Labor Day Weekend is your chance to clock out of work mode and clock in to fun! Think of it as summer’s grand finale (but don’t worry, the sunshine isn’t going anywhere just yet). With warm weather on the way, Downtown is the perfect playground: cruise the coast on a surrey with your crew, sip margaritas aboard the Queen Mary, dance the night away to your favorite ’80s hits, cheer on a fabulous drag show, or rock out to live bands while showing off your pool skills. It’s a weekend lineup built for maximum good times—so scroll through, pick your favorites, and remember: work hard, play harder!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
Margaritas on the Mary: End of Summer Day Party
The Queen Mary has been a premier party spot for over 90 years! Kick off your Labor Day Weekend on the prestigious ship by sipping margaritas, devouring delicious tacos, and dancing to upbeat jams spun by live DJs. Admission to the Queen is included with your tickets, which you can purchase by clicking the link above. This cashless event runs from 4 to 10 PM.
Flashback Fridays at Shoreline Village
Have you been waiting forever to put on that rad ’80s outfit that’s hanging in your closet? This is your chance! You and everybody else who loves ’80s rock and new wave are invited to the Off Boardwalk stage near the Funnel House in Shoreline Village for the final Flashback Fridays dance party of the summer. Bust out your best retro dance moves from 6 to 10 PM with the awesome sounds of Goldstein, Party of Five, an L.A. band that’s been making (new) waves for the past couple years. This event is FREE and open to all ages.
Live Bands and Pool Tournament at Shenanigans Irish Pub & Grille
Shenanigans is a one-stop shop for Labor Day Weekend fun! Dance and groove to the SIX live bands (two per day) that will be playing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can feast on breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the extensive food menu, and sip from the pub’s wonderful assortment of beers, ales, and whiskeys. On Labor Day Monday, the first 16 pool sharks who buy into the single-elimination pool tournament will compete for the $200 1st place prize! 2nd and 3rd place finishers get cash prizes too.
This bike rental spot at 429G Shoreline Village Drive, which will be open from morning ‘til late in the evening all weekend, has an awesome variety of cycle options in a place perfect for riding! Choices include cruising with the fam in a four-wheel surrey, touring the coastline with your honey on a tandem bike, or making it easy on yourself with an electric bike. Those seeking more adventure can take a self-guided bike tour, included free with every full-day and half-day two-wheel bike rental, which takes you around Shoreline Village, Naples, and Seal Beach. Maps, helmets and a lock are provided. Wheel Fun Rentals also carries strollers and wheelchairs. Click here to learn about night rides in a lit-up surrey!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
Labor Day Weekend Kick-Off at the Pike Market
This FREE family and pet-friendly event runs from 1 to 8 PM on Saturday AND Sunday, which gives you plenty of time to shop small and support local makers, grab a meal or two from local food vendors, and dig live music throughout both days. The kids will have a blast with the bounce house and hands-on activities at the craft table. This is the perfect opportunity for the whole fam to be together and make the best of this long holiday weekend!
Shoreline Village Summer Concert Series
This concert series at the Off Boardwalk stage near the Funnel House began in May and will wrap up with exciting live music this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday! On Saturday, August 30 you’ll rock to the Gen Z sounds of the Natasha Remi Band from 1 to 5 PM, followed by JLB Musica, who will play Rock en Espanol from 6 to 10 PM. On Sunday afternoon, August 31 you’ll hear Catfish and the Hollywood Hound Dogs wail the blues from 1 to 5 PM, and on Labor Day Monday, August 1 you can dance your cares away to the pop/rock selections of In The Red. All shows are FREE!
“O’Gurrl!”: A Drag Musical Parody at Hamburger Mary’s
This one continues the grand tradition of drag musical parodies at Hamburger Mary’s, 330 Pine Ave. It’s a swamp-tacular show which tells the story of everyone’s favorite Ogre, Princess, and Talking Donkey! It features full-blown production numbers, a top-level dance ensemble, and the prodigious talents of Mama St. Merman, Miss Clair Voyance, Leeko Rae, Big Deelish, and Penny Dreadful. The fun begins at 7 PM. Get your tickets by clicking the link above.
Bring your own towel and chill out poolside, mid-century modern style, from noon to 5 PM at the Olive & Rose pool, 255 Atlantic Avenue! Plan on a full day of fun with a live DJ from Downtown’s Foot Work Records, a poolside food menu, and thirst-quenching drink specials. Get there early, because the first 25 people at the pool will get a drink on the house!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
Gaucho Beach, the two-story spot on the beach just below the Villa Riviera with the hip rooftop lounge and sweeping ocean views, will be hosting this day of Reggaeton, EDM, Latin House, and more sunshine-friendly music from 3 to 9 PM. Empanadas and other tasty small bites will be available to complement your Tequila and more heat-beating bevvies. RSVP by clicking the link above and get FREE entry before 5 PM. There will be a photo booth, so come camera-ready!
FUSE: Labor Day Weekend Kick-Off at Alegria
Put on your most fashionable attire and prepare to dance the night away! DJs will be playing the best in Hip-Hop, Top 40, Reggaeton, EDM and more during this 21-and-over event at Alegria Nightclub, 115 Pine Ave. Doors open at 10 PM. RSVP now by clicking the link above and get FREE entry before 10:30 PM. If your birthday is in August, you’ll get free entry all night with your RSVP. Get your Early Bird tickets on the same link and get free entry all night, no matter when your b-day is!
Deep House Brunch Sunset Boat Party
Deep House is some of the best feel-good music on the planet! Get your fill of it along with a gorgeous sunset and a fabulous late brunch on this cool voyage. Board the Catalina Classic Cruises boat at 5 PM on Dock #1,100 Aquarium Way, then sail away from 6 to 9 PM as a first-class team of DJs keeps the Deep House flowing. Bring your appetites for food, drink, and body-moving music! Click the link above for tickets and parking info.
“METAL MASS” at The 4th Horseman
Gather your Metal music-loving crew for insanely fantastic pizza fresh out of The 4th Horseman’s wood-fired oven! While you dine, you’ll be serenaded by DJs Hellscape, Bad Lung, and Ryno, who will spin nothing but the heaviest, darkest & crustiest Metal all night. Services begin at 6 PM. Get a sneak peek at the 4th Horseman’s apocalyptically delicious menu here.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to start Labor Day with beautiful shoreline views and patriotic community spirit! This event, which starts and finishes just off Shoreline Village Drive near Gaucho Beach, features a half marathon, 5 and 10k runs, and the Mini Patriot Kids Dash for children age 10 and under. Every kid gets a medal. There will be a Finish Line Festival with music, vendors, and food. You’ll get free race day photos as mementos of your labors! For more info and to enter the race of your choice, click the link above.
There are many opportunities for great times in Downtown this weekend. Make sure to check out our events calendar for more things to do!