Labor Day Weekend Ideas: Savor, Sip & Celebrate

1. Ganpati Bappa Morya: Bay Area’s Grand Ganesh Festival & Mela
📍 Behind City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon, CA
 🗓 Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM–10:00 PM

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with joy and devotion at this vibrant festival featuring a 12-foot Lord Ganesha idol, hourly archanas, regional style aartis such as Pune and Hyderabad, cultural performances, a Dhol Tasha procession, a kids zone with rides and idol making workshops, delicious food stalls, and more than 100 vendor booths. Entry and parking are free.

Why go: It’s a beautiful mix of spiritual energy, cultural connection, and festive fun, perfect for families and friends looking to experience something uplifting and colorful.

2. 159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games
📍 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
 🗓 Saturday & Sunday, August 30–31, 2025 | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (gates open at 8 AM each day)

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s traditions at California’s largest and longest running Scottish Games, a Bay Area favorite since 1866. Expect thrilling heavy athletics including the Women’s Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships and the U.S. Scottish Heavy Athletics Championships. The festival also offers Highland dancing, piping and drumming, sheepdog trials, birds of prey and Celtic animal exhibitions, whisky tastings for ages 21 and up, cultural performances, living history demos, and a grand Massed Bands finale with hundreds of pipers and drummers.

Why go: It’s a magical weekend of heritage, culture, athletics, and music, an unforgettable blend of tradition and spectacle just a short drive away.

3. Labor Day Sale at Darcie Kent Estate Winery
📍 Livermore, CA
 🗓 Thursday, August 28 to Monday, September 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Start your long weekend with a visit to Darcie Kent Estate Winery. Their barrel room will be open for a special sale where you can score rare library wines and cases priced as low as $10 a bottle. You can even mix and match your own case and take it home the same day. After shopping, treat yourself to a wine flight and choose from crisp whites and rosé, bold reds, or a mix of both.

Why go: This only happens twice a year, making it the perfect time to stock up while enjoying beautiful vineyard views.

4. Wine & Pizza Pairing Competition at Wood Family Vineyards
📍 Livermore, CA
 🗓 Monday, September 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM–4:30 PM

Spend your Labor Day in the most delicious way at Wood Family Vineyards. Local pizza favorites like Original Anthony’s, Melo’s, Much Ado About Pizza, and more will go head to head in a friendly competition, each paired with a Wood Family wine. You get to taste, vote for your favorite combo, and enjoy live music in a gorgeous vineyard setting.

Why go: It’s a laid-back, foodie-friendly event that combines wine, pizza, music, and sunshine. What better way to spend your holiday?

5. La Luna: Paella Wine Dinner at Murrieta’s Well
📍 Livermore, CA
 🗓 Sunday, August 31 to Monday, September 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM–midnight

For a truly memorable evening, join Murrieta’s Well for their La Luna Paella Wine Dinner. The night begins with wine cocktails and empanadas on the patio before moving into the Barrel Room for an all-you-can-eat paella buffet with both traditional and vegetarian options. Dinner is paired with wines like rosé and Tempranillo, finished off with dessert and live music under the stars.

Why go: This is the ultimate date night or special evening out with friends. Great food, incredible wine, and a beautiful moonlit setting.

A Weekend Worth Toasting To
From wine and paella in Livermore to the rhythmic thunder of Scottish athleticism in Pleasanton, and the spiritual sparkle of San Ramon’s Ganesh festivities, your Labor Day Weekend is set to shine. Whether you're basking in sun-dappled vineyards, cheering in kilts, or joined in prayer and dance under a towering idol, there's flavor, culture, and joy in every direction..