The biggest Labor Day weekend festivals may wrap up on Sunday, but the 925 still has a surprisingly full calendar of events on Monday, September 7.
Families can make lemonade from locally inspired ingredients, explore an underground mining museum or take preschoolers to a nature program before nap time. Adults can choose between several Livermore Valley food-and-wine events before everyone gathers for a free evening concert in Walnut Creek.
Here are seven events happening around the 925 on Labor Day Monday.
Note that events can change last minute, especially on a holiday. Always check the details before going.
1. Big Break Littles in Oakley
Big Break Regional Shoreline is opening the holiday with a nature program created specifically for children ages 1 to 5.
“Big Break Littles” invites families to bring their youngest explorers to the Delta for what organizers describe as “nature before nap time.” The hour-long drop-in program gives small children a chance to explore the natural world through age-appropriate activities with East Bay Regional Park District staff.
The program is free, and adult participation is required. Families can also explore the Big Break Visitor Center and the park’s outdoor relief map of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
When: Monday, September 7, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley
Cost: Free
2. Labor Day at Black Diamond Mines
The Greathouse Visitor Center at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve will open specially for Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The visitor center is built inside an underground chamber excavated during the 1920s. Its displays, photographs and artifacts tell the story of the coal and sand miners who worked in the area during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The holiday opening is a drop-in event, and admission to the visitor center is free. Parking costs $5 per vehicle. Visitors should be prepared for a quarter-mile walk from the upper parking lot along a partially paved and partially gravel path with some incline.
The separate Coal Mine Experience tours are not listed for Monday, but the underground visitor center itself offers an unusual local outing that many residents have never experienced.
When: Monday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch
Cost: Free admission; $5 parking
3. Labor Day Weekend at Balestrieri Family Farm
Balestrieri Family Farm is wrapping up its four-day Labor Day celebration with food, wine and a family-friendly afternoon in the Alhambra Valley.
Monday’s lineup includes Smash Broz burgers and Kona Ice. Families can have lunch, enjoy the farm-country setting and meet some of the animals, while adults can purchase wine from the farm’s tasting room.
When: Monday, September 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Balestrieri Family Farm, 6140 Alhambra Valley Road, Briones
4. Concannon Estate Block Party
Concannon Vineyard and Cuda Ridge Wines are closing out Labor Day weekend with a free community block party on the Concannon estate lawn.
Monday’s featured performer is Michelle Lambert, a Livermore musician known for combining electric violin with pop, rock and country favorites. Fratelli’s Pizza and Lotus Delights are scheduled to sell food, while wines from Concannon and Cuda Ridge will be available by the glass or bottle.
Children are welcome, and no general-admission ticket is required. Food, wine and reserved seated tastings cost extra.
When: Monday, September 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore
Cost: Free admission
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5. Livermore Wine and Pizza Pairing Competition
Wood Family Vineyards is turning Labor Day lunch into a competition featuring local pizza makers and Livermore Valley wines.
Guests at Livermore’s third annual Wine and Pizza Pairing Competition will sample a lineup of pizza-and-wine combinations and vote for their favorites. Live music and the estate vineyard setting are also part of the afternoon.
Tickets are required. General admission is listed at $90, with different prices available for wine club members, children and guests who will not be drinking wine.
The event is being held at Wood Family Vineyards’ estate on Cedar Mountain Road, not at its regular Research Drive tasting room.
When: Monday, September 7, from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Wood Family Vineyards Estate, 7702 Cedar Mountain Road, Livermore
Cost: Ticketed; advance availability should be checked
6. Make “Lemonade of the Land” at Del Valle
East Bay Regional Park District naturalists are inviting visitors to make a different kind of lemonade at Del Valle Regional Park.
During the free “Lemonade of the Land” program, participants will use flavors inspired by plants found around the park to create their own cup of homemade lemonade. The hands-on activity takes place at the Del Valle Visitor Center and is open to drop-in visitors.
The program itself is free, although the park charges $10 per vehicle for parking. Families can make a larger afternoon of the trip by visiting the park’s swimming beaches or packing a picnic, but current water conditions and posted advisories should be checked before swimming.
When: Monday, September 7, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Del Valle Visitor Center, 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore
Cost: Free program; $10 parking
7. Free Labor Day ParKoncert in Walnut Creek
The Walnut Creek Concert Band will bring the long weekend to a close with its annual free Labor Day “ParKoncert” at Civic Park.
The hour-long outdoor show will feature movie and musical soundtracks, marches and other concert-band favorites. Organizers encourage families to pack a picnic and bring blankets or portable chairs for seating on the lawn.
No admission or registration is required. The concert begins at 6 p.m., when the day’s inland heat should finally be starting to ease.
When: Monday, September 7, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Cost: Free
Again, event details can change, particularly on a holiday. Check with the organizer before leaving home, and arrive early for programs with limited parking or space.
