A Perfect Labor Day BBQ
September 1, 2026
“One last taste of summer.”
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Labor Day weekend is made for slowing down, firing up the grill and enjoying one last taste of summer with family and friends. And there’s really no reason to overcomplicate it. Start with the classics: burgers with all the fixings, hot dogs or sausages, and perhaps some ribs or chicken for those willing to put in a little extra effort. Veggie skewers add color and are surprisingly good with a little char from the grill. One important reminder: according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F and poultry 165°F, measured with a food thermometer.
The sides are every bit as important. Potato salad, crisp coleslaw and grilled corn brushed with butter and a little seasoning are hard to beat. Add cold watermelon and you essentially have summer on a plate. The National Watermelon Promotion Board notes that watermelon is about 92% water, which helps explain why it tastes particularly refreshing on a hot afternoon. Keep the drinks equally uncomplicated—lemonade, iced tea, beer, seltzers and plenty of sparkling water. And on a warm day, remember the food itself: the USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend refrigerating perishable foods within two hours, or within one hour when temperatures climb above 90°F.
Finally, save room for dessert. Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream is tough to top, although brownies, cookies or an ice cream sundae bar will rarely draw complaints. More importantly, a good Labor Day barbecue isn’t really about creating the perfect menu. It’s about good food, a cold drink and spending a few unhurried hours with people you enjoy. Labor Day only comes once a year, so fire up the grill, fill your plate and let summer go out in style.
The Takeaway: The perfect Labor Day barbecue doesn’t have to be fancy. Keep the food classic, the drinks cold and the company good—and enjoy one last long summer afternoon.
