How to Spend Labor Day Weekend in the Southwest

Labor Day might mean a day off, but in the Southwest, it certainly doesn’t mean a day of doing nothing. The long weekend is packed with reasons to get out and play, whether that means a pool party, film festivals or even celebrating Swiss heritage (you’ll see more below).

Here are some of the biggest events to maximize your three-day weekend in the Southwest.

Tucson Comic-Con | Sept. 4-6 | Tucson, AZ

“If it’s Labor Day Weekend, it’s TCC! Tucson Comic-Con, founded in 2008 by Tucson native Mike Olivares, began as a single-day event attended by 500 fans. Since then, attendance has steadily grown to over 19,000 fans in 2022. Tucson Comic-Con is dedicated to bringing an epic, community-based pop culture experience for all that reflects today’s fandom and the unique nature of Tucson, Arizona and the American Southwest.”

Learn more at tucsoncomic-con.com.

Before you go: get weekend and trip planning ideas in our recent article.

Liquid Sunshine Pool Party | Sept. 5-6 | Scottsdale, AZ

“Hotel Adeline is turning up the heat one last time this summer with an extended Labor Day Weekend edition of its signature Liquid Sunshine Pool Party, taking over the pool on both Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026. One of Hotel Adeline’s favorite summer traditions, Liquid Sunshine invites locals and visitors alike to spend the long weekend poolside with live DJs beginning at 12 p.m. each day, refreshing cocktails, poolside bites and plenty of sunshine.”

Learn more at hoteladeline.com/liquid-sunshine.htm.

Fiesta Hermosa | Sept. 5-7 | Hermosa Beach, CA

“The Annual Fiesta Hermosa is happening Labor Day Weekend! Garden, Carnival, Food Fair, Maker’s Mercado, 4 Music Stages including an upgraded Garden Stage, Wine Garden — and MORE. You won’t want to miss the only Fiesta Hermosa happening this year.”

Learn more at fiestahermosa.net.

Hatch Chile Festival | Sept. 5-6 | Hatch, NM

“Chile Capitol of the World in Hatch, New Mexico. A Chile Festival with a sampling some of the finest Chile while you enjoy food, crafts, an auction, live music and more. The parade will kick off the festivities at 9 a.m.  Music will start at 11 a.m. both days on the Main Stage.”

Learn more at visitlascruces.com/events.

Get more info on this festival’s rich history in our article.

Zozobra | Sept. 4 | Santa Fe, NM

“The Burning of Zozobra ranks as one of the most popular things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an event that should be on everyone’s calendar. Learn how to submit your worries to the Zozobra Gloom Box and join one of Santa Fe’s most powerful traditions of emotional release and renewal.”

Learn more at burnzozobra.com.

Before you go: check out our 101 guide in this article.

Swiss Days | Sept. 4-5 | Midway, UT

“Experience one of Utah’s most anticipated holiday weekend traditions at Swiss Days. Every Labor Day weekend, Midway transforms into a vibrant celebration of Swiss heritage, community, and craftsmanship.

Stroll through a bustling outdoor market featuring hundreds of talented artisans and vendors from across the country, offering handcrafted goods, unique gifts, home décor, and more. Savor authentic Swiss German favorites and other delicious festival fare while enjoying the festive atmosphere throughout town.”

Learn more at midwaycityut.gov/visit/featured-events/swiss-days.

Telluride Film Festival | Sept. 4-7 | Telluride, CO

“Each Labor Day weekend, the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado triples in size. Swells of passionate film enthusiasts flood the town for four days of total cinematic immersion, embarking on a viewing odyssey, blissfully spending entire days in flickering dark rooms. With only an appreciation of celluloid to guide them, these devotees flock to the show, year after year. Why? Blind faith. We don’t reveal the program until everyone lands in town. Yet the Telluride family trusts that a unique experience will unfold.”

Learn more at telluridefilmfestival.org.

Before you go: Explore our guide on planning a weekend in Telluride in this article.