Labor Day weekend is fast approaching (it’s this weekend, in case you didn’t know), and as much as you’re probably looking forward to your Monday off, there are also some fun family-friendly activities going on all around town (and all around the Midlands) to celebrate. Here’s a roundup of Labor Day events near you.

Labor Day at Craft Axe Throwing, Monday, Sept. 2
Is axe-throwing the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Labor Day? We’re guessing probably not. But Craft Axe Throwing is open on Labor Day and invites you to come down to 101 E. Main St. in Lexington and enjoy eight targeted lanes, cold craft brews and multiple TVs throughout. But don’t watch the TVs while you’re throwing.

Labor Day Party, Cayce Moose Lodge, Sunday, Sept 1
If you’re looking for something more traditional and less projectile related, the Cayce Moose Lodge is throwing a Labor Day party at 1541 Old Dunbar Rd. There’s a fireworks show at dusk, free games for the kids, sodas, hamburgers and hot dogs, and more. The party kicks off at 3 p.m. and ends after the fireworks show.

2024 Labor Day 5k and Youth Fun Run, Monday, Sept. 2
Of course, you could always skip the hotdogs and hamburgers and do something a little more challenging. Strictly Running’s 5K and Youth Fun Run starts at 7:45 a.m. on Trenholm Road and finishes up at Forest Lake Place. Don’t worry about setting a blistering pace. Just take it at your own speed and enjoy a feeling of accomplishment on Labor Day.

Labor Day Jimmy Buffett Dinner Cruise, The Spirit Of Lake Murray, Monday, Sept. 2
Few people were better at celebrating some time off near the water like the late, great singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Which is why The Spirit of Lake Murray, Lexington’s own 80-foot Skipperliner yacht, is there. Dig into the dinner buffet (would that be a Buffett buffet?) and enjoy an evening of Jimmy’s best tunes courtesy of the Time Pirates. And don’t lose your shaker of salt.

Holiday Lights on the River, Saluda Shoals Park, Sunday, Sept. 1
Yes, you read that correctly. Saluda Shoals Park’s breathtaking holiday lights are a Christmas tradition around here, but they’re firing those lights back up on Sunday night. Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive with millions of sparkling lights over more than three miles of lights.

Labor Day Festival & Parade, Town of Chapin, Aug. 31-Sept. 2
We’ve saved the biggest for last: The Town of Chapin’s New Frontiers Labor Day weekend celebration. This festival includes the Taste of Chapin restaurant tour, the Fidelis 5K fun run, a dance-heavy Latin night, a Sunday night “Boots On Beaufort” concert featuring Johnny Meetze, Griffin Shelbe and Noel Lindler, a classic car show on Saturday and a big parade from the United Homes parking lot down to Chapin Road to St. Peters Church Road. It’ll be hard NOT to find something fun to do at this one.