Tag Archives: Labor Day Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up:
September 1-4

 

Plan ahead for next weekend

 

 

Happy Long Weekend!

Easy links to all kinds of ideas for DC family activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places

Season Finales
Where: Around the DMV
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 and special museum programs among them. If you’re hoping to explore Look Here at the Building Museum, see the fairy houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, or jump in at an outdoor 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 2023 Summer Guide.

Back to School Bike Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Celebrate the new school year with a big group bike ride on Saturday! Hill Family Biking, which organizes monthly family-friendly group bike rides in and around Capitol Hill, is hosting a Back to School Ride. The “progressive bike party” will cruise by DCPS elementary schools in the neighborhood, starting at 10:30am at Maury Elementary (13th & C, NE). Participants can either begin there or join the ride at the school of their choice.  Younger bikers and their families are encouraged to join at Peabody Elementary (425 C Street NE), the halfway mark. The whole ride should be about 4-5 miles and will end at Watkins Watkins splash pad and athletic fields to cool off after the ride, play some games, and enjoy treats from the Maracas Ice Pops Trike. Anyone is welcome to join, not just Capitol Hill families!

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. Enjoy a story time for little ones, create sculptures from clay, try out the new Sketching Lab, browse the museum’s pop-up library, and, of course, tour the exhibits — all for FREE!

Virginia Scottish Games
Where: The Plains, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Admission: $20-30/age 12+, $5/ages 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.

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.

Horse Around on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free

Stop by the Horse Stables Education Center on the National Mall to see the residents and learn about their history. The U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit opened the horse stables back in June to house their equine team, and the public is welcome to visit the Center Thursday to Sunday to get more insight. The stables are located just south of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool across Independence Avenue from the MLK Memorial. While the Center is open Thursday – Sunday, you might see the horses in fenced in areas outside on other days.

Art Cart: Colors of Emotion
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free

Kids’ programming is back at the Hirshhorn this Saturday with Art Cart.This session is inspired by the art work of Rachel Jones, who uses her paintings to show the thoughts and emotions we all have inside. Find the Art Cart on the Plaza outside and pick up colorful materials to get creative. Head inside, too, and explore the exhibits — and to cool off!

SummerFest
Where: Olney Theatre Center | Olney, MD
When: Saturday, 1-6pm
Admission: Free

Olney Theatre is winding down the summer season with free activities and performances happening all day. There will be backstage tours; Irish, Thai, Persian, and folk dancing; all kinds of musical performances; a book sale, food trucks, outdoor games, and an artist marketplace. All are welcome to join the fun!

Nats vs Marlins
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $13

The Nats are hosting the Marlins all weekend. Catch a game on Friday at 7:05pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There will be a mug giveaway on Friday, and kids can run the bases after the game on Sunday. Be sure to check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Hike & Hang
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission: Varies by place

There’s a link to a round-up of family hikes above, but sometimes it’s better to plan a hike around the après hike destination, places where you can relax and enjoy food and drinks, the kids can play, and the scenery adds to the enjoyment. A few awesome combos for that, where you can hike and hang: Patuxent River State Park and Waredaca BrewerySky Meadows State Park and Barrel Oak WinerySugarloaf Mountain and The Comus Inn or Sugarloaf Mountain VineyardGreat Falls (MD side) and The Old Angler’s InnPatapsco Valley State Park and the Guinness Brewery.

Merriment Galore
Where: Maryland Renaissance Festival | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $24/adults, $21/seniors, $12/7-15, 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.

Summer at the Reach
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

It’s the last weekend for the Kennedy Center’s summer series,  where you can enjoy free programming at the The REACH. On Friday evening, see a screening of the documentary Washington Jazz and Art Institute: In Their Own Words at sundown. On Saturday from 1-5pm Step Afrika will be there for a demo performance and a class (3pm). Then from 6-11pm, enjoy happy hour with DJs, dancing, and lawn games. And the Moonshot Studio will be open with artsy fun for all on Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm.

