We’re taking the work out of making your Labor Day weekend plans. Close out your summer in Washington, DC with the best activities, events and things to do. Here are a few ways to make the weekend a memorable one.
Take in DC JazzFest
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.
Attend the National Symphony Orchestra’s Free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
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.
Take a stroll through a DC park
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.
Visit the Zoo
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.
Make monumental memories
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.
Savor a meal outdoors
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.
Take a journey through the O Museum in the Mansion
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.
Make the trip to the historic Mount Vernon
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.
Be amazed at the DC Festival of Magic
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.
Enjoy some Major League Baseball at Nationals Park
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.