The Weekend Round-Up: August 31 – September 3

A Friday evening concert at Yards Park is a great way to wind down summer

It’s Labor Day weekend aka the unofficial end of summer. But just because the season is ending, that doesn’t mean the fun is over. If you’re spending the holiday weekend in town, here are some great ways you and the kids can enjoy it. And don’t forget you can find even more ideas on the Everyday Play page. Happy Weekend!

Season Finales
Where: Various locales
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This weekend is the last of many pursuits that we’ve been enjoying all summer long – outdoor swimming, concerts and movies under the stars, mini-golf at the museum among them. If you’re hoping to get in one final jazz show in the Sculpture Garden, round of golf at the Building Museum, or day at an outdoor public pool, then check out this post, which has details on all of those diversions and more.

Hear the Blues
Where: Carter Barron Amphitheater
When: Saturday, 12-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Head to the outdoor stage in Rock Creek Park for the 24th Annual DC Blues Festival. Along with the line-up of performers, there will be musical workshops throughout the day, where both children and adults can learn about Blues music. Kids will especially enjoy the opportunity to try making their own music at an instrument petting zoo. View the schedule of both musical acts and extra fun here.

Page-to-Stage Festival
Where: Various venues
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
More than 40 theater companies will present readings and rehearsals of plays and musicals during the Kennedy Center’s 11th annual Page-to-Stage Festival. And they are all free and open to the public. Performances will take place at several venues around DC, and there are a couple that kids will enjoy, including “Orphie and the Book Heroes” at 12pm and a reading of “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Virginia Children’s Theatre Company at 6pm, both at the Kennedy Center on Saturday. See the full schedule here (scroll all the way down the page).

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
It’s your last chance to catch “Snow White and the 7 Dwarves” at The Puppet Co. and Adventure Theatre’s “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” – both close their curtains after this weekend. You can also take little ones to see a Tiny Tots show at 10am both Saturday and Sunday. And Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem” is wowing audiences at National Harbor — see an afternoon show with the kids or save it for a date night.

See Crabs Run!
Where: Annapolis Maritime Museum
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: $10, free for kids 12 and under
In partnership with the Crabs for Kids Foundation, the Annapolis Maritime Museum is hosting the First Annual Annapolis Crab Derby. There will be live crab races, live music, a magic show, a crab-picking contest, human crab crawl races and more. Tickets are limited, so go get them here.

Labor Day Concert at the Capitol
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra continues its annual Labor Day Weekend tradition with a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the show will include patriotic classics as well as music that highlights the American landscape. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and if you 8pm show is too late, you can catch the open dress rehearsal at 3:30pm. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Eisenhower Theatre. You can call the NSO Summer Concert Hotline at 202.416.8114 after 1pm for updates.

The Ol’ Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $10
The Nats are hosting the Cardinals this weekend, with an evening game on Friday and afternoon games on Saturday on Sunday. Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack promo and enjoy other extras on Sunday, like Kids Run the Show, and stay after for Kids Run the Bases when children ages 4-12 can loop the in field after the final out.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Where: Roosevelt Center
When: Friday through Monday
Admission: Free (rides, activities, concession cost extra)
There’s something for everyone at this shindig in Greenbelt happening all weekend – carnival ries, art shows, live entertainment, crafts and activities for kids, a talent show, and more. It all begins today with the carnival part opening this evening from 6pm – 10pm. Over the weekend it’ll be open Saturday 11am – 9:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm, and Monday, 11am – 6pm.

Portrait Story Days: Dolley Madison
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm & Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about first lady Dolley Madison, who lived in the White House during the war of 1812.

Bring on Fall
Where: Various locales
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Autumn hasn’t quite begun (heck, it’s going to be in the 90’s this weekend), but it’s right around the corner, and you can start getting into the spirit of it at festivals that celebrate the season with all kinds of fun and excitement. This weekend you can find them at the Maryland Renaissance Festival and one or two local farms, but you can read about all that are upcoming in this post about fall celebrations.