Maryland State Fair
Where: Timonium Fairgrounds | Timonium-Lutherville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $5-10 (rides, games, etc. are extra)

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 7-10.

Labor Day Weekend Festivities
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free

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. On Sunday and Monday, you can also enjoy the Social Dance Showcase, with live music and a variety of different dance styles. There will be short beginner lessons at the start of each dance, and all dances are open to people of all skill level. No partner required.

DC United vs Chicago
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $27

Kick it at a DC United match as they host Chicago on Saturday evening. Audi Field is a great stadium with excellent views of the action on the field as well as the city skyline. I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood, grab dinner at one of the many eateries (El BebeThe Salt Line, and All Purpose are my top recs), then walk from there.

Joe Holiday Family Magic Show
Where: Capital Hilton | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 1-1:50pm
Admission: $10
Bring the whole family to watch as magician and illusionist, Joe Holiday, puts on an incredible fun-filled family magic show. Holiday is an expert at keeping the kids laughing and the adults amazed. Individuals of all ages are welcome at this show. And note that this is part of the DC Festival of Magic, a weekend showcasing the best magicians from all over the country. There will be even more performances geared toward adults — check them out here.

The Spirit of Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission:Tickets start at $15

The Washington Spirit are hosting the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday evening. Enjoy some amazing soccer play — and a fun, action-packed chance to support women in sports. While you’re there, you can  stop by the Community Corner in the southwest corner of the stadium to learn more about local organizations and businesses from Wards 6, 7, and 8. Purchase match tickets here.

How ‘Bout Them Apples?
Where: Farms & orchards around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

The apple picking season is underway! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. This list of area farms and orchards offering pick-your-own opportunities has details on where you can harvest them. I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the fruits are available the day you plan to go.

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 as they perform classics by John Williams, Duke Ellington, Florence Price, Johannes Brahms along with modern masterworks by today’s most prolific composers. The concert also features Grammy winner Sharon Isbin, the first guitarist to be named Musical America’s Instrumentalist of the Year. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and if the show is at 8pm is too late, you can 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.

Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum

Hot days this weekend will make it a great time to do some indoor exploring, maybe at a not-so-well-known place.  If you don’t veer from the well trodden path of the National Mall now and then, you could miss out on some amazing museum exhibits and experiences. Check out this round-up of some these places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s still time to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free music lesson and more with International School of Music!
* Adventure Theatre is offering KFDC readers a discount on fall class, plus a chance to save on new shows!
* A fun way to discover Dupont Circle (and other parts of the city).
* The Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian is closing for renovations from September 5 – late spring 2024.
* The Kennedy Center is launching a ”Thank an Arts Teacher” campaign this September, and you can share your story.
* For peops with pups, Eater rounded up the top dog-friendly patios around DC.
* Just took advantage of J. Crew’s awesome Labor Day Sale and got this dress for a lot less than when I first mentioned it here. (Use code SHOPNOW.)
* Boden also has a great sale now — 30% off everything, including the cutest girls and boys clothes (and women’s, too).
* Ideas for a Labor Day menu.
* For real.

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Filed under 2023, DC, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Five Things: August 31, 2022

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden interviewing author Jacqueline Woodson at a past National Book Festival

 

1. The annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is this Saturday, September 3!  Book enthusiasts young and old come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances. It’s always a wonderful event, and I highly recommend going if you can.   It’s a good idea to plan ahead if there are any authors you really want to see, so take a look at the complete list of them as well as the schedule — most presentations are first come-first served, and people do line up early to get seats. The Festival runs 9am – 8pm, and doors open at 8:30am.  Admission to all of it is free, but books and more items will be for sale.

 

2. This Saturday, September 3, is also National Cinema Day, and many theaters are celebrating with $3 tickets just for that day. See what’s playing and reserve your tickets before they sell out.

 

3. I strongly suggest listening to yesterday’s episode of The Daily about the adolescent metal health crisis. (Today’s about the Parkland students four years later is very compelling, too.)

