It's only one day a year, but darn it, you've earned it... So while you could just lounge around the house for Labor Day, why not get out and make the most of it? There are a number of annual Oklahoma City events that fall during Labor Day weekend, as well as several popular things to do for the holiday. It's the unofficial end of the summer, and here are ways you can enjoy Labor Day in Oklahoma City.
Choctaw Oktoberfest
Choctaw Creek Park is the place to be for the thoroughly enjoyable, annual Oktoberfest, for several days right around Labor Day. There is authentic German cuisine, as well as local and imported beers, live music, dancing and more.Aquatic Centers & Spraygrounds
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There aren't many operational pools left in Oklahoma City, and those tend to close in late July. However, the aquatic centers are open through Labor Day, making the holiday your last chance to enjoy the water fun. The same is true of the city-operated spraygrounds, which typically shut down for the season at 8 p.m. on Labor Day.
Arts Festival Oklahoma
A popular event with more than 30 years of history in Oklahoma City, Arts Festival Oklahoma is held Labor Day weekend at Oklahoma City Community College. Enjoy the art, music, handmade crafts, food, children's activity tent and more with about 25,000 others.Area Lakes
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Whether it's the swimming beaches of Arcadia, the trails around Overholser, fishing piers of Draper or the sailing on Hefner, Labor Day is the perfect time, and perhaps one of the final times of the season, to get out and enjoy the lakes. In Oklahoma City, you have several options, each sure to be bustling on Labor Day.
Amusement Parks
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In mid-August, Oklahoma City's water park White Water Bay usually goes to a weekday only schedule. Labor Day is the lone exception. It's generally a big send-off to the season for many, as White Water closes in early September. In addition, Frontier City reduces its hours around Labor Day and the water attraction at Andy Alligator's in Norman closes soon after the holiday.
College Football
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Yes, you probably have a giant flatscreen television and a comfortable recliner, but that can't take the place of the gameday atmosphere. And Labor Day weekend brings college football back to the metro. Though it's not the case in 2012 unfortunately, the city of Norman, just south of OKC, is generally crazy with an OU kickoff that weekend. Or, consider taking the drive up I-35 to Stillwater for an OSU game.
RedHawks Baseball
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Speaking of sports, Labor Day is sort of the transition time from baseball to football. It is often the final opportunity to see the Oklahoma City RedHawks play for the year, and if you're lucky, as you will be in 2012, the team is at the beautiful Bricktown Ballpark for the holiday weekend.
Arcadia Western Heritage Festival & Rodeo
Arcadia, not too far outside the Oklahoma City area east of Edmond, has an annual Labor Day weekend favorite called the Western Heritage Festival. The highlight might be the live blues music at Municipal Park, but you'll also find vendor booths, a talent show and a parade. The rodeo closes things out.Shopping
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Last but not least, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention shopping, as Labor Day weekend tends to be one of the bigger shopping days of the year. Bargain-hunters should find plenty of sales and events throughout the city. For just one example, the Outlet Mall west of town has a sidewalk event, and you're sure to get great deals at the local shops as well.
