Families and Kids
Things to do this Labor Day in Tempe and Phoenix
Experience Labor Day fun before summer is done!
To many, Labor Day symbolizes the last day of summer and the kick start of fall. In Arizona, summer temperatures continue through September. That means Labor Day is an extra day off to splash in a swimming pool or enjoy fun activities with friends and family. Before we all move on to pumpkin spice lattes, here are a few suggestions for things to do in Tempe and Phoenix during Labor Day weekend 2022.
Escape your home and find comforts at Tempe hotels
This Labor Day, explore one of the many hotels in Tempe for a quick getaway or staycation. View all the great hotels that Tempe has to offer, from hotels with rooftop pools to properties with on-site restaurant options.
Things to do
Live music at Tempe Marketplace | September 3
Enjoy live music from Come Back Buddy, a Buddy Holly Tribute band, at Tempe Marketplace. Live shows take place at the District Stage from 6-9 p.m.
Before or after the show, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants inside Tempe Marketplace. Whether you are ready for a sit-down and relaxing dinner or a quick grab-n-go meal, you will find what you are looking for at this shopping oasis.
Celebrate Labor Day at Skysill Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Tempe | September 5
Celebrate Labor Day with a special event at Skysill Rooftop Lounge on Monday, September 5th, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. featuring a live DJ, a 15% off discount for local Tempe residents with a valid ID or ASU ID, $5 Domestic Drafts, six Truly Hard Seltzers for $25 and a specialty BBQ menu.
Main Event Tempe is always a fun place for a family outing or a date night. Enjoy the newest and classic video games, bowling, laser tag, gravity ropes course, billiards and two restaurant options on-site. They have specials throughout the week, but on Labor Day, September 5th, take advantage of their Monday Night Madness. From 4 p.m. to close, enjoy all-you-can-play activities or games at just $12.99 per person.
Saturday, September 3rd will be the last night of Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden. From 7-9 p.m., bring your own flashlight and take a self-guided tour to see how the Garden comes to life after dark. You might see a few nocturnal desert creatures and night-blooming flowers.
Everyone loves a good deal! Arizona Mills celebrates the holiday weekend with lots of sales throughout the mall. Visit the deals page on the Arizona Mills website to find out about special savings. While you’re there, take the kiddos to LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium or Tilt Studio for arcade games.
Visit the Phoenix Zoo this Labor Day Weekend to see your favorite animals, such as giraffes, elephants and flamingos. The Zoo has plenty of trails to explore and snacks to enjoy while keeping cool under the canopy of trees that shade the walkways. If you’re already a member of the Zoo, you get the added bonus of early entry at 8 a.m.
See a movie in Tempe! Visit Majestic Phoenix for a wide array of first-run films, art house favorites, interactive movie parties and live film events. Harkins Theatres at Tempe Marketplace is also showing some of the latest and greatest this holiday weekend. Check out their website for locations and movie times.
Play a game or two at Snakes & Lattes. This fun Downtown Tempe spot is home to hundreds of board games, from classic to brand new, for all ages. Order delicious food and drinks and choose a game to play. It’s like having a fun house party without the hassle. Check out their online calendar for daily specials.
Get out on the water this weekend. Visit Tempe Town Lake for a picnic, public art exploration or a ride on one of the new donut boats that hold up to 10 people. Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake offers fun pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. At Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake (open on Saturdays and Sundays), you can take out kayaks and pedal boats. If cruising on land is more your style, both locations also rent surrey bikes.
Eat and Play
Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044 | (602) 431-6474
Make a reservation for a delicious lunch or dinner at Rustler’s Rooste. They have one of the best views of Tempe, so request a seat by a window or enjoy the wild west ambiance set in the dining room, often featuring live music.
Dave & Buster’s Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Suite 1100, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 281-8456
Nothing says Labor Day like delicious, juicy burgers. Dave & Buster’s menu offers some of the best in town, including the Beast Mode Bacon Burger, Mushroom Stout Burger and All-American Cheeseburgers. Dave & Buster’s is also proud to offer 15% off to all former and active military, valid on food, games and non-alcoholic beverages.
