Happy Long Weekend!
Quick links for all kinds of ongoing & seasonal fun:
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Pick-Your-Own Ops
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids
Season Finales
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This weekend is the last for many pursuits that we’ve been enjoying all summer long, outdoor swimming, entertainment under the stars, and special museum programs among them. If you’re hoping to get in one last splash in a public pool, see fairy houses at Annmarie or cherry blossom digital art, take a dip at some local swimming spots, or have fun at a waterpark, then check out the 2021 Summer Guide, which has details on all of these diversions, plus many more.
NSO in Your Neighborhood
Where: Several communities in DC & MD
When: September 3-22
Tickets: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual program is back! Over three weeks in September, NSO musicians will perform free concerts within the uptown DC neighborhoods of Ward 4, Takoma Park, and downtown Silver Spring. This year’s IYN has 17 events, including two full NSO performances. Events will be offered both indoors and outdoors — at parks, coffee shops, taverns, schools, and more local venues. All concerts and events are free to the public with first-come, first-served seating. See the website for the full schedule.
Merriment Galore
Where: Maryland Renaissance Festival | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $21/adults, $19/seniors, $10/7-15, free/6 & under
Take a glorious day trip back to medieval times at Ren Fest, where there is something for everyone to love. Besides the amazing variety of entertainment — jousting matches, cheeky comedy shows, fire eaters and sword swallowers, 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.
DC Jazz Fest
Where: Venues around DC
When: Through September 5
Tickets: Vary by performance
The annual DC Jazz Fest is back with in-person performances during this first week of September. Shows are taking place at several venues around DC, including The Wharf, The Hamilton, and Phillips Collections (unfortunately, the fantastic Jazz ‘n Fun Family Days is not happening this year, but you can still enjoy performances at the museum). See the website for the schedule of shows.
Field Day: A Three Day Festival for Emerging Voices
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
In this installment of the Millennium Stage Summer Series, 44:21 and Shout Mouse Press team up to celebrate emerging storytellers. Events include a short film festival featuring the work of young filmmakers, a reading featuring teen authors around the DMV, a writing workshop, and a community open mic. You’ll also get to enjoy live music, buy art from local artists, and buy books from local authors. While you’re there, plan to visit Victura Park — the pop-up wine garden and cafe on the grounds of The REACH is a great place to hang out and enjoy a nice day.
Nats vs. Mets
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are home this holiday weekend and hosting the Mets for five games (double header on Saturday, one is a make-up). Some special things going on: a Ryan Zimmerman Bobblehead giveaway on Friday, post-game fireworks on Saturday evening, and a Heroes Day – September 11 Remembrance on Monday. Of course, any day is great to catch the baseball action.
Catch the Ultimate Breeze
Where: Carlini Field, Catholic University | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Admission: $12-18
Root for the home team of a different sport: Pro Ultimate Frisbee! See exciting Frisbee action as local team DC Breeze takes on Raleigh Flyers in a playoff game. If they win, they’ll get to play in the Championship Weekend, which is being held in DC at Audi Field this year!
A Wind in the Door
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: September 2-11
Tickets: $20
Catch this show for young audiences at the Kennedy center…. A cosmic mission is unfolding! Don’t miss the onstage debut of the exciting sequel to Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved A Wrinkle in Time. Recommended for ages 9+, this one-hour show takes place indoors in the Family Theatre. Patrons 12 and older must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 – with a physical or digital copy of their vaccination card and government-issued ID with the same name. Children under 12 must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before performance time. Recommended for ages 9+.
A Raisin in the Sun
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: September 2-4
Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can
Olney presents this stage classic that Common Sense Media recommends for ages 12 and up…. The members of the Younger family dream bigger than the small house where they live on the south side of Chicago in the 1950s. When their deceased father’s insurance money comes through, those dreams might actually become reality. Walter Lee wants to run his own business and earn financial independence, but his sister Beneatha dreams of attending medical school. Meanwhile, their mother Lena wants to move them all to a bigger home in a white neighborhood. What will finally allow the Youngers to move up in the world, and who will have their dreams deferred? National Players is honored to portray this award-winning drama with a universal story about an African American family dealing with prejudice, history, and a world where everything changes.
Family Bike Fest
Where: Alethia Tanner Park | NoMa, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Kid bikers, family bikers, and the bike-curious are welcome to this bike fest! Check out different rides, show off your own (bikes, trikes, unicycles, scooters…), and have fun zooming around paved areas. Beloved mobile bike mechanic Lauren @ Mittens will be providing free back-to-school safety checks and mini-tune-ups. And Kona Ice Truck will be there with freebies courtesy of Bunch Bikes.
