Fall is right around the corner—but that doesn’t mean summer is over yet! This year, Labor Day is on Monday, September 7, and the three-day Labor Day weekend is our unofficial “last” summer celebration to enjoy family time, summer activities, and beautiful weather before autumn (and its rigid schedules!) returns. Don’t let it slip by without trying one of these cool activities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Labor Day is all about celebrating American workers, and there are plenty of ways to do that in the Valley. Spend a mini weekend getaway here enjoying touristy hotspots or escape the crowds with fun things to do for locals. Because everyone should have the type of holiday weekend they want!
From beach fireworks to spending the night with alpacas—and a huge street festival—there are so many different ways to spend Labor Day weekend in the Valley this year.
1. Party at the Texas Street Festival
When: September 5
Where: Business 83 and Texas Avenue, Mercedes
Kick off Labor Day weekend with one of the biggest weekend events in the Valley: Texas Street Festival! This is the largest and longest-running Labor Day event in the RGV, which turns downtown Mercedes into a huge street party. The Friday night celebration is full of high-energy live musical acts—such as Los Traileros Del Norte and Lucky Joe—as well as plenty of food, shopping, a car show, and carnival games.
Don’t miss the live Lucha Libre Wrestling by performers El Elegante, King Charro, and Sexy Andre, among others, as well as an appearance by Jurassic RGV, with life-sized dinosaurs to entertain the kiddos.
2. Camp at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
When: Daily
Where: 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission
A three-day weekend is the perfect excuse to go camping in one of the most beautiful areas in the Valley. Bring your tent and gear to the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which has a few basic amenities—including restrooms with showers—to make it even more comfortable.
During the day, go birdwatching and wildlife spotting, rent a bike to explore the scenic terrain, and head to Hawk Tower to count the impressive hawks flying overhead during their fall migration. Don’t forget your binoculars!
3. Enjoy South Padre Island fireworks
When: September 6
Where: 211 West Whiting Street, South Padre Island
South Padre Island is the place to be in the summertime, so it’s only fitting that the island hosts end-of-summer Labor Day fireworks. Take the fam for a fun beach weekend, then stay for the fireworks on Sunday night, which marks the last time of the season you can see them here.
Upgrade your experience by booking a boat tour earlier in the day through The Original Dolphin Watch. The whole family will love watching bottlenose and spinner dolphins swim and jump around you while on the water. You can even book a fireworks cruise, where you can watch the dolphins at sunset and then stay on the boat for a better view of the spectacular show.
4. Visit the X La Playita Fest
When: September 4-6
Where: Holiday Inn Resort, 100 Padre Island, South Padre Island
Bring your competitive spirit to the X La Playita Festival on South Padre Island this holiday weekend. Sign up for your favorite beach sport, including volleyball, flag football, wrestling, and running on the beach to challenge yourself. Sandcastle lessons and adaptive activities make the event accessible and fun for all.
5. Go treasure hunting at antique shops
When: September 6
Where: Beulah Lee Park, 213 North Yturria Street, Port Isabel
218 West Jackson Street, Harlingen
While the Valley is overrun by tourists over Labor Day, one way to escape the frenzy is by going on an unexpected adventure: a treasure hunt at local flea markets and antique shops.
The Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market is open the first Sunday of every month, which just so happens to fall on Labor Day weekend. Vendors fill up Beulah Lee Park with their artisan wares, collectible items, and tons of antique treasures that you’ll want to take home. Whether you want a unique souvenir from a vacay or you’re a local looking for something low-key to do, this is a great option.
Can’t get enough vintage shopping? Head to Jackson Street Antiques in Harlingen, a historical district filled with one-of-a-kind wares. You never know what you’ll find, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
6. Float on the Rio Grande
When: Daily
Where: Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua
Holiday weekends are popular times to visit state parks—but if you can handle the crowds, visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park is totally worth it. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all fun, of course, but in the Texas heat of September, floating on the Rio Grande is the most refreshing activity.
Book a tour through the Far Flung Outdoor Center, which includes a guide, a boat (either a canoe, kayak, or raft), and all the equipment you need for a fabulous half-day trip. BTW, for adventurous families, you can even bring kids at least 6 years old.
7. See Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey
When: September 3-6
Where: Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg
Take the kids to a truly spectacular experience when Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey come to Edinburg on Labor Day weekend. Because if anyone knows the importance of fun (and taking a break from work), it’s the circus!
The show features incredible flips, stunts, and performances from 65 circus entertainers. Death-defying balance, human towers, hoop diving, human rockets, and jaw-dropping acrobatics will have you mesmerized for the full two-hour event. The Legendary Bello Nock, a daredevil and comedian, will also make an appearance, bringing even more magic.
8. Take Pictures with alpacas at Alpaquita Ranch
When: Daily
Where: 6501 Israel Cavazos Road, Monte Alto
There’s no better way to relieve stress (and make amazing memories) than by visiting the pretty alpacas at Alpaquita Ranch. Take pictures, feed the animals, then grab a drink at the bar or shop for unique gifts made from authentic alpaca fiber (the pink alpaca stuffie is so cute!).
Want to make the experience even greater? You can spend the night at the ranch and watch alpacas roam from your window! It definitely makes for a magical staycation.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: How to have a weekend jam-packed with adventure in Central Texas
