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Celebrate summer’s last big weekend Aug. 30-Sept. 2 with free events, outdoor activities and cultural experiences in the nation's capital.
Washington, DC’s star-studded jazz history reigns on with the DC JazzFest, an annual showcase of national and local musicians taking place this Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. This can't-miss event is the District's premier jazz festival, serving up a diverse selection of national and international masterclass artists at venues all over the city. Many of the concerts are free. Read up on the many other reasons why you should attend the musical celebration.
Take advantage of the waning days of summer and head to one of the many waterfronts in and around the District. Make a splash with plenty of family-friendly outdoor water activities to choose from, including kayak and paddleboard rentals, grabbing a meal and enjoying gorgeous on-the-water scenery.
The National Symphony Orchestra's free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, Sept. 1. The performance is free to attend and tickets are not required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
DC’s outdoor offerings turn the city into a summertime playground. There’s the 1,700+ acres of Rock Creek Park, the Capitol Columns at the scenic U.S. National Arboretum and the neoclassical beauty of Malcolm X Park, among many others. You can also check out the gorgeous gardens of Tudor Place.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and its thousands of animal species make it ideal for a Labor Day weekend excursion. Make sure you secure a timed entry pass beforehand.
The National Mall is America’s front yard, where the past, present and future come together. The monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the strikingly detailed Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the World War II Memorial, honor American forefathers and heroes in majestic fashion. Visiting the Mall is an ideal way to pay tribute on Labor Day weekend.
Visit the International Spy Museum in L’Enfant Plaza to discover the ins and outs of the espionage trade, from gadgets to strategies to costumes. During your visit, kids will love the Undercover Mission, which allows you to hone your spy skills while exploring the incredibly interactive museum.
Many of DC’s beer gardens, patios and rooftop restaurants offer great views, wonderful atmosphere and cocktails, making for dining experiences that you can savor during the holiday weekend.
The O Museum in the Mansion is an only-in-DC spectacle, with 100 rooms inside the mansion and 70 secret doors that offer surprises at every step.
Head to Virginia to spend a day at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s former estate that also features a museum. With a panoramic view of the Potomac River, choose from a tour of the Mansion, Gardens, the Tombs or the Distillery and Gristmill. Start your visit in the Ford Orientation Center to see a film, and then plan your day with the help of the living history guides.
Back at the Capital Hilton for a fourth year, the DC Festival of Magic brings together the best magicians in the Mid-Atlantic region for three nights of Labor Day weekend entertainment that will make your head spin.
The Washington Nationals take on the Chicago Cubs from Friday through Sunday on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate the holiday by watching CJ Abrams and the boys take on one of the most historic franchises in baseball. Note that on Saturday, after the game, EDM sensation Two Friends will perform on the field. On Sunday (Aug. 31), the Nats are giving away a CJ Abrams Streetwear Bobblehead to the first 20,000 fans that arrive. Check the Nats' website for ticket availability and note that you can save up to 20% on your purchase with the code VISITDC.
Celebrate Labor Day weekend with a trip to DC, where numerous hotels offer special discounts and packages in honor of the end-of-summer holiday. Whatever your weekend schedule may look like, options are available for a wide range of preferences and budgets. Some exclusive deals provide convenient access to The Wharf, host of DC JazzFest.
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