Labor Day in Gettysburg: 10 Things to Do on September 7, 2026
Labor Day is the unofficial farewell to summer, and there's no better place to soak up the last golden hours of the season than Gettysburg. Whether you're here for history, family fun, live music, or a glass of local wine, Monday, September 7, 2026 offers a full day of things to do. Here's your complete guide to celebrating Labor Day in Gettysburg.
1. The Final Evening of 100 Nights of Taps
Monday, September 7 marks the emotional finale of the 100 Nights of Taps program. Every evening since Memorial Day, buglers have honored the fallen at the Soldiers' National Monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery — and Labor Day is your last chance to experience this moving ceremony in 2026. The bugle sounds at 7:00 PM sharp, and the ceremony is free and open to all. Arrive early to find parking and pick your spot near the monument.
2. Half-Off Admission at Beyond the Battle Museum
The Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is offering a special Labor Day discount on Monday, September 7: visitors receive 50% off admission from 10 AM to 5 PM, and guests 65 and over get in free. This award-winning museum tells the remarkable story of the ordinary people of Gettysburg — before, during, and after the famous battle — with immersive exhibits you won't find anywhere else in town.
3. Walk the Battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park
Labor Day is a perfect time to explore Gettysburg National Military Park. The park is free and open to the public year-round. Take a self-guided auto tour past Little Round Top, Devil's Den, Cemetery Ridge, and the site of Pickett's Charge, or lace up your walking shoes and explore the miles of trails and quiet paths that crisscross the battlefield. Early September weather in Adams County is ideal — warm sun, cool breezes, and the first hints of autumn color.
4. Tour the Eisenhower National Historic Site
Just beyond the battlefield, the Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm President Dwight D. Eisenhower called home. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and home tours run Thursdays through Mondays — including Labor Day. It's a fascinating look at the life of a five-star general turned president, with lovely views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Experience the Film, Cyclorama & Museum at the Visitor Center
The Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center is a must for first-time visitors and returning history buffs alike. See the massive Cyclorama painting, watch the film narrating the three days of battle, and browse one of the most extensive Civil War collections in the country. It's an indoor option too — great if you want to beat the midday heat.
6. Explore Downtown Gettysburg & Lincoln Square
Spend your afternoon wandering the historic streets around Lincoln Square. Downtown Gettysburg is packed with one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, museums, and some of the best small-town dining in Pennsylvania. Grab lunch on a patio, pick up a handcrafted souvenir, and don't miss the David Wills House, where Lincoln finished the Gettysburg Address.
7. Toast the Season at Adams County Wineries
Adams County is Pennsylvania wine country, and several tasting rooms are open on Labor Day. Adams County Winery serves its award-winning vintages and famous wine slushies at its Gettysburg wine shop, while the Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room sits just steps from the historic railroad station downtown. Sip a final taste of summer and take a bottle home for the holiday weekend.
8. Visit the Historic Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station
Speaking of the train station — the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station on North Washington Street is a beautifully restored 1858 depot where wounded soldiers arrived and Lincoln himself passed through. This historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into Gettysburg's wartime story and makes an easy stop between downtown shopping and dinner.
9. Take an Evening Ghost Tour
Once the sun goes down, Gettysburg's other side comes out. Join one of the town's celebrated evening walking tours — Ghosts of Gettysburg or the haunted tours from Gettysburg Battlefield Tours — and hear the chilling stories that have earned Gettysburg its reputation as one of America's most haunted towns. Labor Day weekend tours often sell out, so book your tickets in advance.
10. Scenic Drive to Sachs Covered Bridge
Before you leave, take the short drive to Sachs Covered Bridge, one of Pennsylvania's most photographed covered bridges. Tucked along a quiet stream just south of the battlefield, it's a peaceful, picture-perfect spot to close out your Labor Day — especially in the warm evening light of early September.
Make It a Getaway at The Baladerry Inn
Labor Day is one of the best weekends of the year to visit Gettysburg — and the ideal time for one last summer escape. The Baladerry Inn offers elegant lodging just minutes from the battlefield, downtown, and every event on this list. Book your stay with us and make this Labor Day one to remember.