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Labor Day Party Ideas: Food, Drinks & Decorations That’ll Earn You Rewards

By David
July 30, 2025
Labor Day’s the unofficial send-off to summer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than a backyard party with your people. Whether you’re throwing a full-on Labor Day weekend bash or just grilling for a few friends, helps you stock up, stay festive, and earn rewards while you’re at it.
When is Labor Day?
Labor Day lands on the first Monday in September, which means the date shifts each year.
This year, Labor Day is September 1, 2025.
How to earn the most rewards on Labor Day weekend
ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP is the ultimate party cohost. While you plan, prep, and shop for your Labor Day get-together, you’re also building up ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Points. Here’s how:
- Shop top retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Home Depot with ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Shop to earn points per dollar.
- Redeem offers from your favorite brands to earn even more points, especially on Labor Day food deals.
- Snap every receipt: grocery, takeout, decorations, all of them.
- Earn extra points playing games on ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Play while the grill gets going.
The more you scan, the more you earn, and those points turn into gift cards you can use for your next backyard BBQ, birthday bash, or spontaneous hangout.
What to serve at your Labor Day BBQ
Planning food for your Labor Day party? Stick with these crowd favorites and throw in some easy upgrades to keep it stress-free.
Grill favorites:
- Hot dogs, burgers, sausages (Applegate)
- Plant-based picks (Beyond, Impossible)
- Grilling veggies (corn, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini)
- Condiments (Heinz, Hellmann’s, barbecue sauces)
- Charcoal and tools (Kingsford, grilling tongs, lighter fluid)
Sides & snacks:
- Potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad (deli or DIY)
- Cornbread, baked beans
- Chips and dip (Lay’s, Tostitos, Sabra)
- Pickles, olives, veggie trays
Desserts:
- Cookies, brownies, and fruit skewers
- Ice cream and frozen treats (Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Popsicle)
Want to stretch your budget? Look for Labor Day food deals inside the ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP app before you hit the store. Then snap your receipts to earn points you can use toward gift cards.
What to drink at your Labor Day party
Drinks can make or break the vibe. A good rule of thumb? Mix up a few adult options and keep a stocked cooler for everyone else.
Alcoholic drinks:
- Spiked lemonade or sangria
- Hard seltzers and sodas (Topo Chico, Vizzy, Henry’s)
- Ciders
- Cocktails (Loyal 9, Bacardi, Bulleit)
- Beer (Blue Moon, Coors, Leinenkugel’s)
- Wine (rosé, sparkling, sauvignon blanc)
Non-alcoholic options:
- Lemonade, iced tea (Pure Leaf, Lipton)
- Sodas (Olipop, Coca-Cola, Pepsi)
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
- Sparkling water or fruit-infused water
- Energy drinks (Celsius, Rockstar)
Pro tip: Check your ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP offers before stocking the cooler. Some drink brands award extra points just for making the list.
Labor Day party decorations that make it festive
Don’t overthink it: just add some red, white, and blue flair and you’re set. Most of this stuff can be reused from 4th of July or Memorial Day.
- Patriotic plates, cups, and napkins
- Outdoor string lights or LED lanterns
- Mini flags, banners, or table runners
- Picnic blankets or chair cushions
- Ice buckets and drink coolers
- Disposable serving trays and utensils
Looking to earn while you decorate? Shop party supplies at Walmart, Sam’s Club, or Home Depot with ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Shop and turn your spend into ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Points.
Heads up: Labor Day celebrates the American worker. Keep any military-themed decor on deck for Memorial Day or the 4th of July.
Is Costco open on Labor Day?
No, Costco is closed on Labor Day. Plan your bulk shopping early, or pivot to another open store.
What stores are open on Labor Day?
- Walmart
- Target
- Sam’s Club
- Publix
- Kroger
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Rite Aid
- Stop & Shop
Prefer to skip the store altogether? Shop online with ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Shop through the app (or using the extension) and earn points from the comfort of your hammock.
Start your Labor Day party shopping list
The best way to make your Labor Day weekend rewarding? Shop early. Then check back for fresh offers as the holiday approaches.
- Open ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP on your phone (or if you don’t already have it).
- Redeem exclusive offers on your favorite brands.
- Snap every receipt.
- Redeem points for gift cards, and use those to pay for your next party.
You throw the party. We’ll help you earn rewards for the next one.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Labor Day this year?
Labor Day 2025 falls on Monday, September 1. It’s always celebrated on the first Monday of September.
What should I serve at a Labor Day party or BBQ?
Classic BBQ fare is always a hit: burgers, hot dogs, veggie skewers, potato salad, chips and dip, and cookies or brownies for dessert. Don’t forget drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or spiked punch for adults.
How do I decorate for a Labor Day weekend party?
Stick with red, white, and blue. Use patriotic tableware, string lights, flags, and a festive tablecloth or patio setup. Many items can be reused from July 4th or Memorial Day.
What are good drink ideas for a Labor Day cookout?
Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Think hard seltzers, beer, cider, and sangria alongside lemonade, iced tea, soda, and fruit-infused water.
How can I save money on Labor Day party shopping?
Use the ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP app to earn rewards on every receipt. Shop party supplies, groceries, and decorations at retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, or Home Depot with ÌìÑĺ£½ÇAPP Shop to earn points, and redeem them for gift cards to use at your next event.
Topics: family fun, Food and Drink, offers, rewards, Shopping Lists

David Fairbanks is a writer, science educator and Chicagoan fueled by coffee. He's written about everything from Ferraris to handcrafted pet urns to Superman, and he genuinely loves loyalty/rewards programs.