33 Easy Labor Day Picnic Ideas

The end of summer is near, which means it’s time to start planning your picnic to wrap up the season on a high note. To help you save time, we’ve compiled a list of easy Labor Day picnic food ideas. You can go the traditional route with pasta salad and hot dogs or switch things up and opt for spinach artichoke dip and BLT croissants. Put these picnic foods to the test and impress your friends and family.

Table of contents

• Snacks 
• Main dishes
• Desserts
• Drinks

1. Fruit skewers

Category: Snacks

Even the pickiest eaters will gobble up berries, melon cubes and grapes when they’re on wooden skewers. Serve fresh fruit skewers with or without a yogurt dipping sauce — they’re delicious either way.

2. Taffy apple salad

Category: Snacks

This apple salad is an unusual but delicious snack. The Granny Smith apples mixed with the candy bar and caramel sauce perfectly match. One batch is never enough!

3. Buffalo chicken dip

Category: Snacks

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s super simple to make in your slow cooker. Place 4 cups shredded canned chicken, one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 3/4 of a cup of ranch or blue cheese salad dressing, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for three to four hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

4. Crunchy corn dogs

Category: Snacks

These crunchy corn dogs are sure to make a statement at your picnic. The golden-brown crust and juicy hot dog will quickly become a fan favorite.

5. Pasta salad

Category: Snacks

Make your favorite recipe, or get some from your grocery store’s deli. We won’t tell! Follow this pasta salad recipe and customize it to your liking.

6. Snack mix

Category: Snacks

With fun flavors that weren’t available in your childhood, these snack mixes are always a hit at picnics. Or, if you like, make your own snack mix that fits your tastes.

7. Red, white and blue gelatin cups

Category: Snacks

These gelatin cups require a bit of prep, but are worth it for the compliments you’ll get. Layer red, white and blue gelatin in clear plastic cups and garnish with whipped topping, ripe strawberries and blueberries.

8. Grilled corn

Category: Snacks

With an abundance of fresh corn, don’t turn down this opportunity to enjoy it with family and friends. Grill your corn on the cob over an open fire and have plenty of butter, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, lime wedges and chili powder for guests to top it as they like.

9. Spinach artichoke dip

Category: Snacks

If you’re unsure which Labor Day picnic ideas to pick, you can always make a splash with spinach artichoke dip. You can also make a batch with this homemade spinach artichoke dip recipe. The cheese, spinach and artichokes blend well with chips, bread or seasonal veggies.

10. Creamy deviled eggs

Category: Snacks

Creamy deviled eggs are the perfect bite-size snack for any gathering. Don’t forget to garnish with paprika and serve within two hours of removing them from the cooler.

11. Hummus

Category: Snacks

Hummus is a staple snack for all occasions.  If you’re feeling up for the task, try this homemade creamy hummus recipe. Pita bread and pre-cut vegetables for dipping are great options if you’re unsure what to eat with hummus.

12. Guacamole

Category: Snacks

A Labor Day picnic isn’t complete without a large helping of guacamole — save time and buy premade guacamole if you’re in a rush. For folks who have a few extra minutes to spare, this creamy guacamole recipe elevates any celebration.

13. DIY sub sandwiches

Category: Main dishes

Low-prep and crowd-pleasing, this is a great option for any picnic. Get French bread loaves or sub buns from your grocery store’s bakery. Buy a variety of deli meats and cheeses and add vegetables like shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, jalapenos, sliced red onions and cucumber slices. Don’t forget dressings like mayonnaise, ranch, Thousand Island and vinegarette. You can always whip up this restaurant-quality Reuben sandwich recipe and impress your guests.

14. Walking tacos

Category: Main dishes

These are a favorite of kids — young and old! You’ll need all the usual taco fillings except taco shells. Buy individual-size bags of corn chips, allowing one to two per person. Crush the chips slightly, open the bag, add taco meat and your favorite taco fillings.

15. Baked potato bar

Category: Main dishes

For times when a grill or fire pit is available, baked potatoes are low-prep, filling food. Wrap washed potatoes in tin foil and cook for 45-60 minutes or until soft. Open and top with your favorite baked potato toppings.

16. Pulled pork

Category: Main dishes

Let your crockpot do the heavy lifting by starting this pulled pork recipe the night before and cooking overnight. Then, add buns, some extra BBQ sauce, and pickles — you’re good to go.

