Free and cheap things to do for Labor Day weekend in Columbus

Labor Day weekend signals the end of Summer for many. Pools close, school is in session, and its the last long weekend of summer.

If you’re more of a fall person (like me), it marks the start of our glorious fall season. Either way you look at it, it’s cause for celebration.

Labor Day is a federal holiday, celebrated on the first Monday in September. Government offices, schools, banks, libraries, and many businesses are closed, while stores and entertainment venues such as movie theaters typically remain open.

History of Labor Day Weekend

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City as proposed by the Central Labor Union. The day was designated to recognize the contributions American workers make to the prosperity of the country.

Over the next decade, other states joined in to celebrate Labor Day, organizing parades, speeches by prominent labor leaders, and an amusement festival for labor workers and their families. In 1894, Congress made Labor Day a legal holiday. Thus it’s a day off for many, except those working at 24/7 types of business and the entertainment and retail industries.

We’ve gathered a list of free and cheap things to do on Monday for the Labor Day holiday (as well as some ideas for the whole weekend. You’ll find out local events, as well as some great picnic and BBQ tips from our mother site, the national Living on the Cheap website.

Free and cheap things to do over Labor Day Weekend in Columbus

We never know what our weather will hold for us, but hopefully we have some great weather for Labor Day weekend. Check out our huge list of outdoor fun, as well as a section of indoor or weather-proof activities, just in case…

Outdoor Fun for Labor Day Weekend

Sunflowers, glorious sunflowers! We are so lucky to have so many amazing sunflower fields around Central Ohio this year! While some fields have finished for the season, there are still sunflower fields in bloom, and more to come!

Nature walks and scenic hiking trails in Columbus Check out our list of great nature walks and hikes, or pick your own hike from the many Metro Parks around our city.

Best hikes and scenic drives for Fall Color in Ohio. While you aren’t likely to see much fall color until later in the season, you’ll start to see subtle changes starting in September.

Great locations for photography sessions in Columbus. Not up for hiking? Head to the parks and other areas around town for some great photo locations.

Drive to Granville, Ohio to visit the magical Fairy Trail at Infirmary Mound Park before the fairies fly away for the year!

Best Places for Canoeing and Kayaking in Columbus. If you’d rather be on the water, here are some great places to canoe, kayak, or SUP, plus places to rent the gear if you don’t have your own. Weekends are always popular, so you may want to book ahead in order to get a spot this weekend!

Creeking in Columbus: Creeks and other water to explore. If you’d rather be IN the water, or let your kids splash around, we have a list of great creeks to explore in Columbus if the weather is nice. Let them get dirty and wet before we’re stuck inside (or cold in the snow) for the winter.

Last chance to visit outdoor pools! Get a day pass at one of these pools in Central Ohio

Enjoy one of the Splash Pads around the city to cool off. A few of these remain open through early fall, while others close Labor Day weekend.

U Pick: Best places to pick apples in Columbus. Wander through an orchard for fresh air and juicy apples. Even if the weather is hot, this just SCREAMS fall. Many farms have early varieties ready to pick! Peaches are still in bloom at some orchards as well!

Drive in Theatres in Ohio. Catch a movie at the drive-in! Cooler evenings make for a more enjoyable movie experience (less bugs and not too hot!). Bring blankets to snuggle up! There are lots of drive-ins in Ohio, as well as a couple around Central Ohio.

Caverns, animals, and more at Olentangy Indian Caverns We love the Olentangy Indian Caverns…animals, activities, caverns, and more. You can spend several hours of fun here!

Check out one (or more) of the most beautiful public gardens in Columbus before they change with fall weather

Weather proof fun for Labor Day weekend

Columbus Ale Trail: Travel the Ale Trail through Central Ohio and find a new favorite craft beer.

Happy Hour! Let’s face it – happy hour is a great date any time of the year. Discounted food and beverage, a more relaxed and social atmosphere, and early hours that leave the rest of your night free – which is especially good if its a first date AND last date! This huge happy hour list is always being added to – I’d love to know your favorite!

Catch a caffeine buzz with the Columbus Coffee Trail. After four stops, you earn a free Columbus coffee experience t-shirt, and after all 19 stops, you earn another prize!

Check out these other Fun and Tasty Adventure Trails, including the Celtic Cocktail Trail, Licking County Wine Trail, Route 33 Brew Trail, Columbus Taco Trail, Ohio Buckeye Trail, and more!

Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus: Check out this whole list of free and check museum days and explore the arts in Columbus! Check for special hours over Labor Day weekend.

Play like a kid at a game-based bar like Pins Mechanical or 16-Bit Bar + Arcade.

Featured Fairs & Festivals during Labor Day Weekend in Columbus

(find more below in the calendar listing!)

Van Wert County Fair: August 27 – September 2, 2024

Millersport Sweet Corn Festival: August 28 – 30, 2024. Festival, concerts, rides, 5k, and more

Greek Festival: August 30 – September 2, 2024. The festival is a Central Ohio Labor Day weekend tradition which highlights Greek culture and features cathedral tours, authentic food and drink, exhibits, shops, music, dancing, and more.

Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival: August 31 – September 1, 2024 at Ohio History Center.

Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at Ohio History Center

Obetz Zucchinifest: August 30 – September 2, 2024. Rides, car show, parades, and free concerts with Ezra Ray Hart, and Big & Rich.

Obetz ZucchiniFest and free concerts and more!

Ohio Renaissance Festival: August 31 – October 27, 2024 Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day Monday

Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival: August 31 – September 1, 2024 Join us for three days of family fun at the oldest and largest Labor Day Festival in all of Ohio! Concerts, Labor Day parade, car show, pageants, rides, and food.

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival: September 2, 2024