Plan holiday weekend with these great events, destinations

It’s a three day holiday weekend, and it’s the last great hurrah before fall sets in, so you better make it count.

Here’s our basic guide to getting the most out of your Labor Day holiday weekend, with a few suggestions from our team and a few from the greater interwebs.

First, road trips. We compiled a fun list of regional getaways that won’t break the bank and are easy 1 or 2-day getaways.

Want to check out fossils in northeast Nebraska, ride the Legend in Okoboji or hear historic music – we’ve got you covered here.

Next, family fun. Whether you’re looking for something as simple as free museum entry or a great fishing spot, writer Melissa Haag has you covered in her story about budget activities for families. Our favorite – the backyard, and it’s gonna be hot this weekend, so this one should be easy.

Of course, there are a number of great events happening in Sioux City this weekend, the biggest of which is likely Artsplash, the annual celebration of art, music and culture. Find more infromation here.

Country music fans can see a fast-rising star this weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City. Chris Young, at just 29, has written six No. 1 hits – more than many artists achieve in a lifetime. He takes the stage Saturday night.

There also are a number of events happening downtown and across Siouxland throughout the weekend.

What to eat? The holiday weekend is always perfect for catching up with friends, or firing up the grill and chilling out with family.

If you want a night out, start with our tour of local eateries. There are dozens of places where you can try something new and fresh over the long weekend.

If you’re staying home and cooking, hit the Sioux City Farmer’s Market for some fresh market greens and other local foods.

And while we’d love to offer up great recipes we’ve created ourselves, nobody has us covered for great cooking ideas than Pinterest’s Labor Day recipes. Forgive us as we salivate.

If all that doesn’t fill up your weekend, nothing will.

Photo: IaGreatLakes.com