Finally, a day off of work! With times like these, it’s sometimes nice to simply stay in town and enjoy your city over a holiday break. For those of you taking this route, peruse through our Labor Day roundup on things to do in the Valley over this much-needed, long weekend.
Labor Day BBQ
Head to Simply Impressive Cooking School in Mesa today and learn to make a scrumptious Labor Day meal. The menu for the day will feature delectable ribs and all the fixings. Plus, participants will work hands-on to prepare their yummy lunch. Class runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Simply Impressive Cooking School
3345 E. Downing St., Mesa
Phoenix Cooks!
Grab your chef hat and head to the annual Phoenix Cooks! event going on this Labor Day weekend! Guests will be able to nibble on only the best fare from more than 50 amazing restaurants and resorts, while also learning to cook like a Top Chef. All your favorite chefs from around the Valley will be present and ready to answer your questions and turn up the heat with cooking demos on three Performance Kitchen Stages. Guests are also invited to sip from boutique wineries, Alaska beer and spirits, and also shop for the ultimate kitchen equipment, glassware, knives, the latest in cooking gadgets and more. Proceeds from this event will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Phoenix
Trader Vic’s Lock and Key Party
The fashionable Hotel Valley Ho is inviting singles 22 to 45 to their Lock and Key Party this Friday night to meet that special someone. And what better time than over the beautiful Labor Day weekend eh? From 8 to 10 p.m., all the ladies will don locks, while the men sport the keys… to their hearts. All guests are invited to mingle and win prizes while also nibbling on some fine food. Registration includes a free well drink and free appetizers for the first hour. Dress code is trendy but jeans are appropriate. Online registration is suggested and ends at 4 p.m. Sept. 4. www.lockandkeyevents.com/phx
Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale
Labor Day Wine Tasting
This Saturday, over your holiday weekend, grab your special someone or even some friends and sip exquisite wine at a discounted price at CRU Fine Wines in Scottsdale. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., CRU Fine Wines will offer two tastings for just $10, whether you want to taste a new flavor or sample something familiar. Reservations are encouraged. www.crufinewines.com
CRU Fine Wines
10855 N. 116th St., Suite 160, Scottsdale
Hawaiian Luau
Celebrate the end of summer in true island-style at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral’s Hawaiian Luau this Sunday starting at 4:30 p.m. The night will be authentically decked out with Hawaiian dancers, live music, buffets, kids activities and vendors. Guests can indulge in two buffets filled with pork, mahi mahi, teriyaki steak and shrimp casseroles… Yummy! The luau also includes limbo contests, face painting, reggae music, lei making workshops and features a fire knife dance. www.haroldscorral.com
Harold's Cave Creek Corral
6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Full Moon Hikes
Just because you are staying in town this Labor Day weekend, doesn’t mean you can’t escape the bustling city and enjoy some serene scenery. This Friday and Saturday, take part in the Full Moon Hikes and experience the wonders of the natural desert. On Friday, hikers will head to Estrella Mountain Regional Park for a 3-mile uphill walk (meet just west of Rodeo Arena) starting at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, participants will hike the 2.5-mile Usery Mountain Regional Park trail in Mesa starting at 7:30 p.m. (meet at tail staging area). Don’t forget your flashlight, water and hiking gear. www.maricopa.gov
