Ah, Labor Day weekend—the final boss of summer. It’s your last chance to soak up the sun, scorch some hot dogs, and live like you’re starring in an Instagram reel montage. But why settle for just a regular ol’ end to the season when you could crank it up to 11? We’re talking about turning up the dial on everything, including the questionable decisions that will leave you with memories (and possible sunburn) to last until next summer. Here are 10 absolutely ridiculous, but undeniably laugh-out-loud ways to ensure your summer goes out with the kind of bang that has your neighbors talking until Thanksgiving.
1. “All You Can Eat” Ice Cream Sundae Bar—with Toppings Only Found in a Gas Station
Take your typical sundae bar and throw caution to the wind by adding toppings only found in gas station snack aisles. We’re talking combos like Froot Loops and beef jerky, or gummy worms with nacho cheese drizzle. It’s the culinary disaster you didn’t know you needed, and the perfect way to ensure everyone gets brain freeze and possibly regrets their choices—just like any good summer send-off.
2. Slip ‘N Slide… But Make It Extreme
You know the usual Slip ‘N Slide setup: a plastic tarp, some water, a little soap. But if you really want to crank it to 11, you’re going to need a hill, a 100-foot tarp, industrial soap, and a questionable understanding of physics. For maximum chaos, consider adding obstacles like inflatable flamingos, tiny pools, or even a “landmine” of strategically placed snacks. Bonus points if someone ends up in a neighbor’s yard.
3. Firework Extravaganza—With Firework Karaoke
You’ve seen fireworks. You’ve done karaoke. Now, it’s time to combine them for the ultimate end-of-summer bash. Firework Karaoke involves singing your favorite power ballads while trying not to be distracted by the synchronized (or not) explosions going off in the sky. Just make sure you’ve got a good insurance policy, a responsible adult (definitely not you), and a fire extinguisher nearby.
4. Go All Out with a 2000s Themed Pool Party (With Inflatable Flip Phones)
Nostalgia is the name of the game, and what better way to cap off summer than with a 2000s-themed pool party? Invest in inflatable flip phones, rock some shutter shades, and pump that “TRL” playlist like it’s 2003. No pool? No problem. Fill a couple of kiddie pools with questionable water, toss in some glow sticks, and let the party transport you back to simpler times when AIM away messages were your biggest problem.
5. Host a “Giant Foods” Picnic
Regular-sized food is for regular weekends. For Labor Day, channel your inner Willy Wonka and commit to the absurdity of giant foods. We’re talking five-foot sandwiches, six-pound gummy bears, and a watermelon so big, it doubles as a personal flotation device. It’s basically a guaranteed mess, but no one ever forgets the picnic where someone had to wrestle a three-foot bratwurst.
6. Beach Bonfire with a “Live” DJ (Who Is Definitely Not a DJ)
Bonfires at the beach are classic. But instead of the usual Bluetooth speaker, bring along Chad from accounting, who insists he “could have been a DJ in Ibiza.” Let him take over with his decade-old iPod shuffle and inexplicable love for techno remixes of ‘90s pop hits. The night will devolve into a chaotic mess of off-beat dancing and attempts to roast marshmallows to the beat of “Barbie Girl.”
7. Midnight Movie Marathon in the Yard… on Rollerblades
Setting up an outdoor movie is easy. Setting it up on rollerblades? Now that’s the twist your party needs. Instead of lounging on blankets, strap on some skates and make your guests wobble around trying to catch every scene of “Jaws” while rolling in circles. The crashes alone will be worth the effort, and it’s a great way to get rid of any leftover pizza (because no one can eat while skating).
8. Set Up a DIY “Waterpark” in Your Backyard
Who needs a pricey day at the waterpark when you’ve got duct tape, tarps, and a hose? Rig up a DIY contraption that somehow combines a Slip ‘N Slide, kiddie pools, a sprinkler, and maybe a borrowed inflatable alligator from a neighbor’s yard. You won’t have a lazy river, but you’ll have something that will either bring extreme joy or minor injury—either way, a success.
9. Host a BBQ—on a Floating Raft in the Middle of a Lake
Barbecues on the back porch are for amateurs. This Labor Day, gather your friends, some questionable life vests, and your jankiest grill, and set sail on an inflatable raft in the middle of your nearest lake. Nothing says “end of summer” like trying to flip burgers while simultaneously paddling to avoid crashing into paddle boarders. Just make sure someone brings waterproof ketchup—because that’s totally a thing.
10. Stage an “Olympics” for Grown-Ups—But the Events Are Just Summer Chores
Forget beach volleyball. This Labor Day, gather your friends for the first annual “Adulting Olympics.” Events include competitive lawn mowing, speed laundry folding, and extreme grocery bag carrying. The winner gets the honor of not being on dish duty for the rest of the night—and the loser? They’re in charge of next year’s absurd send-off.
So there you have it: 10 ways to make your Labor Day weekend one for the record books—or at least one that gets everyone’s phones out for those social media moments. This summer may be ending, but your bragging rights? Those are just beginning.
