Labor Day weekend is the unofficial send-off to summer, and here in Southwest Florida, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the long weekend.
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026, which means the weekend stretches from Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, live music, local shopping, family activities, or a night cheering on the home team, we found five events actually scheduled for the holiday weekend.
Here are 5 things to do for Labor Day Weekend 2026 in Sarasota County and Manatee County, arranged by date.
1. No Filter Concert & Fireworks at Downtown Wellen
Friday, September 4, 2026 | 6:00–9:30 PM
Downtown Wellen | Wellen Park
Start Labor Day weekend with live music and fireworks in Wellen Park. Downtown Wellen is hosting a special No Filter Concert and Fireworks on Friday evening, making this one of our favorite picks for kicking off the holiday weekend.
Grab dinner at one of Downtown Wellen’s restaurants, enjoy the atmosphere around Grand Lake, and stay for the fireworks. It’s an easy Friday-night option for families, couples, and anyone looking to start the weekend close to home.
See the Wellen Park event calendar
2. Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch
Friday, September 4, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Lakewood Ranch Main Street | Lakewood Ranch
Another great way to kick off the weekend is Music on Main, Lakewood Ranch’s free outdoor concert and block party.
For September, the Jump Start Band is scheduled to perform classic, danceable rock from the ’60s through the ’80s. Main Street will also feature food vendors, sponsor booths, beer trucks, inflatables, and activities for kids. Proceeds from the September event benefit Save Our Seabirds.
This is a particularly good choice if you’re looking for something casual and family-friendly where everyone can come and go throughout the evening.
3. 17th Annual Labor Day Weekend Venice Craft Festival
Saturday & Sunday, September 5–6, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
200 Block of Miami Avenue West | Downtown Venice
Admission: Free
Labor Day weekend wouldn’t feel quite the same in Venice without the annual craft festival.
The 17th Annual Labor Day Weekend Venice Craft Festival returns to Downtown Venice on Saturday and Sunday. Miami Avenue will be filled with artisans and makers showcasing handcrafted pieces, making this a fun opportunity to shop locally while spending the day downtown. Venice MainStreet and the City of Venice both confirm the festival for September 5 and 6.
After browsing the festival, make a day of it with lunch along Venice Avenue, a little downtown shopping, or a trip over to Venice Beach.
Venice MainStreet Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival
4. Sarasota Paradise vs. Spokane Velocity FC
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 7:30–9:30 PM
Premier Sports Campus | Lakewood Ranch
Prefer a little competition with your holiday weekend? Head to Premier Sports Campus to watch Sarasota Paradise take on Spokane Velocity FC.
The USL League One match kicks off at 7:30 PM, and the club describes its home matches as including food, music and family activities alongside the action on the field. Tickets currently start at $13, making this a fun option for a family sports night.
Sarasota Paradise vs. Spokane Velocity tickets and details
5. Overjoyed: A Stevie Wonder Tribute at Florida Studio Theatre
Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Florida Studio Theatre | Sarasota
Finish Labor Day weekend with a night of live music in Downtown Sarasota.
Florida Studio Theatre is presenting Overjoyed: A Stevie Wonder Tribute on Labor Day evening. The performance is scheduled for September 7 at Florida Studio Theatre’s John C. Court Cabaret.
It’s a great option for anyone who wants to turn the final night of the long weekend into a date night or an evening out in Downtown Sarasota.
Make the Most of Labor Day Weekend in Southwest Florida
One of the best parts about living in Southwest Florida is that you don’t have to travel far to make a long weekend feel like a getaway. From fireworks in Wellen Park and live music in Lakewood Ranch to the Venice Craft Festival and professional soccer, there’s plenty happening around the area for Labor Day Weekend 2026.
And when you’re ready for a quieter afternoon, there’s always the option Southwest Florida does best: pack the beach chairs, head for the Gulf, and enjoy one more summer sunset.
At Hanley Homes Group, we love sharing the events, neighborhoods, and local experiences that make living in Venice, Sarasota, Wellen Park, Lakewood Ranch, and Southwest Florida so special.