 

4. Some Labor Day sales to check out: Target, Backcountry, Tea Collection, Best Buy, Gap.

 

5. QUEEN. (A reminder/recommendation to watch tonight + read this essay if you haven’t yet.)

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The 2019 Library of Congress National Book Festival is this Saturday!


I have to admit, this one snuck up on me! But if you’re going to be in town this holiday weekend and have some bookworms in your crew, plan for one of DC’s biggest, most anticipated annual events on Saturday: The 19th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival!

Book enthusiasts young and old come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances. It’s always a wonderful event, and I highly recommend going if you can.

All genres are represented on stages throughout the festival — Children, Teens, Contemporary Life, Thrillers & Fantasy, Fiction, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Graphic Novels — where readings, presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more exciting experiences for guests will take place. And a Book Sales area gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors.

Browse the books for sale (and maybe have it signed, too!)

If your kids love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there. Jon Scieszka, Holly Black, Jon Klassen, Ngozi Ukazu, Adam Rubin, and Henry Louis Gates Jr. are just a few of them. Young readers will also be able to enjoy an array of fun and exciting activities on the Expo Floor, from the Parade of States where they can learn about each state’s literary heritage and collect a stamp to story times to poetry slams to activities from the soon-to-open Planet Word Museum, and much more.

Of course, there’s bound to be an author — or several — that parents will be excited about, too. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Chef José Andrés, David Brooks, Raina Telgemeier, David McCullough, and Michael Beschloss will be featured on the Main Stage. And acclaimed writers Barbara Kingsolver, Joyce Carol Oates, Sigrid Nunez, Richard Powers, and Rebecca Makkai are among the many that will also be presenting.

Have a look for yourself at the complete list and start planning your National Book Festival experience. Most presentations are first come, first served — and people do line up early to get seats, so plan accordingly.

Booking it to last year’s Festival 🙂



The 2019 Library of Congress National Book Festival
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, August 31, 9am – 8pm
Admission: FREE

* Download the Festival App to help you make the most of the event.

* Information on getting there and parking is available here.

* You can read about one of our past visits when it was still held on the National Mall — including an interview with Magic Treehouse author Mary Pope Osborne! — here.


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Filed under 2019, All ages, Annual, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Special Event, Summer, Weekend

This Saturday is the 2018 Library of Congress National Book Festival!



If you’re going to be in town this holiday weekend — and especially if you’ve got some bookworms in your crew — plan for one of DC’s biggest, most anticipated annual events on Saturday: The 18th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival!

Book enthusiasts young and old come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances.

All genres are represented on stages throughout the festival — Children, Teens, Contemporary Life, Thrillers & Fantasy, Fiction, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Graphic Novels — where readings, presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more exciting experiences for guests will take place. And a Book Sales area gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors.

If your children love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there. Kate DiCamillo, Jason Reynolds, Danica McKellar, and David Ezra Stein are just a few of many. Kids will also be able to enjoy an array of fun and exciting activities on the Expo Floor, from the Parade of States where they can learn about each state’s literary heritage and collect a stamp to special story times to poetry slams to National Geographic’s Explorer Academy, and much more.

Of course, there’s bound to be an author — or several — that parents will be excited about, too. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will launch her first book, Turning Pages, at the festival. Best selling authors Isabel Allende, Dave Eggers and Amy Tan; former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; and Pulitzer Prize-winning historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jon Meacham will be featured on the Main Stage. And acclaimed writers Jeffrey Eugenides, Annie Proulx, Ron Chernow, Richard Russo, Celeste Ng, and Tara Westover are among the many that will be presenting.

Have a look for yourself at the complete list and start planning your National Book Festival experience. Most presentations are first come, first served — and people do line up early to get seats, so plan accordingly.

The 2018 Library of Congress National Book Festival
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, September 1, 9am – 7:30pm (doors open 8:30am)
Admission: FREE

*Information on getting there and parking is available here.

