Happy Long Weekend!
Jump to these posts packed with ideas for local fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Season Finales
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This weekend is the last for some of the pursuits we’ve been enjoying all summer — outdoor swimming pools, mini golf and carousels, and special exhibits among them. If you’re hoping to jump in at a public pool, romp at the National Building Museum’s Playground, see the fairy houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, and many other pursuits, then get on it this weekend! For details on these, plus other seasonal activities that will continue for a few more weeks, check out the KFDC Summer Guide.
Music in the Meadow
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
How about a concert at one of the prettiest places in the city? Celebrate the National Herb Garden’s Rock (‘N Roll) Garden exhibit with a live performance by Daisy Road, an eclectic mix of rock, soul, and funk music with tunes the whole family can sing along to. Enjoy live music outdoors with a sunset view of the iconic National Capitol Columns. Plus, there will be activities especially for kids, like face-painting, manipulative play, coloring, and games.
Corn Maze & Apple Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10-14/child, $12-18/adult, free/2 & under
Enjoy some fall fun before the season even begins with PYO apples, freshly pressed cider, award-winning apple cider donuts, and a romp in the 12-acre play area. There will also be live music, marshmallow roasting, pig races, and cider pressing demos.
Let’s Get Curious
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
This weekend is the final chance to experience the Curious George: Let’s Get Curious exhibition at the National Children’s Museum. Recommended for ages 3-6, young learners can engage in hands-on math, science, and engineering activities modeled after Curious George’s many adventures! From the farm to a construction site and even to space, follow Curious George’s lead and practice early STEM concepts to solve a variety of problems.
Power Move
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $12.20
The Spirit and United may be away this weekend, but you can still catch some enjoy an pro soccer at Audi Field. DC Power, our local women’s soccer team in the USL Super League, is playing Sporting Jax on Friday evening. The team is still fairly new, so show support and exciting sports night!
Movies @ Met: Back to the Future
Where: Met Park | National Landing, VA
When: Friday, 6-8pm
Admission: Free
Start the holiday weekend with a free movie under the stars at Met Park. Settle in for a screening of Back to the Future on Friday evening. Neighborhood retailers pop up to add treats and fun extras.
Maryland State Fair
Where: Timonium Fairgrounds | Timonium-Lutherville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10/age 6-11, $12-15/age 12+, free/5 & under
If you missed the recent local county fairs or want to enjoy even more rides, games, live entertainment, 4-H exhibits, and carnival fun, head north to the Maryland State Fair. You can even see some thoroughbred horse racing! The Fair will also be held September 10-13.
Virginia Scottish Games
Where: The Plains, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Admission: $25-40/age 12+, $5/ages 5-12, free/under 5
Celebrate Scottish heritage at the 52nd annual Virginia Scottish Games featuring everything from music and dance to sports and games to food and cars, even Scottish dogs. Much of it will be showcased through competition, but there is plenty that all visitors can partake in, too. Two-day adult passes are available for $40.
Labor Day Weekend Festivities
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free (suggested donation $10)
It’s an exciting weekend at Glen Echo. The annual Labor Day Art Show runs throughout the weekend with all kinds of art to check out. There will be a Global Rhythms showcase of music, dance, and storytelling in the Bumper Car Pavilion on Saturday. And the Dentzel Carousel will operate all weekend, 11am – 5pm each day.
First Saturday
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Gallery of Art for their monthly First Saturday, a special day-long affair with multiple free programs for kids of all ages. Drop in for art-making , bring little ones to a lively and playful storytime; check out the play space; and get their faces painted, too.
Fall Fun Fest
Where: Gaver Farm | Mt. Airy, MD
When: Throughout the weekend, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $14.50-20.50
Head to the farm for activities for the whole family and other great seasonal traditions. Conquer twists and turns of the corn maze, jump on the giant pillow, pet and feed farm animals, and cruise down giant slides. There are over 60 attractions appropriate for any age including mini mazes, playgrounds, duck races, ball games, photo centers, and much more.
DC JazzFest Scavenger Hunt
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Starts at $29
There’s going to be some extra fun for young festival-goers. On both Saturday and Sunday, kids can join a Scavenger Hunt that encourages them explore the festival, check out performances, interact with sponsors, and learn more about JazzFest. The hunt entails completing a series of activities in different areas of the event. Upon the completion of each activity — they can be done at any pace, in any order — attendees will collect a sticker, and once they’ve has collected at least eight of them, they can receive a free DC JazzFest legacy t-shirt. Participation is free for all ticket-holders. There is also a Jazz Bops concert especially for kids both days at 11am. Tickets for that are free.
