Summer is coming to an end. The school year is starting again and pumpkin spice is beginning to sneak its way back into almost everything, so Fall must be around the corner (Fall officially begins on September 22nd).
Many DC neighborhoods are hosting festivals celebrating what makes their communities special. There are also several opportunities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. As the summer comes to a close, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun for ideas on how to make the most of what is left of the season. We hope you find many ways to enjoy time with your family as the summer comes to an end.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 23 – October 19
Annapolis, MD
This annual festival, which draws huge crowds every year, will transport you back to 1539. You will wander among knights, princesses, fairies, minstrels, and more at this craft show/festival/cosplay opportunity. Visitors will be entertained by over 200 performers. There is fair food and ale. Little ones can play in the children’s area that includes a pirate ship. Tickets are required and advance purchase is suggested. Refer to the event website for all sorts of information that will make your experience more enjoyable.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
August 29 – September 1
Roosevelt Center
Greenbelt, MD
For over 70 years, the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival has delighted adults and kids of all ages. Attendees will be able to enjoy the annual parade, carnival games, craft fair, musical performances, and Bingo. Those with a competitive spirit can take part in a variety of competitions including corn hole, table tennis tournament, pie eating contest, and much more. Please check the website for an updated schedule and its Facebook page for the most up to date information.
Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival
September 1
Kensington, MD
This annual Labor Day celebration includes a parade with loads of entertaining acts such as marching bands, floats, equestrian show groups and more. Visitors to the festival will enjoy the food and drink vendors and other family-friendly activities along Armory Avenue. The parade and festival will both kick off at 10am. Check out the festival website for more information.
National Book Festival
September 6
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
The 25th Annual National Book Festival will bring over 85 of this nation’s best authors, poets, and illustrators together in this celebration of reading and books. This year’s featured authors are R.L. Stine, Geena Davis, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and Ron Chernow. Check out the website for a schedule of speakers and other programming. There will loads of activities for children. This event is FREE to attend.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
September 6
Gateway Park
Arlington, VA
Come out and enjoy a day of incredible music at this FREE annual festival. Bring a blanket, some chairs, the kids, and even the family dog! Don’t forget to order food from a nearby restaurant in Rosslyn to enjoy. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be for sale at the event.
DC State Fair
September 6
Bryant Street NE
Washington, DC
Celebrate all things DC at its FREE state fair. Enjoy live performances while you munch on tasty food from local vendors. Purchase fun items from local makers and cheer on your kids while they take part in various children’s activities. Participate in over 30 contests, including Tastiest Mumbo Sauce or Top Photographer, as well as some contests for kids’ art.
Celebration of Textiles Family Festival
September 6
The Textile Museum
Washington, DC
This FREE family-friendly event allows attendees the opportunity watch artists demonstrating textile traditions from all around the world, including lacemaking, Chinese embroidery, West African indigo, Indian woodblock printing, and more. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day, including traditional Bolivian dancing, a scavenger hunt, and a visit from some furry farm friends from Leesburg Animal Park. This event is FREE and does not require registration.
A Day of Women in Sports
September 6
The Wharf
Washington, DC
This FREE family-friendly event is an annual celebration of the growing power of women in sports. Listen to the Legends & Legacy panel hosted by Jemele Hill, an award-winning journalist. She will lead discussions featuring star athletes, Olympians, and sports industry leaders. There will be a number of hands-on activities such as mini-golf, a golf swing simulator, and an opportunity to have the speed of your tennis swing recorded. And stick around to watch the US Open Women’s Final on the Transit Pier jumbo screen.
DC Bike Ride
September 6
West Potomac Park (Starting Line)
Washington, DC
If your family enjoys biking together, you’re sure to enjoy this unique opportunity to bike 20 miles of car-free DC streets. The route will take riders past our area’s iconic monuments and also offer stops along the way to enjoy food and live music. Riders age three and over and those of all riding abilities are welcome. Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry! You can rent a bike and helmet to participate in the event. Participants can continue the celebration after the ride at the Finish Festival. The Festival will be held in front of the U.S. Capitol and offer live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Takoma Park Folk Festival
September 7
Takoma Park Middle School
Takoma Park, MD
This FREE annual event, organized by volunteers, celebrates folk music and the arts. There will be quite a lineup for the festival’s six stages. There will also be over 40 crafters to browse and kids activities. Check the event website for a schedule of performers and additional event updates.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: Community Day
September 7 & 10
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, DC
The National Museum of Women in the Arts opens up its gallery space for FREE on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month. Bring the whole family to explore this beautiful museum celebrating and encouraging women in the arts. There will be art-making activities and tours of collection highlights at 2pm. While admission is FREE on these days, you must register online in advance.
Washington Ukrainian Festival
September 12 – 14
St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
Silver Spring, MD
Celebrate Ukrainian culture at the 22nd annual Washington Ukrainian Festival. Over three days, attendees will enjoy Ukrainian food, dance, crafts, and artists. And don’t miss the kids activities or the Kozak beer garden! Admission is FREE on Friday, but guests 21 years old or more must pay for admission on Saturday and Sunday. See website for details.
September 13 – 14
Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
Discover the 18th century at the annual Colonial Market & Fair. Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field will be filled with the sights and sounds of the marketplace. Attendees will be able to interact with a variety of colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. There will also be colonial music, crafting, and more fun for the whole family. Admission to the Colonial Market & Fair is included in admission to the Estate. Tickets are available online. Children age 0-5 are FREE.
