Things to Do on Labor Day 2016 in San Diego

Sept. 5, 2016 may be the unofficial end of summer but there are still plenty of ways to soak in the sunshine in America's Finest City that day

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer but in San Diego, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the extra day off while soaking in that sweet sunshine. Here's a guide to activities happening in America's Finest City on Sept. 5, 2016.

Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim
8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Oceanside Pier – Lifeguard Tower 1
Now in its 87th year, the annual Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim is a tradition in San Diego’s North County. The one-mile course, marked with colored buoys, takes swimmers out and around the pier in a clockwise direction. Close out the summer with one last dip in the ocean. Registration on the day of the event is $60 per person.

Festival of Sail 2016
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Maritime Museum of San Diego
The annual Festival of Sail is back this Labor Day weekend at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Hailed as the largest Tall Ship festival on the West Coast, it’s a family friendly tradition along San Diego’s waterfront. This year, the event runs from Sept. 3-5; Labor Day tickets cost $7 per adult, $5 for seniors, active duty military and children ages 3-12. Kids 2 and under get in free.

U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., B Street Pier along Embarcadero
These aren’t your kids’ sandcastles. Check out the most amazing, elaborate sand sculptures at the annual U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge at B Street Pier (1140 North Harbor Dr.). The four-day event runs from Sept. 2-5 this year and promises incredible creations by sand sculptors and carvers, plus arts and crafts vendors, live music, food and activities for the kids. Monday’s schedule includes a 2 p.m. session with a professional sculptor who will share tips on how to build sandcastles. At the gate, tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for kids and seniors. Save $1 on both by buying tickets in advance online.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego

Nighttime Zoo
9 a.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Zoo
Labor Day marks the final day of Nighttime Zoo hours at the San Diego Zoo this summer. This year, as the zoo celebrates its centennial, nighttime hours have been filled with live music, special shows and fun activities. Keep the kids up early, just this once, and check out the zoo under the stars.

Padres vs. Red Sox
1:40 p.m., Petco Park
Enjoy your extra day off by taking in a daytime game at Petco Park as the Padres take on the Red Sox. First pitch is at 1:40 p.m. Tickets in the stands start at $21.50 per person.

Liberty Public Market
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Liberty StationUse your Labor Day to explore Liberty Public Market – the food emporium at Liberty Public Station (2820 Historic Decatur Rd.) featuring dozens of local merchants. The Market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but the perk of visiting on a Monday is Market Happy Hour, which runs on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with all vendors offerings discounts on select food and drinks from their mouthwatering menus. Cheers!

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