*You can read about one of our past visits when it was still held on the National Mall — including an interview with Magic Treehouse author Mary Pope Osborne! — here.


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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Special Event, Summer, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: September 1-4

Labor Day adventure in the trees, a perfect last hurrah of summer



Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but we’ve got an extra day and lots of great options for fun to squeeze the last bit of juice out of the season. Happy Weekend!

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, concerts and movies under the stars, special museum programs among them. If you’re hoping to get in one final jazz show in the Sculpture Garden, check out the Building Museum’s HIVE, take the kids to the Newseum for free, see the fairy houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, or jump in at an outdoor public pool, then check out the 2017 Summer Guide, which has details on all of these diversions, plus many more.

National Book Festival
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Square, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 7:30pm
Admission: Free

Call all bookworms! The 17th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival will feature more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators from every literary genre. Even better, they will all be there presenting book readings, talks, Q&A’s, book signings, and more. These will take place along with lots of other reading-related activities for all ages.

Celebration of Textiles
Where: Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free

All ages are invited to explore the art of recycling at the 38th Annual Celebration of Textiles! Try your hand at weaving with recycled materials, watch local fiber artists at work, enjoy live music and dance, and explore the ingenious fashions on display in the exhibition Scraps: Fashion, Textiles, and Creative Reuse. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic museum that is usually a bit mature for young children.

Merriment Galore!
Where: Maryland Renaissance Festival | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $19/adults, $17/seniors, $8/7-15, 6 & under/free

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, fire eaters and sword swallowers, juggling acts, Celtic music, and much more — walking among knights, maidens, pirates, and villagers in puffy shirts 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 (well, maybe not the mead).

Page-to-Stage Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 10:30am – 11:30pm
Admission: Free

More than 60 theater companies will present readings and rehearsals of plays and musicals during the 16th annual Page-to-Stage Festival — all free and open to the public. Several performances are family-friendly, including Outside The Lines: a Play-shop with Arts on the Horizon, Adventure Theatre’s Tinker Bell, and The Misadventures of the Not So Super Superheros by City Kids Theatre. Plus, there are many more for older kids and adults. See the schedule for details and the full list of shows. And note that while tickets are not required, seating is limited.

Apple Gala & Cider Fest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child

September 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, picking, donuts, and more. Of course, the farm’s five-acre play area will be open for fun and amusement, too!

Escape Velocity
Where: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel | Woodley Park, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $25-100/adult, $10/age 11-16, free/10 & under

Pop culture meets science at this convention presented by the Museum of Science Fiction. Expect cutting-edge technology and panels on science and pop culture, hands-on STEAM activities for kids, cosplay and evening events for adults, plus astronauts, authors, artists, gaming, drone-racing, and more. There’s plenty that appeals to all ages.

Labor Day Weekend Festivities
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free

It’s an exciting weekend at Glen Echo. Along with the 47th Annual Labor Day Art Show throughout the weekend, there will be an Open House to check out all kinds of art classes on Saturday, and the 11th annual Irish Music and Dance Showcase on Monday. The public is welcome to enjoy all of it for free!

DC Veg Fest
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Bring the kids to the largest celebration of vegetarian and vegan living in the area. DC VegFest is a full day of delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine, cooking demos, music, and more. A Kids Zone will feature storytime, yoga, Ask-A-Vegan Parent, kid-friendly cooking demos, and music. Attendees will enjoy free food samples along with tasty vegan cuisine from food vendors.

PLAY-RAH-KA: Big Fish
Where: Keegan Theatre
When: Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $45-55

Catch a special family-friendly perforamnce of Keegan Theatre’s latest production that centers on a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. (FYI: You can also see a grown-up version other days through September 9.) The theatre’s PLAY-RAH-KA program offers both theatrical experiences for families and creative exploration that helps empower young people and emerging artists to find their authentic voices.

hiSTORY Time
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free

Join the museum for this special program for early learners ages 0-6. The 1st and 3rd Saturdays in September are all about farming. Bring your child to hear a story about their favorite farm animals, build their own farm, and see a tractor in the collection. The story will be read at 11am and 11:30am.

