Happy Long Weekend!
Quick links to go-to posts:
* 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 see the fairy houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, Putt Across America at The Wharf, , or jump in at a public pool, then get on it this weekend! For details on these and other seasonal activities that will continue for a few more weeks, check out the KFDC Summer Guide.
Activate for Free
Where: Activate | Sterling, VA
When: Through Saturday
Admission: Free
The world’s first active gaming facility opens its first area location this week — and it sounds like super fun! Like being in a real-life video game, with physical challenges and cutting-edge technology in 11 dynamic game rooms that react in real time to players’ movements. Kids as young as 6 can play, but ages 6-13 need to be accompanied by an adult. They’re offering FREE play through Saturday.After that admission is $28/hour, $38/90 minutes.
Nats vs Rays + Free Summer Concert
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket start at $19
Nats games include some extra fun and entertainment this weekend. Catch them on Friday evening (6:45pm), Saturday late afternoon (4:05pm), and Sunday early afternoon (1:35pm). Friday’s game is part of the Nats Summer Concerts series, and all ticket holders can stay after to see Ja Rule and Ashanti perform. On Saturday there is a Nats player designed hat giveaway, and on Sunday is Jewish Community Day, plus kids can run the bases after the game.
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 51st 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 Music Free for All in the Bumper Car Pavilion on Saturday. And Dentzel Carousel will operate all weekend, 11am – 5pm each day.
Washington Chinese Cultural Festival
Where: 3rd-4th St. NW | Pennsylvania Ave, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the rich culture of China in the heart of the capital with lots of to see, play, and taste! The festival will feature traditional music, dance, performances, art exhibitions, Kungfu, tea, cosplay, Peking opera, and authentic Chinese cuisine. See exhibits of Huangpu’s time honored brands of Shanghai and beautiful folk fashions from Guizhou Province. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and connect with the local community.
Family Sing Along
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free, reserve tickets
This free, family-friendly program invites families to actively participate in an inspiring sing-along in the Kennedy Center’s stunning Grand Foyer. Celebrate beloved American classics like “You Are My Sunshine,” and “America the Beautiful,” alongside cherished children’s songs. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with the arts, foster community, and create lasting memories through song.
Back to School Bike Ride
Where: Starts at Payne Elementary | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 4pm
Admission: Free
It’s time for Hill Family Biking’s annual Back to School Ride, a 4-mile progressive bike ride touring many schools on the the Hill! Join at a school of your choice or start with the group at Payne Elementary. After the ride, they’re hosting a block party with the Payne PTA to celebrate the new school year — festivities include a DJ, foam party, giant chalk art mural, face painting, a Balance Bike course, free Maracas Ice Pops, and a food truck.
DC Power Play
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $24
DC Power FC, a local professional women’s soccer team in the USL Super League, kicks off their second season at home on Saturday evening in a match against Spokane Zephyr FC. It’s a great chance to support women in sports and a new(ish) DC team…and have fun!
Merriment Galore
Where: Maryland Renaissance Festival | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $26/adults, $23/seniors, $14/7-15, free/6 & under
Take a glorious day trip back to medieval times at Ren Fest, where there is something for everyone. Besides the amazing variety of entertainment — jousting matches, cheeky comedy shows, juggling acts, Celtic music, and much more — walking among knights, maidens, pirates, and villagers in a 16th-century village as you chomp on turkey legs and down cups of mead is an interesting little jaunt back in time that any age can enjoy.
Labor Day Concert at the Capitol
Where: U.S. Capitol Building West Lawn | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra annual Labor Day concert returns to the West Lawn of the US Capitol! Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez wil lead the NSO and special guests at this family-friendly celebration. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and if the show at 8pm is too late, try to catch the open dress rehearsal at 3:30pm.
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 80+ year 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. The fun will continue afterward at a festival on Antique Row with live music, food vendors, crafts, and more.
DC Festival of Magic Family Show
Where: Capital Hilton | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: $17
The DC Festival of Magic actually takes place all weekend, but there is a show especially for families on Sunday featuring John Reid. Join one of New York’s favorite family entertainers for an unforgettable experience filled with magic, laughs, and more. There will be even more performances throughout the weekend geared toward adults — check them out here.
Spirit Pride
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30
Wear your rainbow colors to the Sunday Spirit match… not only can watch some exciting soccer action as they play the Chicago Stars, it’s also their Pride Match. There is also a Spirit pennant giveaway (first come, first serve) and a special Pride Bundle that includes a tickets and merch starting at $40.
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 4-7.
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, maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum, or even a pontoon boat excursion from Solomons Island.
Hike & Then Some
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Enjoy a family hike — then extend (and elevate) your outing with some some snacks (or a whole meal) and sips after. A few awesome combos for that: Sky Meadows State Park and Barrel Oak Winery. Sugarloaf Mountain and The Comus Inn or Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. Great Falls (MD side) and The Old Angler’s Inn. Patapsco Valley State Park and the Guinness Brewery. Patuxent River State Park and Waredaca Brewery. See a whole post with info for all of them here.
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***
* In case you missed it earlier this week, there’s a new round-up of live entertainment coming to the DC area this fall.
* This weekend is the last chance to see Bond in Motion, the exhibition of James Bond vehicles, at the International Spy Museum is closing on September 1. You can view it on its own for $10.60 or add it on to museum admission for $8.48.
* As football season starts up, Eater’s round-up of DC’s Best Posts Bars is worth checking out.
* A round-up of really good Labor Day Sales!
* And so many good ideas for a Labor Day menu.
* Channelling my inner Mrs. Roper… I’m going to a “Muumuus & Margs” birthday party (so fun!), and bought this for it.
* Also just purchased this genius product that is one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” items.
* 25 shows to watch this fall.
* Accurate lol.
* A couple of good reads about this week’s BIG news: WaPo & NYT (gift link)
