Enjoy an end-of-summer weekend full of live music, outdoor recreation, top-notch restaurants and attractions for all ages. Here’s your can’t-miss list for Labor Day fun in 2025.
Where to go and what to do:
Kick off the long weekend by cooling down on Lake Murray. Stop by Better Boating or AquaFun Boat Rentals to get on the water, whether it is a casual cruise or water sports like tubing or wake boarding. Liberty on the Lake is situated on picturesque Lake Murray and is the perfect spot for fueling up during or after a day of fun on the water. Not looking to go boating? Grab your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen and head to the Lake Murray beach for some vitamin D. You can reserve your beach access at this link.
If you’re seeking good old-fashioned family fun, look no further that the Chapin Labor Day Festival and Parade the which includes a 5K, an outdoor country music concert, a Latin Night, a Classic Car Show and a parade throughout the course of the long weekend. Speaking of 5K runs, head over to Forest Acres for a Labor Day 5K and Youth Fun Run.
This summer, every week is Shark Week at the South Carolina State Museum. Enjoy the museum’s four floors of science, history, art and technology and be sure to make a visit to the Heroes & Villains: The Art of Disney Costume exhibit where you will ooh and awe over 70 costumes from Disney live action films worn by your favorite characters.
Soda City Market on Main Street from 9am-1pm Saturday offers food trucks as well as local vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to fruits and flowers. And dogs are always welcome!
Cool down at Saluda Shoals Park and rent a tube or kayak for river adventures. If you have little ones in tow, enjoy Saluda Splash, a zero-depth splash pad and Leo’s Landing, an inclusive playground for children and adults of all abilities.
EdVenture Children’s Museum is a fun-filled spot for families to enjoy hands-on activies. Their two newest experiences include Draw Alive, an interactive coloring experience that brings your drawings to life with animation, and Musical Tesla Coil, an immersive exhibit where dancing electricity moves to the frequency of sound. Both are included with admission.
A Few Restaurants to Try:
Morelia Gourmet Paletas provides cool, Mexican popsicles, on a hot day. Paletas are more than normal ice pops. They are hand-made, artisanal, and natural ingredients. We're talking Strawberry to Colombian Coffee to Dubai chocolate to Belgian Chocolate infused with Baileys Irish Cream. To make it even better, you can choose from a variety of dips and toppings to make your sweet treat even sweeter.
Pro tip: all allergens for each flavor are clearly listed in the display case. If you are worried about cross contamination, the staff is willing to pull a new, paleta from the freezer that is will in the wrapper.
Market on Main offers plenty of outdoor seating for bunch, lunch and dinner in a prime location on Main Street.
City Limits Barbecue is a 2024 and 2025 James Beard finalist serving up pulled pork, brisket, and a host of “soulful southern sides.” Arrive early to claim you place in line on Saturdays to enjoy the full menu, or on Sundays for lunch with hot dogs, chili and slaw.
Learn more about James Beard recognized restaurants in Columbia SC here.
The Gourmet Shop is famous for its chicken salad, pimento cheese, pasta salads and other lunch and brunch delights in the heart of the Five Points district.