Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, marks the unofficial end of summer in the United States. It’s a day to honor workers and their contributions — but it’s also a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small businesses to boost income.
With millions of Americans traveling, hosting gatherings, and shopping during the Labor Day weekend, the demand for products and services skyrockets. Whether you’re running an established business or just looking for a seasonal side gig, this guide will walk you through 25 profitable ways to make money on Labor Day — plus how to market your ideas effectively.
1. Sell Labor Day–Themed Merchandise
Patriotic and summer-themed products always see a spike in demand. Consider:
- Custom t-shirts with “Labor Day Weekend” slogans.
- Picnic blankets, BBQ aprons, or hats in red, white, and blue.
- Reusable water bottles with summer graphics.
Pro Tip: Use a print-on-demand service to avoid upfront inventory costs.
2. Host a Labor Day BBQ Event
Organize a community cookout and sell tickets. Offer:
- Premium food packages.
- Add-ons like dessert tables or drink stations.
- VIP seating or shaded picnic areas.
Local parks or community centers make great venues, and you can partner with other vendors for cross-promotion.
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3. Run an End-of-Summer Clearance Sale
If you have leftover summer stock, bundle it into Labor Day deals. Online shops and physical stores alike can benefit from:
- Buy-one-get-one-free offers.
- “Last chance” discounts.
- Bundled packages for families.
4. Cater Labor Day Parties
Many families host BBQs but don’t want the hassle of cooking. Offer:
- BBQ platters.
- Side dish deliveries.
- Dessert catering (pies, ice cream bars, cupcakes).
You can prepare food in advance and deliver it fresh on the holiday.
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5. Rent Out Party Equipment
Labor Day gatherings often need:
- Tents and canopies.
- Folding tables and chairs.
- Grills, coolers, and lawn games.
Advertise locally to reach people who’d rather rent than buy.
6. Offer Seasonal Yard Services
As summer winds down, homeowners prepare for fall. Offer:
- Lawn mowing and edging.
- Garden cleanup.
- Tree trimming and leaf removal.
You can even offer “Labor Day Weekend Specials” to entice bookings.
7. Provide Boat or RV Prep Services
Travelers returning from summer adventures often need:
- Boat cleaning and storage.
- RV deep cleaning.
- Winterization services.
If you’re near lakes or RV parks, this is a lucrative niche.
8. Sell Holiday-Themed Digital Products
Design and sell:
- Printable invitations for BBQs.
- Party game templates.
- Social media graphics for other small businesses.
Platforms like Etsy make this easy to scale.
9. Offer Photography Sessions
Families use the long weekend for reunions and outings. Set up:
- Mini photo sessions at local parks.
- Patriotic-themed backdrops.
- Event photography packages.
10. Plan Guided Outdoor Activities
Labor Day often means getting outside. Offer:
- Kayak or paddleboard rentals.
- Hiking or biking tours.
- Fishing trips.
Market your activities as “last chance summer adventures.”
11. Be a Rideshare Driver
Demand for Uber and Lyft spikes with travel and events. You can make more by:
- Driving during peak BBQ hours.
- Offering airport runs for weekend travelers.
12. Deliver Food and Drinks
Services like DoorDash and Uber Eats see more orders over the long weekend. Focus on:
- Partnering with local BBQ restaurants.
- Delivering last-minute party supplies.
13. Host a Craft Fair or Flea Market Table
Sell handmade goods, vintage finds, or summer clearance items at local events. Labor Day fairs often draw large crowds.
14. Offer Pop-Up Beauty and Grooming Services
Great for pre-party prep:
- Mobile hair styling or barbering.
- Manicures and pedicures.
- Spray tans or makeup application.
15. Sell Cold Drinks at Crowded Events
Hot weather + outdoor events = cold drink sales. Options include:
- Fresh lemonade stands.
- Bottled water.
- Smoothies or iced coffee.
16. Offer Car Detailing
Many people travel over the weekend and want their vehicles cleaned afterward. Offer mobile detailing to make it convenient.
17. Create a Labor Day-Themed Online Workshop
Host a short online class related to the season, like:
- Grilling masterclass.
- End-of-summer home organization.
- DIY fall décor.
18. Start a Labor Day Giveaway Campaign
Partner with local businesses to run a giveaway. Charge for participation and cross-promote products during the campaign.
19. Sell Firewood or Charcoal
BBQs and campfires mean high demand for cooking and heating fuel.
20. Offer Airbnb or Short-Term Rentals
Travelers seek places to stay during the long weekend. Increase rates slightly for peak season.
21. Host a Labor Day Raffle
Sell raffle tickets for a themed prize basket — a fun way to raise money and attract customers.
22. Offer Babysitting for Events
Parents attending adult-only parties will need childcare. Offer:
- In-home babysitting.
- Group childcare at events.
23. Sell Seasonal Décor
Help people decorate for both Labor Day and the upcoming fall season.
24. Do Last-Minute Errand Runs
Offer same-day shopping and delivery for busy hosts who forgot supplies.
25. Promote Your Services on Wakewall
Wakewall is the perfect place to:
- Post your Labor Day deals.
- Share event flyers and announcements.
- Set location-based reminders so nearby customers know what you’re offering.
- Engage with potential customers directly through comments and messages.
Marketing Tips for Labor Day Sales
To maximize your earnings:
- Start Promoting Early: Begin advertising by mid-August.
- Use Eye-Catching Visuals: Incorporate red, white, and blue.
- Leverage Hashtags:
#LaborDaySale,#LaborDayWeekend,#LaborDayBBQ. - Run Limited-Time Offers: Create urgency by ending deals at midnight on Labor Day.
- Engage on Wakewall: Post regular updates and interact with comments to keep your offers visible.
Why Labor Day Is Perfect for Side Hustles
Labor Day weekend combines high consumer spending with community-driven events. From BBQ catering to digital product sales, there’s an opportunity for nearly every skill set and interest.
If you time your promotions right and leverage platforms like Wakewall, you can not only make extra income but also grow a loyal customer base that sticks around beyond the holiday.
