Here’s how wearing white after Labor Day became a fashion faux pas
You’ve likely heard that wearing white after Labor Day is a no-no. Here’s this history behind this long-standing fashion faux pas.
The long Labor Day weekend is upon us and if you haven’t made plans yet, you may be scrambling to find something fun to do with your extra day off.
It’s still very warm, so Salt River Tubing or grabbing a resort pass to use a luxury hotel pool for the day is definitely an option. Maybe you’re more into live music, and in that case there are a bevy of artists rolling through Phoenix Labor Day Weekend including Lil Wayne, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more.
There’s also the new Harkins BackLot to explore and if you’re looking for something to watch in theaters or at home, we have all the recommendations.
No matter what vibe you’re feeling for the long weekend, here’s some of the fun things to do in metro Phoenix for Labor Day weekend 2025.
Go Salt River Tubing
Celebrate the end of summer vacation by spending a lazy day floating down the Salt River on Labor Day weekend. Once September starts, Salt River Tubing will begin to wind down its season by moving from being open daily to weekends only. Here’s everything to know about Salt River Tubing, including how to reserve your spot, since holiday weekends are popular.
Details: 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa. $20-$30 plus online booking fees. saltrivertubing.com.
See ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ by Phoenix Theatre Company
Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of “Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo” finishes its run on Sept. 7. This musical excursion through the Big Easy follows a heartbroken young woman as she discovers it’s possible, inevitable really, to be reborn in the “city that care forgot.”
Details: 2 and 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 7. Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. $49-$99. phoenixtheatre.com.
Eat authentic Mexican mariscos at these restaurants
If you’re never been to a Mexican seafood restaurant, choosing among the delicious array of mariscos might feel overwhelming. Arizona Republic reporter and mariscos aficionado Tiffany Acosta guides you to the best shrimp, fish, oysters and more in metro Phoenix.
Lil Wayne at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
It’s been over 20 years since Lil Wayne’s iconic “Carter” album series released and to celebrate he’s bringing “Tha Carter VI Tour” to Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on Friday, Aug. 29, a perfect way to kick off the long weekend.
You can check out the other artists performing over Labor Day weekend along with the rest of the year with our handy dandy concert guide.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, August 29. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix. $40.50-$170.25. ticketmaster.com.
Be thrilled by Riz Ahmed and Lily James in new movie ‘Relay’
Thrillers are a dime a dozen, but “Relay” is something special in an age where televisions, smart phones, Alexa, Siri and other devices seem to be listening to every word we say. Ahmed stars as Ash, an anonymous broker who dodges that Orwellian surveillance to help sketchy companies and whistleblowers come to an agreement.
Details: In theaters now.
Check out the new Dink and Dine Pickleball Park in Mesa
A ton of new entertainment venues have popped up all over metro Phoenix, from indoor slide parks to go-karts to plenty of pickleball options.
Dink and Dine Pickle Park in Mesa opened its first Arizona location on Aug. 20 at the Mesa Riverview shopping center. Spend Labor Day weekend playing on one of the 13 pro-level courts, 10 of which are indoors, while enjoying small dishes, full entrees and drinks at the restaurant.
Details: Courts are open 6 a.m.-11 p.m., restaurant is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1017 N. Dobson Road, Mesa. Court passes cost $20-$25. dinkanddine.com.
Check out The Arizona Republic’s 100 essential restaurants
Every year the Features team at The Arizona Republic puts together a master list of restaurants we think best represent the breadth and depth of the metro Phoenix dining scene. Whether your tastes run to barbecue, brunch or authentic Ethiopian food, you’ll find something delicious on our 100 essential restaurants list.
Bonus ranking: If you’re looking for the best fried chicken in metro Phoenix, this gem was voted Arizona Republic readers’ favorite chicken spot.
Visit Arizona’s most historic places, win prizes
The Arizona Office of Tourism recently introduced a new mobile passport that ties into the national America250 celebration in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being signed.
Attractions on the America250 AZ pass include the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff and Tombstone, “the town too tough to die.” Closer to home, Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction and the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Check in at each location to redeem a reward.
Go jump in a lake
Why not go enjoy the water while it’s still blazing hot outside? Nothing beats a fun day swimming in one of Arizona’s many lakes. Here’s a guide to all the lakes where you can swim in Arizona, including Lake Pleasant, Apache Lake and others close to town.
Watch the Diamondbacks take on the Texas Rangers
The Arizona Diamondbacks will be in LA to play the Dodgers over the weekend but they’ll be back in town on Labor Day to play the Texas rangers at Chase Field. The first 7,500 fans will get a Hondo Rodeo Fest drink koozie.
Details: 5:10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $34.85-$193.35. mlb.com/dbacks.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
