Labor Day weekend is here, which means it’s time to squeeze every last drop of summer goodness out of these warm September days! Whether you’re a longtime Camarillo local or just visiting our beautiful corner of Ventura County, there’s no shortage of ways to make this holiday weekend absolutely perfect.
Fire Up Your Backyard BBQ Game
Nothing says Labor Day like the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill and friends gathering in your backyard. This year, why not take your cookout from basic to brilliant? Set up a build-your-own burger station that’ll have your guests raving long after the weekend ends.
Start with the classics like cheddar and bacon, but here’s where it gets fun: throw in some gourmet options like blue cheese, feta, sweet onions, or even tzatziki sauce. Don’t forget your veggie friends! Grilled eggplant slices make an amazing alternative that even the meat lovers will want to try.
Create a sangria bar that’ll be the star of your party. Set out a few different sangrias in drink dispensers (red, rosé, and white work perfectly), then let your guests go wild with fresh fruits, herbs, and mixers. It’s interactive, delicious, and way more fun than just handing someone a beer.
Pool Party Perfection
If you’ve got access to a pool, you’re sitting pretty for the perfect Labor Day celebration. The weather in Camarillo is still gorgeous in early September, making it ideal for one last summer splash. Set up cozy seating areas around your pool space where people can hang out, chat, and dry off between dips.
Don’t forget the little things that make a big difference. Provide outdoor essentials like sunscreen and bug spray at a cute little station where guests can help themselves. Trust us, they’ll thank you when the sun gets intense or the evening mosquitoes start buzzing around.
Getting Around Safely This Weekend
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so if you’re planning any road trips around Ventura County or beyond, a little prep goes a long way. Get your car checked out before you hit the road. That means checking tire pressure, making sure all your lights work, and topping off fluids like oil and coolant.
Get a good night’s sleep before any driving adventures. Drowsy driving causes over 100,000 accidents every year, so don’t be a hero if you’re feeling tired. If you’re traveling with others, take turns behind the wheel.
Most importantly, put that phone away while driving. Let someone else handle the navigation and music, or pull over if you absolutely need to check something. No text or call is worth risking your Labor Day fun.
What’s Happening Around Ventura County
This Labor Day weekend is packed with awesome events right here in our backyard. On Saturday, August 30th, check out the Ventura Nationals at Ventura County Fairgrounds from 9 AM to 5 PM. If you’ve got kids, the Kids Fun Zone at Janss Marketplace runs from 12 to 2 PM that same day.
Looking for some live music? Head over to Harbor View Park at Channel Islands Harbor on Saturday from 4 to 6 PM for some great tunes with a gorgeous backdrop. If you’re into surfing or just love watching incredible athletes do their thing, the 39th Annual C-Street Classic & Skate Challenge happens Saturday and Sunday in Ventura.
Monday brings the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade at 10 AM, followed by the Labor Day Tractor Fair at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum from 11 AM to 2 PM. Cap off your weekend with the CRPD Concert in the Park featuring Skynyrd and Frynds (a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band) at 5 PM.
Beach Day Basics
Ventura County has some of the most beautiful beaches in California, and Labor Day weekend might be your last chance to really soak up that perfect beach weather. Whether you’re hitting up local spots or venturing to Malibu or Santa Barbara County beaches, swim smart and stay safe.
If you’re planning to swim in the ocean, remember it’s totally different from pool swimming. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and stay within the designated areas. Always swim with a buddy, know your limits, and make sure you’ve got enough energy to swim back to shore.
Watch out for rip currents, and if you get caught in one, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then head back to land. If you can’t swim out of it, float or tread water until you’re free, then make your way back.
Movie Night Under the Stars
Want to do something different? Set up an outdoor movie theater in your backyard for the perfect end to your Labor Day celebration. Grab a projector, hang up a white sheet, and queue up some summer classics. Think feel-good movies that everyone will love, and don’t forget the popcorn and candy for easy snacking.
Use LED candles around your movie area for the perfect ambiance without worrying about open flames. String up some café lights too for that magical evening glow that’ll make your backyard feel like a resort.
White Party Fun
Here’s a fun idea: since we all know the rule about not wearing white after Labor Day, why not throw a white clothing party as your last hurrah? Everyone wears white, you take tons of great photos, and you get to break the rule in the most stylish way possible. Just maybe skip this theme if you’re also doing the sangria bar!
Labor Day weekend in Camarillo is all about celebrating the end of summer in the best way possible. Whether you’re grilling up a storm, splashing in the pool, or checking out local events, make it count. This is your time to relax, have fun, and create those perfect memories that’ll carry you through the cooler months ahead.
Sources: oliverheatcool.com, crateandbarrel.com, conejovalleyguide.com
Header Image Source: frank mckenna on Unsplash
