Labor Day weekend is the perfect excuse to soak up the last warm days of summer—and there’s no better place to do it than at a lake house. Whether you’re entertaining family, hosting a big bash with friends, or simply relaxing with a cold drink in hand, your dock can be the centerpiece of a memorable end-of-summer celebration. With the right setup, food, décor, and a few unique additions, your dock can go from a utilitarian launch point to a lakeside party platform.

Here’s how to make your lake house dock—especially one built with the versatile Connect-A-Dock system—the star of your Labor Day celebration.

1. Transform Your Dock into a Floating Party Pad

One of the most unique ways to celebrate Labor Day is by turning your dock into a floating party lounge. Connect-A-Dock’s modular design makes it easy to add extra sections or platforms. Set up a designated area for lounging, complete with Adirondack chairs, oversized cushions, and even hammocks mounted from vertical poles.

If you have kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis, turn one section into a mini marina, encouraging guests to take a quick trip out on the water. Add safety bumpers and ladders so guests can easily swim and climb back up without a hassle.

2. Serve Dockside Snacks and Drinks with Style

A simple cooler won’t cut it for a proper Labor Day bash. Create a floating “dock bar” using a small modular section set slightly apart from the main dock or tethered to it. Load it with a drink dispenser station, craft cocktails, and local beers on ice. You can even add a frozen drink machine if you want to keep the margaritas flowing.

For food, go for casual but festive: think grilled street corn, mini sliders, watermelon skewers, and a “build-your-own” taco bar set up along the dock railing. If you’re using the Connect-A-Dock system, there are many additions that will make this setup easier. It’s lake-life luxury with a practical twist.

3. Deck Out the Dock: Floating Planters & Labor Day Flair

Take your decorations up a notch with floating planters, a unique and eye-catching way to add color to your dock setup. These planters, filled with vibrant summer blooms like petunias, geraniums, or even herbs like mint and basil, can be anchored right along the edge of your dock. 

Pair the floral flair with red, white, and blue bunting, nautical flags, and string lights overhead. Solar-powered dock lights or rope lighting around the perimeter can provide both ambiance and safety as the sun sets.

4. Create Activity Zones Right on the Water

Thanks to Connect-A-Dock’s flexible system, you can set up different zones for different vibes. Want a quiet fishing area for early risers? Add a side extension and mount fishing rod holders. Looking to keep the kids busy? Designate a splash zone with inflatable water toys, paddleboards, and a dockside treasure hunt.

For adults, consider creating a floating yoga or meditation platform for a peaceful morning start. Just add yoga mats, a Bluetooth speaker with soothing tunes, and let the lake do the rest.

5. Add-On Accessories that Maximize Your Dock

Connect-A-Dock is known for its customizable accessories. Consider adding:

• Benches for extra seating with backrests
• Canoe/Kayak racks for easy access to watercraft
• Floating garden boxes for growing flowers and fresh produce 
• Dock cleats and tie-downs for securing boats
• Swim ladders that make getting in and out of the water safe and easy for guests of all ages

Each of these additions enhances functionality without sacrificing aesthetics—making your dock an all-in-one hub for fun, food, and relaxation.

Celebrate Labor Day Right with Schwig’s

Ready to make your Labor Day lake party one for the books? Whether you need floating planters, dock accessories, or a complete Connect-A-Dock system tailored to your lakefront, Schwig’s is your go-to destination for all things outdoor living in the Midwest. Our experts will help you design a dock that works as hard as you do—so you can relax even harder.

Visit Schwig’s today and make your dock the ultimate destination for every summer celebration.