Labor Day 2016: Enjoy this Labor Day Weekend with Food and Music Events

Photo credit: iStock
Labor day BBQ

Photo credit: iStock

For Labor Day 2016, why not attend some local food events or music events? Labor Day events are happening all over the country, so if there is one going down at a local venue, stop by and check it out.

Labor Day weekend is the last long weekend of the summer, so getting out and seeing your community—all the while enjoying some BBQ competitions, food vendors, and cooking demonstrations—sounds like a really fun time!

Whatever your flavor is—wine and beer, healthy foods, or Greek cuisine—there are plenty of Labor Day weekend festivals to attend.

These events have an abundance of food and drink, concerts to keep you entertained, and chefs and food judges, and some are even specialty festivals like BBQ events.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on this weekend.

Labor Day Weekend Events #1: Bedford Blues & BBQ 

In Bedford, Texas, you can catch some blues and BBQ from Sept. 2 to 4. What sets this food competition apart from some others is that there won’t be any well-known, fancy chefs cooking up ribs and chicken.

The competition is a backyard BBQ event; meaning if you’re just a regular Joe who gets compliments on your BBQ, then that’s enough qualification to sign up and enter the competition!

There will be two competitions: one for best ribs and one for best chicken. The top prize is $75.00 along with a trophy, which you can continue to show off to your friends and family for years to come.

Aside from the backyard cooks competition, there will be plenty to do at the Bedford Blues and BBQ event, from listening to live bands to sampling all the delicious food.

Labor Day Weekend Events #2: Blues, Views & BBQ Festival 

Another blues and BBQ festival is turning up this weekend in Westport, Connecticut, on Sept. 3 and 4. There will be a variety of food options for you to purchase, along with crafted beer and alcohol, and even on-site vendors so you can leave with some souvenirs.

There will also be a BBQ competition for backyard chefs at the Blues, Views& BBQ festival and proceeds will go to the Westport Woman’s Club Food Closet, which distributes groceries to local needy families. 

Labor Day Weekend Events #3: Long Beach Greek Festival by the Sea

If BBQ isn’t your thing, then head over to Long Beach, California, where they are serving up Greek food instead. Not only will there be authentic Greek food, but there will also be live Greek music and traditional dancing, too.

Furthermore, learn how to cook Greek-style at home with cooking demonstrations. For the kids, there will be plenty of rides and games to ensure they have a great time, too.

Expect such dishes as Greek seasoned fries, tzatziki yogurt, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. There will be traditional Greek entrees such as pastitsio, spanakopita, tiropita, and dolmades. Not sure what those are? Then you definitely have to head over and try them for yourself! This unique festival runs from Sept. 3 to 5. Doors open at noon.

Labor Day Weekend Events #4: Taste of Polonia

 If you’re looking for some more European-inspired festivities, then look no further than Taste of Polonia this weekend in Chicago. The four-day event (starts Sept. 2) is a celebration of Polish music, food, and much more, with a multitude of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Money raised at this festival will go on to benefit the Copernicus Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the city’s arts, cultural and community events.

As you can see, there are many great festivals going on this Labor Day weekend that are heavily centered around food, music, and having a good time. If we didn’t mention your city—don’t fret. Check out your local community postings as they are sure to have something going on.