Labor Day isn’t goodbye - it’s the start of locals’ summer. September brings quiet beaches, no wait at your favorite restaurants, and the best sunsets of the year. 

We might have to deem this summer the best one yet, and before we get into this weekend’s music lineup, we created a Top 10 Summer Hits list of the things we loved from this summer (and a lot of what we’ll be craving through the winter).

1. Popstar Smoothies from The Juice Pod
2. A Nutty Nutella Bowl from Goodness Bowls
3. Breakfast and lunch delivery from The Breakfast Bros
4. Bam Bam Shrimp from Son of a Sailor Seafood
5. A Freezer from Avalon Freeze (Team Conrad always)
6. Turkey and Cheese Hoagies from Moran’s 
7. Donuts from High Dune Bakery 
8. A red eye coffee and a crumb bun from Isabel’s Bakery
9. Chocolate chip pancakes from Uncle Bill’s
10. Cocktail and Dinner with friends at The Watering Hull

Not to mention perfect beach days, lazy bay swims, pool games, mini golf competitions, and boat trips. 

Now we head into Labor Day Weekend, when the island sends summer out in style. From Avalon to Stone Harbor (and a few favorites beyond), the lineup is packed with live music to sing you home.

Cheers to summer 2025 - you were good to us. Best of luck with school, sports, and commutes, friends. It’s been a season to remember. And cheers to those staying behind to soak up quiet beaches, no lines, and the best-kept secret on the island - locals’ summer.

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Labor Day Weekend Lineup

Friday, August 29

Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair: Quizzo, 7pm | Sean Loosh, 9pm

Fred’s Tavern: Mike Beck

ICONA Windrift Dune Bar: Late Last Night

ICONA Windrift Piano Bar: Darin MacDonald, 6-10pm

The Lazy Bass: Young n Phatt, 5-9pm

Rock Room at The Princeton: Turning the Tide

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Saturday, August 30

Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair: Daryl Freda, 5pm | Corner Boys, 10pm

Fred’s Tavern: Danny Lynch

ICONA Windrift Dune Bar: Fuzzy Bunny Slippers

ICONA Windrift Piano Bar: Jim Bannach

The Lazy Bass: Mike Beck, 1-5pm | Nick Horn Duo, 5-9pm

Rock Room at The Princeton: 3am Tokyo

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Sunday, August 31

Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair: Johnny’s Cousin Steve, 5pm | Horny Boys, 9pm

Fred’s Tavern: Sapp & Oak

ICONA Windrfit Dune Bar: The Juliano Brothers

ICONA Windrift Piano Bar: Darin MacDonald

The Lazy Bass: John King, 1-5pm | Mike Thompson, 5-9pm

The Princeton: Ray Pierson

Rock Room at The Princeton: Mystery Machine

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Monday, September 1

The Lazy Bass: Nick Horn Band, 4-8pm

ICONA Windrift Piano Bar: Jim Bannach

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