Apple Gala & Cider Fest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $16/adult, $14/child
This time of year may mean back to school for many, but at Great Country it means back to the farm for freshly pressed cider and freshly picked apples. Celebrate the start of the apple picking and cider pressing season with tastings of Rinkers freshly pressed cider — touted as the best in the Valley — demos of the Zurschmeide Family’s antique 1865 Cider press, apple picking, donuts, and more. Of course, the farm’s five-acre play area will be open for fun and amusement, too!
Full STEAM Ahead
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10.95/age 1+
The National Children’s Museum just reopened, with its array of STEAM-inspired exhibits that offer fun and interesting ways to engage, learn, and exercise creativity. It’s geared toward kids up to age 12, and there are areas especially for littles. See their Covid precautions here, and read more about the museum in this post written shortly after it opened back in early 2020. Tickets must be reserved in advance, and it’s likely to be very popular this first weekend!
Big Bounce America
Where: Rosecroft Raceway | Fort Washington, MD
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $19-39
Boing! Jump into the weekend as the world’s largest bounce house comes to the DC area. Big Bounce America includes four massive inflatable attractions: A 13,000 sq. foot World’s Largest Bounce House; the newly added Sport Slam featuring a customized sports arena; the 900+ ft. long obstacle course named The Giant; and a unique, space-themed wonderland called airSPACE. The massive touring inflatable event will run this weekend, September 3-6, and next, September 10–12.
Virginia Scottish Games
Where: The Plains, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $20/adults, $5/age 5-12, free/under 5
Celebrate Scottish heritage at this annual fair 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 $30.
Labor Day Art Show
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday/Sunday/Monday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Glen Echo Park’s 50th Annual Labor Day Art Show runs all weekend. One of the largest art shows in the region, the exhibition features works by more than 200 artists from the mid-Atlantic. Browse and buy all kinds of art — sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, and more. Plan to let kids go for a spin on the delightful Dentzel Carousel and bring along a picnic to enjoy in the designated area.
Rockville Arts Festival
Where: Rockville Town Square | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Throughout the weekend, VisArts will transform the streets surrounding Rockville Town Square into a vibrant outdoor gallery full of fine arts and crafts, live music, ceramics and plein air painting demonstrations, and artisanal foods. Festival goers can discover 140 master artists from 22 states who work in ceramics, drawings, fiber, glass, graphics, jewelry, metalwork, paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood, and mixed media.They’ll also be able to shop and dine at Rockville Town Square retailers and eateries.
How ‘Bout Them Apples?
Where: Orchards & farms around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The apple picking season has begun! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. This round-up of area farms and orchards offering PYO opportunities has details. And I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the pickings are good the day you plan to go.
Labor Day Concert
Where: The REACH Plaza | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The NSO’s annual Labor Day weekend concert returns, but to a different location. Instead of the West Lawn of the US Capitol, it will be at The REACH Plaza at the Kennedy Center. The concert will be conducted by Larry Loh with special guests NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds and saxophonist Charlie Young. This special concert features music from Duke Ellington, new Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, Jessie Montgomery, and Michael Abels. The performance is FREE to attend, no tickets required. Seating is first-come, first serve.
#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like it’s going to be a splendid weekend weather-wise, so take advantage and get outdoors — there are endless options around the DC-Metro for great al fresco adventures. Take a hike, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do under the sun in this round-up with all kinds of ideas for outdoor fun. (But if you’re seeking fun indoors, get the Inside Info on where to go.)
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s a new round-up of live entertainment coming to the DC area this fall.
* In case you missed it earlier this week, local author JoAnn Hill shared new and fascinating stories about some very familiar sites!
* The giveaway for a chance to win a free lesson with the International School of Music is still running.
* Some of Emily’s recs for Back to Fall Shopping for Little Ones are selling out — proof of how good they are, so go check ’em out!
* This Labor Day Menu looks so yummy (and healthy).
* For those who like Everlane, there’s a good sale this weekend (that’s my referral link, btw).
* Clickbait is the most thrilling show I’ve watched in awhile…so good!
* 20 Organizations Fighting the Texas Abortion Ban. Also this. (Omg, how crazy is that website?!)
* Let’s end this round-up on a happy note, courtesy of Darcy. 🙂
