9 Ways to Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Austin
Choose from a variety of special events, parties, and cookouts at local venues this holiday weekend
Labor Day is here, and several Austin businesses are marking the occasion with special events, pop-ups, cookouts, and parties. The holiday was created to honor the contributions that workers make to the country, resulting in a day off of work to celebrate. As summer draws to a close, locals can make the most of this three-day weekend by heading to one of the top events in town, listed below.
Bar Toti’s Expanded Hours
All weekend, starting Thursday, Aug. 31
Bar Toti will expand its hours of operation starting Thursday, Aug. 31, just in time for Labor Day weekend hangouts! The neighborhood hotspot located on the grounds of Este will now be open Thursdays through Mondays. Bar Toti comes from the renowned Suerte and Este team, with food from renowned Executive Chef Fermín Núñez. Along with the expanded hours, there will also be new items on the menu beginning this weekend, like the Melon con Jamón and Halibut Milanese with Beurre Blanc.
Labor Day Backyard BBQ at Treaty Oak Distilling
Saturday, Sept. 2, 12 – 8 p.m.
Treaty Oak Distilling is well-known for its well-crafted whiskey and 28-acre ranch locale in Dripping Springs. This year, the distillery will honor the end of summer with a backyard barbecue and cocktail competition. Taste small bites from Alice’s Restaurant, including a Whole Hog Tostada, Ponzu Tuna Ceviche and Treaty Oak Texas Bourbon Bread Pudding, while imbibing with cocktails made by talented Central Texas bartenders. Reserve your wristband ahead of time here. The cost is $45 online or $50 the day of the event.
Arby John Sandwich Shop Pop-Up at Abby Jane Bakeshop
Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3
Abby Jane Bakeshop, one of Austin’s best bakeries, will transform into the Arby John Sandwich Shop Pop-Up this Labor Day weekend. With specials like an Italian sub on a sourdough hoagie, eggplant parmesan on ciabatta and roast beef on marble rye, there’s something for every sandwich lover. Plus, beer and wine will be available during the pop-up, which will be held Saturday and Sunday.
Backyard Beach-Steak Dinner at Lenoir
Sunday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m. seating & 8 p.m. seating
Lenoir is home to a gorgeous wine garden, where food fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat backyard seafood feast this Sunday evening. There are two seating options, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., so guests can choose what works best for their schedule. Food will be served from a raw bar inside and a grill station in the backyard, and wine, beer, cocktails and NA drinks will be ready for purchase. And the best part? A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Austin Pets Alive!
Labor Day Waterslide Blowout at The Cavalier
Saturday, Sept. 2, 3 – 7 p.m.
Looking for an exhilarating activity? Take a ride on the waterslide at The Cavalier, a casual East Austin bar serving up New Orleans-inspired fare and craft cocktails. DJ MONTEZ will be playing tunes, and the slide will be open to families until 5 p.m., then turning into a 21-plus activity. The day will be dog-friendly, full of fun and a welcome reprieve from high temps.
Sunset at William Chris Vineyards
Saturday, Sept. 2, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Catch William Chris Vineyards’ final Sunset at the Vineyard of the summer season this Saturday. It’s free to reserve a spot ahead of time, and guests can purchase a specially priced Sunset Pack, complete with a charcuterie board and two bottles of wine, the floral and crisp Mary Ruth and the La Pradera Blend. Bottle service will also be available with a larger selection of William Chris varietals. This quintessential Hill Country winery is worth a visit no matter the occasion, and Labor Day weekend is an ideal time to take advantage of their final sunset event.
Labor Day in the Neighborhood at Pacha Organic Cafe
Sunday, Sept. 3, 6 – 9 p.m.
Pacha Organic Cafe, now located on Guadalupe Street, will be the venue for Labor Day in the Neighborhood on Sunday evening. Hosted by El Cat Culinary, a group of ACC culinary students who will serve a buffet of strawberry bruschetta, Wagyu sirloin, blueberry bourbon cobbler and more seasonal dishes for $28 per person. There will be beer and wine available at the outdoor bar, plus music by Jonathon Matthews Band starting at 6 p.m.
White Linen Night at Gibson Street Bar
Sunday, Sept. 3, 2 p.m.
Gibson Street Bar is best known for its Nightmare on Gibson Street and Gibson Wonderland experiences, but they’re also pulling out all the stops for Labor Day! Wear your best white duds to the bar’s White Linen Night, where specialty cocktails will be flowing. And if you want to dance, DJ Be Better will start spinning tunes at 6 p.m.
Perros, Tacos y Más at De Nada Cantina
Monday, Sept. 4, 12 – 3 p.m.
De Nada Cantina, a tasty taco spot with the popular pink cups you’ve probably seen on Instagram, invites you to their Perros, Tacos y Más Labor Day parking lot party on Monday. Dog adoptions will be held from 12 – 3 p.m., with a paleta cart, music, outside bars, birria tacos and street corn available for attendees. If you prefer to dine inside, happy hour prices will be running at the restaurant all day on the holiday!