Family Movie Time
Where: Arlington Cinema Drafthouse | Arlington, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by show

The whole gang can enjoy some entertainment at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse this weekend. See a screening of the super cute Despicable Me 3 (Saturday @ 12:30pm, Sunday @ 1pm, & Monday @ 1:30pm). Or watch the amazing Wonder Woman (Saturday @ 3pm, Sunday @ 7pm, & Monday @ 7:30pm).

Brews and Pony Rides
Where: Waredaca Brewing Company | Laytonsville, MD
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free ($5/ride)

Parents can sample craft beers, and kids can have fun, too! There will be a great pony for everyone to pet and for kids to take a ride around the orchard. Be aware that this is weather dependent, and parents must be present and sign a waiver.

Mini Golf Pop-Up
Where: Shops at Penn Hill | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12pm – 8pm & Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Admission: $3/person or $10/group of 4

Grab a putter and putt away at the Penn Hill Mini Golf Pop-Up! Every weekend through Columbus Day, The Shops at Penn Hill bring a fun, family friendly, artist-designed nine-hole course to Southeast, DC. The unique site produced by Building Creative is part art exhibit, part interactive entertainment. Built for the community, each hole is individually designed and built by local artists, taking an unconventional approach combining contemporary installation with leisurely recreation. After the game, players can vote on their favorite design, play their favorite lawn games, and grab a bite from local food trucks.

Labor Day Zip & Climb
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Monday
Admission:

End summer with some adventure! Bring the families and a picnic to the park for a day in the trees before fall arrives! They’ll have a day of music as you navigate the ropes courses and have a blast. (It’s open the rest of the weekend, just without the tunes.)

Virginia Scottish Games
Where: The Plains, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Admission: $20adults, $5/ages 5-12, free for 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. Festival gates will close at 6pm both days, but Saturday’s concert will continue until 9pm. And children under 12 are free on Sunday!

Arrrgh, Mateys!
Where: Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake | Annapolis, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $22, $12/ages 2 and under

Set sail on the high seas in Annapolis for a jolly good adventure. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake takes little buccaneers on a search for buried treasure. Several time slots are available throughout the day, and admission includes face painting and dress up along with the on board fun. And police, fire fighters and teachers get a 20% discount with valid ID over Labor Day weekend. Read about one of our experiences on the adventure.

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 continues its annual Labor Day Weekend tradition with a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Aoife O’Donovan joins the National Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor John Morris Russell this year. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and if the 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 Kennedy Center Concert Hall (and there will be no rehearsal). You can call the NSO Summer Concert Hotline at 202.416.8114 after 2:30pm for updates.

Labor Day Parades
Where: Around the DMV
When: Monday
Admission: Free

For some holiday pageantry on Monday, head to Maryland — both Gaithersburg and Kensington celebrate with Labor Day parades. The 79-year tradition in Gaithersburg will include fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, and clowns in its procession through Olde Towne. Kensington is hosting its 50th 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.

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse

Enjoy the weekend on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also paddle from nearby Thompson Boathouse and Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45. If you’re up for a bigger excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island. And you can see where else you can explore by water in this round-up of great places to go with the flow.

Weather or Not
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

The forecast calls for both sunshine and rain (who’s got Rob Base playing in their head now?), so if you want to plan your activities accordingly, keep these two posts bookmarked:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

**MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW**
* This New York Times article has good information on how to help Hurricane Harvey victims.
* And the Washington Post has a piece on local bars and restaurants hosting fundraisers to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts.
* Prince George’s Public Schools offers Creative Kids Days, all-day structured art classes when students have days off from school. Get more info and register for October 20 & November 10 here.
* DC Baby’s 6-week Fall Session begins September 21. The program offers new moms and their babies a supportive place to connect, learn, and build community.
* District Winery just opened. Clink!

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