There are certain weekends on the calendar that feel like they're asking something of you.

Labor Day weekend is one of them.

Not because you need to make elaborate plans.

Not because you need to squeeze every last drop out of summer.

But because Monday morning is coming.

And after that, the Sierra starts changing its rhythm.

The mornings get cooler. The crowds thin out. The first hints of fall begin appearing in the higher elevations.

So before we turn the page, why not make one more great summer weekend of it?

We've rounded up a few ways to do just that.

If your ideal Labor Day involves a little wine, good food and wandering through one of the Sierra's best historic towns, Murphys has a pretty good argument.

The Red, White & Rosé Tasting Experience takes place September 5–6, with 12 participating wineries and tasting rooms along the Highway 4 Wine Trail and in downtown Murphys. A ticket includes two tastings at each participating location, giving you an easy excuse to explore a little more of Calaveras Wine Country.

Our suggestion: Don't make it a race. Pick a few places, have lunch, walk Main Street and let the afternoon unfold.

The 54th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival returns to downtown Arnold September 5–6.

More than 65 artists, crafters, antique and specialty vendors will be set up at Bristol's Ranch House Café, with live music, food, treats and beer from the Ebbett's Pass Volunteer Fire Department.

Saturday runs 10–5. Sunday is 10–4.

And admission is free.

That's a pretty good mountain Saturday.

There's something wonderfully old-fashioned about ending a summer day with a movie outside.

Free Movies in the Park returns to Mary Laveroni Community Park in Groveland on Saturday, September 5—the final movie night currently listed for the season. Bring the family, grab some food in town and settle into the park as the evening cools down.

Sometimes the simplest plans turn out to be the ones everyone remembers.

Labor Day weekend is also a good excuse to head to Jamestown and spend a few hours at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.

Train excursions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 5–6, along with the park's daily roundhouse tours. It's a particularly good choice if you've got kids in tow—or if you're simply the sort of person who still gets a little excited when a real steam locomotive starts moving.

And then there's Twain Harte.

Saturday night, September 5, is the final Concerts in the Pines of the 2026 season at Eproson Park.

It's free, it's outdoors, and it's about as Sierra as a Saturday night gets.

Bring a chair, grab something to eat beforehand and enjoy one more evening under the pines before summer officially gives way to fall. The Twain Harte Area Chamber has the concert scheduled for September 5.

And if you're headed farther up Highway 108, the Strawberry General Store has live music scheduled Saturday evening at 5 p.m. with The Lack Family.

We spend a lot of time thinking about what's next.

The next season.

The next trip.

The next big event.

But Labor Day weekend is a pretty good reminder to enjoy what's already here.

One more swim.

One more mountain drive.

One more outdoor dinner.

One more concert.

One more evening when nobody is in a hurry to go home.

Summer isn't over quite yet.

So pick a direction.

Pack the cooler.

Invite somebody you love.

And make one more Sierra memory before the season changes.

What would your perfect Labor Day weekend look like?

Hit reply and tell us. We're always looking for the next great Sierra experience to share.

Until next Thursday,

Jerad
Sierra Life Guide

Your Guide to the Best of Sierra Living.