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Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and for many of us, it’s the perfect time to gather friends and neighbors for one last epic outdoor celebration. As someone who’s been hosting an annual Labor Day BBQ for the past eight years, I’ve learned that the right accessories and party essentials can transform a simple backyard gathering into a memorable send-off to summer.

What started as a small get-together with a few neighbors has grown into our neighborhood’s most anticipated end-of-summer tradition. This year, we’re expecting nearly 30 people, and I’ve spent weeks planning the perfect setup to make sure everyone has an amazing time while we celebrate the season’s final hurrah.

Whether you’re hosting your first Labor Day BBQ or looking to elevate your annual tradition, here are the essential accessories and party items that will help you finish off BBQ season in style.

Essential Grilling Accessories

Weber iGrill 3 Bluetooth Connected Thermometer

Price Range: $99-129

After years of constantly checking the grill and occasionally overcooking expensive cuts of meat, investing in a quality wireless thermometer has been a game-changer for our Labor Day parties. The Weber iGrill 3 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor up to four different proteins simultaneously while mingling with guests.

What I love most about this thermometer is that it frees me up to actually enjoy my own party. Instead of hovering over the grill, I can chat with neighbors, help set up games, or grab another drink while keeping tabs on the food through the app. The preset temperatures for different meats take the guesswork out of grilling, ensuring everything comes out perfectly cooked.

https://amzn.to/4fFwDOZ (paid link)

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Grilling Set

Price Range: $35-45

Every serious grilling setup needs quality tools, and this OXO set has been my go-to for the past three years. The set includes a spatula, tongs, and a tool rest. The tools have comfortable non-slip grips that stay cool even during extended grilling sessions.

The spatula’s thin edge makes it easy to flip delicate fish or vegetables without breaking them apart, while the locking tongs are perfect for everything from turning burgers to moving hot coals. The long handles keep your hands safely away from the heat, which is especially important when you’re grilling for a crowd and working with high temperatures.

https://amzn.to/3HE397s (paid link)

Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

Coleman Classic Series Portable Cooler, 100-Quart

Price Range: $89-119

When you’re hosting 20+ people for an all-day celebration, keeping drinks cold becomes a real challenge. This Coleman cooler has been our party MVP for the past two Labor Day celebrations. The 100-quart capacity holds plenty of beverages for our crowd, and the insulation keeps ice solid for the entire day, even in 90-degree weather.

The wheeled design makes it easy to position wherever needed – we typically start it on the deck near the food setup, then move it to the yard for games and activities. The built-in cup holders on top are surprisingly useful for guests to set drinks while loading up their plates.

https://amzn.to/3JhVFYl (paid link)

Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights

Price Range: $45-65

Nothing transforms an outdoor space quite like good lighting, and these commercial-grade string lights have become an essential part of our Labor Day setup. At 48 feet long with 15 hanging sockets, they provide enough coverage to create a warm, inviting atmosphere across our entire deck and part of the yard.

What sets these apart from cheaper alternatives is their durability and warm light quality. The LED bulbs are shatterproof and weatherproof, which gives me peace of mind with kids running around. We string them between deck posts and trees, creating a magical ambiance as the sun sets and the party transitions into evening mode.

https://amzn.to/4lsXHSL (paid link)

Comfort and Convenience

ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Chair with Cooler

Price Range: $55-75 each

Comfortable seating is crucial for an all-day party, and these oversized chairs have been a hit with our guests for two years running. Each chair includes a built-in cooler pouch that holds up to 4 cans, plus cup holders and storage pockets for phones and snacks.

The extra-wide design accommodates guests of all sizes comfortably, and the 450-pound weight capacity means they’re built to last. We typically set up 6-8 of these around our fire pit area for the evening portion of our celebration. Guests love having their own personal drink storage right at hand.

https://amzn.to/4fGcpon (paid link)

Games and Entertainment

Spikeball 3 Ball Kit

Price Range: $45-60

Every great Labor Day party needs activities that bring people together, and Spikeball has become our unofficial tournament centerpiece. This fast-paced game is easy to learn but challenging enough to keep adults engaged for hours.

The kit sets up in under 5 minutes and works great on grass, sand, or even our deck. What I love is how it naturally creates teams and gets people who might not know each other well working together. We usually run an informal tournament throughout the afternoon, with the winning team earning bragging rights and first dibs at the dessert table.

https://amzn.to/4lw69k6 (paid link)

JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Price Range: $130-180

Good music sets the mood for any party, and this JBL speaker delivers powerful, clear sound that carries across our entire outdoor space. The 20-hour battery life means it’ll run all day and well into the evening without needing a charge. This is great for me, because I like to listen to music all day while setting up for my party, too.

The IP67 waterproof rating gives me peace of mind around the pool and during unexpected weather. The sound quality is impressive enough that guests often ask what speaker we’re using. Plus, the USB charging port lets guests top off their phones if needed – a surprisingly popular feature at outdoor parties.

https://amzn.to/4fCowCI (paid link)

Making Your Labor Day BBQ Memorable

The key to a successful Labor Day celebration isn’t just having the right equipment – it’s creating an atmosphere where friends and neighbors can relax, connect, and truly enjoy the final days of summer. These accessories have helped us build a tradition that people look forward to all year long.

What started as a simple idea to “have a few people over” has become our neighborhood’s signature end-of-summer event. The combination of great food, comfortable seating, engaging activities, and thoughtful details creates lasting memories for everyone involved.

This Labor Day, consider investing in a few key pieces that will elevate your celebration. Whether you’re grilling for 6 or 30, having the right tools and accessories makes the difference between a good party and an unforgettable one.

About the Author

As a father of four and technology professional, I’ve learned that successful entertaining comes down to preparation and having the right tools for the job. Our annual Labor Day BBQ has become a neighborhood tradition, and I love sharing the lessons learned from hosting dozens of outdoor celebrations over the years.