar.
Further east down Tchoupitoulas, you can find yourself at Urban South Brewery, where they’re hosting a kickoff party, with the LSU game shown on projectors. Eat some burgers while you’re there from their very own Urban Smash Burgers. Reservations are available. For more information about the event, click here.
Port Orleans Brewing Co. is located at 4124 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 & Urban South Brewery is located at 1645 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.