Labor Day is this weekend, and college students are getting ready for three days full of anything but labor.
And while a fortunate few, like justice studies senior Sam Hauptman, will be heading to New York and other exotic locales for the break, many others will be sticking close to home.
"I wish I could go to San Diego, but I'm going to be moving," says Diana Gonzalvez, a mass communications senior.
Here are a few of our picks for locations and events nearby or right here in the Valley you should hit up to ensure that your Labor Day is nothing but leisure.
Out of town
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City, situated on the Colorado River, is a water enthusiast's dream and is full of fun activities, no matter what weekend it is. If spending money is no issue, rent a couple of jet skis for the day; many rental places offer special deals for the holiday weekend. Two jet skis for a full day run less than $300. Anyone renting needs to be 18 years old with a valid driver's license. If you're short of cash, buy some Coronas, grab a few beach towels, and lie out to tan, all the while pretending to be on a far-away Mexican shore.
Las Vegas
If you want to leave the state to party this weekend then "Viva Las Vegas!" Take a road trip and participate in some of Sin City's end-of-the-summer parties. Many clubs and casinos offer cheap rates for this weekend, including Club Tao at the Venetian starting at $20 a night. But make sure you put a little bit of cash away, because nothing is cheap in this tourist town, and you want to be sure you can still get home after you blow your dough at the craps tables.
In the valley
ASU vs. San Jose State
Why not stay in Tempe and cheer on your fellow Sun Devils? The first home game against San Jose State is on Saturday at 7 p.m., with tailgating starting as soon as the sun rises.
"I'll probably go watch the football game and then go to the bars with my friends," Gonzalvez says.
After the game, listen to live music at local hot spots The Big Bang or Rula Bula on Mill Avenue. At ASU, it's always a party. Who needs to go anywhere else to celebrate?
Action Sports World Tour
Those stuck here in the sweltering heat can check out the Action Sports World Tour at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale. The tour will showcase some of the world's best skateboard, motocross and BMX athletes such as Pierre Luc-Gagnon and Kevin Robinson. Bands Hawthorne Heights and The Starting Line will be performing at the event as well.
Reach the reporter: lindsay.d.walker@asu.edu.
