Your D.C. weekend: Labor Day fun, plus jazz and magic festivals
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A jazz trumpeter performs during last year's jazz fest. Photo: Shannon Finney/Getty Images
Don't get the "see ya, summer" sads: There are plenty of ways to take advantage of Labor Day weekend around D.C.
Why it matters: It's the last gasp of August and a three-day weekend — meaning more time to pack it all in before we go full PSL/"Gilmore Girls"/chunky sweater season.
State of play: If you're feeling the classic Americana vibes, head to National Harbor Saturday to catch a free performance by the U.S. Navy Band's Sea Chanters during its Salute the Sunset Concert Series. BYOBAF — bring your own blanket and food. (7pm)
- The National Symphony Orchestra will also host its free annual Labor Day weekend concert Sunday on the Capitol's West Lawn. (8pm)
🎉 What about a parade? Gaithersburg will say TTYL to summer on Monday via its annual parade — marching bands! antique cars! — followed by a block party with food, music and inflatables. (Parade starts at 10am)
- Kensington will also get in on the fun with its own parade featuring vendors, food, tunes, brews and vino, and bounce houses. (Parade starts at 10am)
🍽️ If long-weekend nomming is more your style, D.C. restaurant week is now extended through Sunday, and you can also get your grub on at Alexandria's and Fairfax's restaurant weeks, also ending Sunday.
🏊 And don't forget: D.C. public pools close Monday, so go doggie paddle while you can.
More fun things to do this weekend:
🎶 Get jazzy at D.C. Jazzfest, running through Sunday at various locations across the District. Saturday and Sunday, catch live music across the Wharf as part of the festival. (Free to attend Wharf portion, though some individual performances require tickets)
🎤 Stick around Nats Park Friday after the home team takes on the Tampa Bay Rays for a post-game concert featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti. (Baseball ticket prices vary; subsequent concert attendance is free)
💫 Wands up! The D.C. Festival of Magic will bring a line-up of performing magicians and illusionists to the Capital Hilton Friday through Sunday. (Ticket prices vary)
🎨 Glen Echo Park will host its annual Labor Day Art Show Saturday through Monday — featuring pieces from over 400 artists, including jewelry, furniture, paintings and sculptures. ($10 donation suggested)
🪩 Sunday, it's Afro Plus Fest at the RFK Festival Grounds. Swing by for live hip-hop, Afrobeats and dancehall performances, food vendors, and tons of Black-owned brands at the marketplace. (Tickets are $116 for one, $105 each for two)
🚗 Start your engines: It's Fairfax's annual Labor Day Car Show on Monday, where you can peep hundreds of fancy and antique rides. (Free, though a donation is encouraged)