Labor Day weekend has long been the unofficial last hurrah of summer—three days to fire up the grill, gather with friends, and kick back with a cold beer in hand. In fact, beer has become so closely tied to the holiday that it’s hard to imagine one without the other.

According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Labor Day ranks among the top beer-drinking holidays in the U.S., right up there with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Super Bowl Sunday. It makes sense: the weather is still warm, cookouts are in full swing, and for many, it’s the last stretch of summer patio season before autumn sets in.

Craft brewers especially see a bump during the holiday. Seasonal releases like crisp pilsners, hazy IPAs, and late-summer wheat beers often take center stage. “Labor Day is when people want something refreshing but still flavorful,” said Tom Bobak American Craft Beer Editor-in-Chief . “It’s the time for beers that pair well warmer weather, not heavy winter stouts.”

Key trends in Labor Day Beer Sales

• Large pack sizes dominate: To accommodate parties and group gatherings, consumers purchase beer in larger quantities. Sales of 12-packs, 24-packs, and cases see a significant spike during the Labor Day weekend.
• Cans outsell bottles: For outdoor activities, cans are often preferred over bottles because they are easier to transport and chill faster.
• Mexican imports thrive: In recent years, Mexican lagers, including Modelo Especial, Corona Premier, and Sol, have gained significant market share.
• Rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages: The popularity of RTDs, such as hard seltzers and canned cocktails, is notable, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

Beer also has a historical tie to the labor movement itself. The modern American beer industry grew alongside industrial labor, from brewery workers forming some of the earliest unions to beer halls serving as gathering spaces for organizing. In many ways, beer on Labor Day is a nod to that working-class tradition.

Whether it’s a cooler of lagers at the beach, or a pint at your favorite craft beer taproom, beer is etched into the fabric of the holiday. So this weekend, don’t be surprised if the sound of clinking bottles and cans is just as much a Labor Day anthem as fireworks on the Fourth.

###