17. Baked wings

Category: Main dishes

Cook up a few dozen wings in the oven and place them in a crockpot to keep warm. Fill dishes with sauces like buffalo sauce, ranch, honey barbeque and teriyaki to serve with your baked wings.

18. Grilled pizza

Category: Main dishes

One of the latest trends going around the internet is grilled pizza — something worth trying at your Labor Day picnic. Buy pizza dough or make your own dough and add to the grill one or two at a time, depending on the size of your grill. Don’t forget a cutting board and pizza cutter!

19. Hot dog bar

Category: Main dishes

A classic picnic dish that never gets old. Grill up hot dogs (and even burgers and brats) and place on serving trays. To simplify prep, place condiments in a muffin tin so there are fewer dishes.

20. Taco salad

Category: Main dishes

This taco salad is easily portable, and you can make it up to a day in advance. Cook and season the meat, chop the veggies and rinse the beans. Put everything together, including dressing and chips, right before serving.

21. Chicken sliders

Category: Main dishes

These barbecue chicken sliders are a great addition to any Labor Day picnic. Mingle and eat without skipping a beat — and the best part is that these sandwiches are individually portioned. You can also pack toppings for your guests to customize their sliders.

22. Chicken salad sandwiches

Category: Main dishes

Enjoy the great outdoors with your loved ones by making these chicken salad sandwiches. You can take them to the next level by adding fresh avocado, grapes or crushed red pepper.

23. BLT croissants

Category: Main dishes

Planning on hosting a brunch Labor Day picnic? BLT croissants are one of those breakfast sandwich recipes sure to make a statement. The flaky croissant, crispy bacon and all the fixings deserve the spotlight.

24. Cherry pie

Category: Desserts

Add a splash of red to your celebration with a batch of this cherry pie recipe. This classic dessert full of cherry filling with a flaky crust will make your guests want more.

25. Lemon cookies

Category: Desserts

No picnic is complete without these lemon cookies. This irresistibly soft cookie radiates sunshine with every bite. Don’t forget to make an extra batch for leftovers!

26. Buttery blondies

Category: Desserts

Treat your guests with a Labor Day picnic idea full of sweetness. These buttery blondies provide comfort and bliss no matter the scenery.

27. Watermelon stars

Category: Desserts

Cut a seedless watermelon into thin slices. Use a star cookie cutter to cut as many pieces as possible from each slice. Arrange on a serving tray and serve this simple dessert.

28. Pineapple lemonade

Category: Drinks

This is a fave for kids and adults. Mix in a large pitcher: 1 cup of lemonade mix, 3 cups cold water, one 46-ounce container of chilled pineapple juice and two cans of lemon-lime soda. This can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. You can use this homemade lemonade recipe to impress your guests.

29. Cold-brew coffee bar

Category: Drinks

A coffee bar is a great idea for the adults in the group. Have several containers of cold brew coffee, plenty of ice, a mix of flavored syrups and canned whipped topping. You can also use your favorite type of coffee if you’re not a fan of cold brew.

30. Iced tea

Category: Drinks

There are so many varieties of iced tea on your grocery store shelves: decaf, southern style, low-sugar, lemon, raspberry, citrus green tea and more. Buy several varieties of tea and have lots of ice on hand!

31. Ocean water

Category: Drinks

Ocean water is a fun drink, especially for those who’ve never had this icy cold beverage at restaurants. For each batch, you’ll need lemon-lime soda, coconut flavoring, food coloring, water and sugar. You can also add gummy sharks to elevate this kid-friendly drink.

32. Cherry limeade

Category: Drinks

You can always make your own cherry limeade or save time and effort by buying it from the store. Frozen limeade concentrate or powdered limeade are a few options. You can also opt for the bottled type to make serving a breeze. Have a jar of maraschino cherries and let guests up the flavor with a cherry or two.

33. Sparkling water

Category: Drinks

It may be September, but the temperatures are still pretty warm in most parts of the country. So help guests beat dehydration by chilling sparkling water in coolers.

Effortless Labor Day picnic shopping

As you use these Labor Day picnic food ideas, don’t forget the things you need to stay safe, like sunscreen and bug spray. Also, if you hold your picnic around water, you’ll want floaties to keep the non-swimmers safe. And finally, have coolers with lots of ice to keep food cold before and after eating to prevent food poisoning.

Did you know you can make picnic prep easier by using Instacart to get your groceries delivered to your door? In a hurry? Choose in-store pick-up, and your order will be ready in 2 hours!