The Perfect Labour Day Party: A Backyard BBQ Itinerary

One last big BBQ. Three backyard games. One final summer night.

Labour Day weekend is the unofficial farewell to summer. So instead of another backyard BBQ where everyone eats and eventually heads home, turn it into an afternoon everyone remembers.

We've put together a simple Labour Day party itinerary that takes you from the first drink to the final fireworks.

All you need is a grill, a few simple games and some good company.

3:00 PM — Guests Arrive

Start the party with drinks, snacks and a summer playlist.

Have the cooler ready, put out some chips and dips, and give everyone time to arrive and settle in.

Don't fire up the grill yet.

You've got some games to play first.

3:30 PM — The Labour Day Backyard Championship

Split everyone into teams of two and keep track of the winners.

Game #1: Beer/Water Pong

You'll need: 20 cups, 2 ping-pong balls and a table.

Set up 10 cups in a triangle at each end of the table. Teams of two take turns throwing the ball into the other team's cups. Every cup you hit is removed.

First team to eliminate all of the other team's cups wins.

Use water instead of alcohol for a family-friendly version.

Game #2: Trash Can Frisbee

You'll need: 1 frisbee, 2 buckets or garbage cans and about 15–20 feet of space.

Place the cans 15–20 feet apart and create two teams of two. One player throws the frisbee at the opposing team's can while their teammate tries to tip or deflect it into the can.

The opposing team can try to stop the tip-in, but keep the defense friendly — no tackling or dangerous contact.

Scoring:

• 2 points — Direct hit into the can

• 1 point — Frisbee is tipped into the can

• First team to 11 wins

Switch roles so everyone gets a chance to throw and deflect.

It's essentially Kan Jam without needing a Kan Jam set.

Game #3: Water Balloon Toss

Pair everyone up and start about three feet apart.

Toss the balloon back and forth. Every time you successfully catch it, take one step backward.

Balloon breaks? You're out.

Keep going until one pair is left.

Want to make things a little more interesting? How about using eggs instead of water balloons, just make sure everyone's okay with the mess.

The last pair standing wins the Labour Day Championship.

5:30 PM — Fire Up the Grill

After all that competition, everyone will be ready to eat.

Keep the menu simple:

Burgers + Hot Dogs + Corn

Set up a toppings station with cheese, bacon, pickles, jalapeños, grilled onions, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and your favourite sauces.

Then make dinner part of the competition.

Best Burger Creation

Everyone builds their own burger, and the group votes for the winner.

For dessert, throw some peaches on the grill and serve them with vanilla ice cream.

Simple, summery and no oven required.

7:30 PM — Golden Hour

Now, don't plan anything.

Turn down the music, grab another drink and let everyone relax while the sun starts to go down.

This is the part of the party that's impossible to schedule. Let people talk, laugh and enjoy one last summer evening together.

8:30 PM — The Grand Finale

That's a Labour Day worth remembering.

Don't let the party simply fizzle out.

Find a nearby public fireworks display happening on Labour Day weekend and make it the final stop of the night.

Pack some blankets and chairs, pile everyone into the cars and head over together.

Backyard BBQ → Games → Burger Competition → Golden Hour → Fireworks.

But Before the Party Starts...

There's one thing you don't want to discover when everyone is hungry:

Your grill has a problem.

After a full summer of grilling, check your grates, burners and drip tray for grease, carbon buildup or damage.

If your grill needs a deep clean, Grill Hero can take care of it.

And if something isn't working properly, we also offer professional grill repairs for common issues like uneven heat, ignition problems, burner issues and temperature problems.

Get your grill ready before the guests arrive.

You don't need a complicated menu or a backyard full of expensive games.

You just need good people, a working grill and a plan.

Make Labour Day the best BBQ of the summer.