Family Workshop: Laughter in the Learning Lab
Where: Shakespeare Folger Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am-12:30pm & 1-2pm
Admission: Free ($10 suggested donation)
Families will work on their comedy chops and learn more about characters from Shakespeare who knew how to make people laugh. Be inspired by the likes of Falstaff and Feste to create a comedic spectacle and silly chaos! Two sessions are available with these recommended ages: 11:30am – 12:30pm for ages 5-7 and 1-2pm for ages 8-11.
Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs
Where: The Puppet CO. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 2:30pm
Admission: $18
See a show on strings at the beloved puppet theatre… We all think we know the Big Bad Wolf from the classic fairytales, but what if it’s the same Wolf in both stories? What if there’s been a big mistake? What if the Wolf isn’t so big or so bad? Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 45 minutes.
DC State Fair
Where: Anthem Row | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Apparently, being an actual state isn’t a requirement to have a state fair. But this annual event is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary, and creative talents and a day-long celebration of all things homegrown. While inspired by time-honored state fair traditions — growing and gardening, animal husbandry, and deep-fried foods — it also honors the things that make the District unique. This fair holds competitions to find the tastiest mumbo sauce, best honey, and top local photogs. There are also live performances, fun contests, demos, and activities for all.
RFK Legacy: A Tailgate Experience
Where: The Fields at RFK | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the legacy and relive the memories of RFK at this free event. Expect live music, great food, family fun, a kids zone, games, community leaders, and legendary athletes sharing unforgettable RFK stories.
Circus Vasquez
Where: Tysons II | Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $23-90
Experience some thrilling family entertainment at this circus founded in Mexico City! Circus Vazquez brings the excitement of a traditional big-top circus to life with dazzling acrobats, high-flying aerialists, skilled jugglers, and laugh-out-loud clowns. Featuring talented performers from around the world, it’s a family-friendly show packed with thrilling acts, colorful costumes, and nonstop entertainment for all ages.
Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free with ticket
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is free! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. If tickets aren’t available, plan to go another day — the admission fee is worth it! (Or snag them for a future free day.)
DC Festival of Magic Family Show
Where: Capital Hilton | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 1pm & 3pm
Admission: $15
The DC Festival of Magic actually takes place all weekend, but there is a show especially for families on Sunday featuring The Great Kaplan. See his performance full of magic, comedy, juggling, and unexpected moments! There will be even more performances throughout the weekend geared toward adults — check them out here.
Labor Day Concert
Where: DAR Constitution Hall | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual Labor Day concert will be at DAR Constitution Hall this year. Led by conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the performance features vocalist Ender Thomas in a program of American favorites. Reserve tickets in advance — seating is o a first come, first served basis.
Labor Day Parades
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Monday
Admission: Free
For some holiday pageantry on Monday, head to Maryland — both Gaithersburg and Kensington celebrate with Labor Day parades. The 88th year of the tradition in Gaithersburg includes fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, and clowns in its procession through Olde Towne. Kensington is hosting its Annual Labor Day Parade and Festival. Dance troupes, equestrian groups, fire trucks, circus performers will be part of the show making its way through town starting at 10am. As the parade moves through town, Armory Ave. wil coe alove with more activity, including with live music, family fun, food vendors, crafts, and more.
Day Trippin’
Where: Around the DC area (and a bit beyond)
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
The long weekend is a great time to head a little further out and enjoy a day trip. Some ideas for where to go:
* Zip up to Baltimore, where there are so many great attractions for families.
* See the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns.
* Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry.
* Go to Calvert County for art adventures at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, a beach day at Calvert Cliffs State Park, sand and surf at Flag Ponds Nature Park, or maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum.
Hike+
here: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
If you want to hike, then extend (and elevate) your outing with some some snacks (or a whole meal) and sips after, there are some awesome combos for that around the area. This post has details for where to go for good walks in the woods… and great hangs after.
Open Swim
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Something quintessentially summer for a last seasonal hurrah: Seek out some cool spots to go for a swim. This round-up has details on where to do that. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There are a bunch of family-friendly events at DC libraries this weekend — see them here!
* We’re heading into fall festival season, and there’s a new round-up with details for this year’s autumn fun.
* It’s always a good time to check out volunteer opportunities around the area where kids can help out, too (especially high schoolers who may need to fulfill hours).
* Summer Restaurant Week has been extended through this Sunday, September 6. See of any of these kid-friendly spots are participating.
* Have you heard that Major League Volleyball is coming to DC in 2027?
* A couple of great fall getaway destinations to plan ahead for: Jim Thorpe, PA and Charlottesville, VA.
* A big list of good Labor Day sales!
* This kid’s coverage and interviews at the U.S. Open are so cute.
