Staying in Merced for Labor Day weekend? Here are some things to do
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lake Yosemite, McNamara Park and Applegate Zoo offer outdoor recreation options.
- Theatergoers can catch 'Into the Woods' or attend a Billy Joel–Elton John tribute.
- The local cinema provides an indoor alternative to heat.
Labor Day is approaching and Merced residents are gearing up to enjoy a three-day weekend.
If you aren’t planning to travel outside the city for the three-day weekend, there are still numerous things for families and singles to do in Merced:
Lake Yosemite
The man-made reservoir owned by Merced Irrigation District is a great spot for swimming or boating. The park features designated swimming areas and sits just a half-mile south of UC Merced. It also features shaded picnic areas, some restrooms and a small playground.
Visitors can also visit the Tower at Lake Yosemite by accessing the bridge.
Entrance fees are $6 per vehicle and an additional $6 if towing a boat. For those taking a bus, the entrance fee is $10 per bus. Daily passes are cash only.
McNamara Park
The nearly nine-acre community park located on Canal Street has a community swimming pool, basketball courts, ball field, horseshoe pits, a playground, soccer field, and even a barbeque grill.
McNamara Park also has a recreation hall and picnic shelter so visitors can escape the sun while enjoying a day at the park.
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
The more than 10,000 acre Merced National Wildlife Refuge is about a 20-minute drive from Merced. The refuge includes four nature trails and a five-mile auto tour route for visitors to be immersed in the natural environment and view wildlife.
The refuge is home to wintering Swainson hawks,ibis, long-billed curlews and other birds during August, making it a great spot for birdwatchers and enthusiasts.
Merced Certified Farmers’ Market
For those looking to browse locally sourced food options and directly participate in Merced’s agricultural economy, the Merced Certified Farmers’ Market is a great place to check out. The Merced Certified Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays year-round.
Theater
Residents and visitors can catch a play in Merced over the Labor Day weekend. Playhouse Merced is showing the musical “Into the Woods” from Aug. 29 through Sept. 14. According to the Playhouse Merced website, some of the material in the play may be inappropriate for children. No children under six will be admitted, the website says.
Hear the Music of Two Legends
Fans of Billy Joel and Elton John can head to The Merced Theatre on Friday to catch “Piano Men: Generations.” The event is branded as “not just a concert,” but an “emotionally charged journey led by a father-son duo and world class band.”
Tickets for the event range in price. The concert takes place Friday at 8 p.m.
Regal Hollywood - Merced
Regal Hollywood - Merced boasts an IMAX screen and multiple showings over the long-weekend. Residents and visitors that want to get out of the house, but still avoid the Central Valley Heat that is expected to reach the mid-to-high 90s over the Labor Day weekend can enjoy a day at the cinema.
Visitors to the theatre can catch the new Austin Butler-led comedy “Caught Stealing,” “Freakier Friday,” the critically acclaimed horror film “Weapons,” and more.
Showtimes vary by film and screen, so check showtimes online before you head to the theater.
Merced Applegate Zoo
The Merced Applegate Zoo provides a shaded environment for visitors to spend time up-close with over 70 animals. The zoo also has a park with a playground, petting zoo and gift shop. It will be open Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
