Northwest U.S. Community BBQs on Labor Day

Celebrate This Holiday With Good Food, Fun & Music at NW Festivals

Aug 6, 2008
Aurae Beidler

BBQ Burger at Labor Day - pdphoto.org

Enjoy a break from work this Labor Day - celebrate with community BBQ festivals in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. Join the fun & start cooking!

Labor Day weekend signifies the end of summer, as children go back to school. Yet, Labor Day also means, to most, a day off from work. Celebrate this holiday with others, with great food at BBQs and picnics around the Northwest. Check out the celebrations and festivals occurring on Labor Day weekend in the Northwest United States, including Alaska.

Apple Valley’s Labor Day Peach Celebration & Country BBQ

Hood River County, Oregon

Come to Hood River on the scenic Columbia River Gorge for Labor Day weekend. Enjoy hot, dry weather and great food at the community barbeque. The local folks cook up some of the tastiest food, using local produce like apples, cherries, and peaches. Savory dishes include:

fresh peach pies
cherry wood smoked ribs
pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
pear coleslaw
apple cider baked beans

The Apple Valley Labor Day Peach Celebration & Country BBQ wouldn’t be complete without tasting the multitude of local, specialty jams and jellies. Try Peach Habanero Jelly for a sweet yet zesty taste.

This Labor Day event is held at the Apple Valley Country Store at 2363 Tucker Road in Hood River, Oregon. Hood River is located about one hour east from Portland off of I-84. Hood River is known for its apple orchards, and the scenic beauty of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

Kamiah Labor Day Weekend Festival & BBQ

Kamiah, Idaho

Kamiah has celebrated Labor Day weekend with a community festival since the 1930s. The free BBQ is held the Saturday of Labor Day weekend for community members and visitors. Other festivities include a parade, memorial run, booths, dancing, quilt show, rodeo, street dance and more. Join participates for the Fun Run, Walk & Ride. The event is held along Clearwater River in Kamiah, located 30 minutes east of Lewiston.

Northwest Oregon Labor Council Labor Day Picnic

Oaks Park, Portland

The Northwest Oregon Labor Council’s Labor Day picnic, one of the largest Labor Day picnics in Oregon, is held at Oaks Park in Portland. This union-sponsored event honors the working American with food, music and fun. In 2007, over 15,000 people attended the annual picnic held at Oaks Park.

Oaks Park is located just several miles from downtown Portland, at the foot of the Sellwood Bridge. The park, in operation since 1905, consists of thrill and kid’s rides, bumper cars, a roller skating rink, a large picnic area and small train that encircles the park. Oaks Park is home to many company picnics and events throughout the year.

Wyoming State BBQ Championship & Blue Grass Festival

Worland, Wyoming

Although it’s held several weeks before Labor Day, an article about barbequing in the Northwest couldn’t be complete without mentioning the Wyoming State BBQ Championship. Held at the Washakie County Fairgrounds, visitors can watch some of the best BBQ cooking in the Northwest! With free admission, the event draws large crowds. Winning the honor of Grand Champs comes with a hefty award of $1,500. Let the BBQ cooking begin!