It’s hard to believe summer is winding down, and Labor Day will be here before we know it. We at SoIN Tourism want to offer some ideas to get a head start on a fun and festive Labor Day weekend. From international cuisine, family- (and pet!) friendly festivals and fitness events, plus live music for all musical tastes, check out this list to explore the cool things going on in Southern Indiana and just across the river in Louisville over the holiday weekend.
Southern Indiana Events
Augtoberfest - August 30
Beer + food + games + music + Friday night = a great time! This family-friendly block party, hosted by Pearl Street Taphouse, will take place in the 400 block of Pearl Street from 5 – 11 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will support Jeffersonville Main Street's nonprofit efforts to revitalize downtown Jeffersonville.
Labor Day Music from Kel+Ro Music at Huber's Orchard & Winery - August 31
Spend your Labor Day afternoon enjoying music performed by Kel+Ro Music at Huber’s Orchard & Winery! Before the show, check out Huber’s U-Pick farm for fall veggies, apples and gourds for your fall decor. Enjoy handcrafted spirits and local wine from Starlight Distillery and Huber Winery before or during the event.
Water Wars at the Charlestown Family Activities Park - August 31
Finish off pool season with Water Wars at the Charlestown Family Activities Park from 2 - 5 p.m. Challenge your friends and family to water balloon fights, take on the water slide and enjoy a special visit from the Charlestown Fire Department at 4 p.m.! Admission is $5.
Charlestown Fiesta! - September 1
Celebrate Hispanic cultures with food trucks, activities and games while watching dancing demonstrations from Mexico Lindo and enjoying tunes from Mariachis Band. The free event is from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Family Activities Park.
Georgetown Labor Day Community Celebration – August 30 - September 2
On Labor Day Weekend, the Georgetown Lions Club will join Destination Georgetown and the Georgetown Optimist Club in presenting the 8th Annual Whistle Stop Showcase. The weekend-long event includes antique engine and tractor displays, an indoor and outdoor flea market, food vendors, a classic car rally and much more!
Coca-Cola Cruise-In at The Depot at NoCo - September 2
If you like cool cars, full bars, live tunes and great food, this event is for you! From 3 - 6 p.m. at the Depot you can enjoy live music by Lampus, smash burgers and more by JuJu Punk and a full bar by The Alcove.
Falls of the Ohio State Park Grounds & Programs
Explore 390-million-year-old fossil beds, celebrate Vulture Awareness Day and more at the Falls of the Ohio State Park this Labor Day weekend. Go hiking, fishing or birding on the park’s grounds or join one of their free Labor Day weekend programs.
August 31 – Check out a fossil bed discovery hike with a park naturalist or the Fossils in My (or Your?) Backyard with an amateur paleontologist event!
Sept. 2 - "Twigs" - STEM for Preschoolers is a program that park interpretive naturalist Dominique McCowen has developed as a hands-on experience where youngsters (3 - 5 years-old) can build, create, and think using STEM principles. Enjoy more fun at the Falls with fossil collecting or another fossil bed discovery hike if you missed the first!
Jersey Boys at Derby Dinner Playhouse - Aug 14 - Sept 29
Catch dinner and a show at Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville. "Jersey Boys", which follows the evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop music history will be on stage Labor Day Weekend. Get your tickets early!
Louisville Events
WorldFest Louisville – Aug. 30 – Sept. 2
Head across the river to Louisville for WorldFest, a premier international festival. This is your chance to enjoy food, performances, and goods from around the world without ever leaving the area. Visit three entertainment stages, nearly 150 international-themed arts, crafts, merchandise, and food booths, and attend the Parade of Cultures on Saturday.
Fleur de Flea Outdoor Vintage Market – August 31
If you’re looking for a curated vintage market, you don’t want to miss the Fleur de Flea at Waterfront Plaza in Louisville. More than 200 vendors are selling antiques, vintage pieces, collectibles, vintage clothes, handmade and repurposed goods, flowers, pumpkins, vegetables and so much more. Food trucks and cold beverages will be available. The event is family-friendly and pet friendly. Admission is FREE and there’s lots of parking nearby.
Hike, Bike & Paddle Labor Day – Sept 2
Join Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and thousands of cyclists, paddlers, and walkers who will be on the move again for the annual Hike, Bike & Paddle on Monday, September 2. Bring the entire family so you can all experience the great outdoors.
Things to Do
Digital Passports
Labor Day weekend is perfect for enjoying the FREE Scenic SoIN and Inspired SoIN digital passports. Explore some of southern Indiana's best sights and creative scenes while earning points toward rewards and grand prize giveaways! If you're a SoIN Fun Trail passholder, head to Southern Indiana to rack up some final points before the Fun Trail ends on September 3.
Outdoor Recreation
Pack the last days of summer with outdoor fun in SoIN. Cool off at the beach at Deam Lake State Recreation Area, or take a dip in one of our pools or water parks. Trying to stay dry? We have other ideas for fun, from camping, hiking and exploring our state parks to u-pick farm experiences and more.
Arts & Culture
Southern Indiana is home to many one-of-a-kind museums that are a can't miss when visiting the region. Stop in the Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center to see both historical exhibits and contemporary art installations. August 31 is the last day to view the "Star Wars Meets Indiana Jones" exhibit, which you don't want to miss! Explore the colorful and whimsical NoCo Arts & Cultural District in Jeffersonville. Take a step back in time and make your way to the Georgetown Drive-In to enjoy new releases and time with family and friends.
The SoIN Foodie Scene
Packed with great places to eat, you can find almost any cuisine from American to Mediterranean in Southern Indiana’s blossoming foodie scene. Find local dining hot spots in the downtown areas of New Albany and Jeffersonville, and you'll find plenty of familiar national restaurant chains in Clarksville.
Shop Local
Everyone loves a good Labor Day deal, and even more than that, here in SoIN we love supporting local! Some local shops might even be offering special sales (and celebrations) this holiday weekend. For more on local shopping, check out our Southern Indiana Shopping page.
Click here to find more SoIN family fun to keep everyone entertained this Labor Day weekend or visit our events page for more upcoming events. Stay up to date with all SoIN news by signing up for our monthly newsletter and start planning your getaway by ordering a FREE 2024 Visitor Guide!