Joint Base Andrews Air Show
September 13 – 14
Joint Base Andrews
Camp Springs, Maryland
This thrilling, thundering air show is back with military and civilian aerial demonstrations (including the USAF Thunderbirds), static displays, a STEAM expo, and performances by the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard. Attendees will learn about aviation’s past and its newest, cutting-edge technology. General admission is FREE, but tickets for Premium Seating and VIP experiences are available for purchase. Check out ticket options here.
Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
September 13 – 14
John Carlyle Square
Alexandria, VA
This annual art festival is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine. For the 23rd year, attendees will be able to peruse juried art from gifted artists from all over the country. Check out the event website for a list of scheduled exhibitors. Admission is FREE.
Adams Morgan Day
September 14
Adams Morgan Neighborhood
Washington, DC
For 47 years, the Adams Morgan Day festival has highlighted the history and the diverse and creative cultures of the neighborhood. It is a family-friendly celebration with music, art, and activities for all ages. Attendance and entertainment are FREE. The festival’s diverse music lineup is always phenomenal and the “Family Fun Zone” offers activities that kids will especially enjoy. Additionally, families can watch and participate in demonstrations of dance styles from around the world at Dance Plaza.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
September 17 – October 12
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
This charming production brings several beloved stories written by Eric Carle to life through exciting storytelling and “larger-than-life” puppets. This popular show sold out during its 2023 run, so get tickets online soon! It is geared for kids age 2 to 6. Please take note of the ASL Interpretation on September 27th and the Sensory Friendly show on September 28th.
Back to the Yards
September 19
The Yards
Washington, DC
This FREE celebration of all things 80s is back this year with totally tubular activities and entertainment. Show your kids who is boss when you dominate retro arcade and board games. Cheer on breakdancing performances. There will also be arts and crafts, a photo booth, a DJ, and more. Reserve your tickets online.
H Street Festival
September 20
H Street NE (between 3rd and 15th Streets last year)
Washington, DC
For 20 years, this neighborhood festival has gotten more popular each year. Attendees can expect to see a variety of music, dance, youth performers, poets, and fashion shows as they wander the 12 blocks of the festival. There are usually a lot of food options, art vendors, and informational booths. In previous years, there have been children’s music performers, bounce houses, and more family-friendly activities. Check the website for this FREE event for more information as it is updated.
Homecoming 2025
September 20
President Lincoln’s Cottage
Washington, DC
Spend a day of family fun at the cottage that the Lincoln family called home during the Civil War. During this Homecoming celebration, families will enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, music (including the fun, family-friendly Kidsinger Jim Puppet Show) and much more. This event is FREE, but guests must purchase tickets for a tour of the Cottage. It is recommended that you purchase these tickets in advance.
Marimba Melodies
September 20 – 21
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Head to the National Museum of the American Indian for this multi-day celebration of traditional Guatamalan music. Enjoy the music of the marimba during one of the three performances on Saturday and three on Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to sit and listen to the performance, or feel free to get up and dance!
The Princess Bride in Concert
September 23 – 24
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
Experience the classic film, The Princess Bride, in a new and captivating way. The National Symphony Orchestra will play the movie’s score live while audiences laugh and cheer on Buttercup, Westley, Iñigo, and Fezzik as this romance/comedy/adventure story unfolds. Tickets can be purchased online.
Clarendon Day
September 27
Clarendon Metro Park (8 blocks of Wilson Blvd.)
Arlington, VA
From 11am until 6pm, Wilson Blvd. in the Clarendon neighborhood will be closed down for this community celebration. Enjoy live music throughout the day and a Kids Zone with fun inflatable attractions, crafts, animal balloons, and more. And of course there will be food, arts, crafts, and more available for purchase from loads of vendors.
Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival
September 27
National Portrait Gallery
Washington, DC
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the National Portrait Gallery is once again teaming up with renowned children’s book publisher, Lil’ Libros, to host this bilingual event. Visitors will enjoy story times, book signings, live entertainment, and gallery tours. This event is FREE to attend, but registration is encouraged.
Lowriding Family Festival
September 27
National Mall (near American History Museum)
Washington, DC
The American History Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino are co-hosting this festival celebrating the new museum exhibition, Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture. There will be many family-friendly activities, live music, screenings of documentaries, and insights from an expert panel about the art, technological innovation, and storytelling of lowriding culture. Local clubs will be there to show off their lowrider cars and bikes.
Fiesta DC Festival and Parade
September 27 – 28
Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd and 7th Streets (Festival)
Constitution Ave NW (Sunday Parade)
Washington, DC
Fiesta DC has been celebrating Latino culture for over 50 years. This family-friendly annual celebration will feature the Fiesta DC Festival on both Saturday and Sunday. The festival will include entertainment, food vendors, and educational and community information. On Sunday, the “Parade of Nations” will include Native Latino cultural dance troupes as well as civic organizations, schools, and performers. Check out the website for a schedule of performers.
Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival
September 28
Marian Fryer Town Plaza
Wheaton, MD
This annual parade and festival celebrates the arts community in Wheaton with an energetic parade filled with marching bands, dance troupes, performance artists, and visual artists. Following the parade, stick around to enjoy the festival which includes three performance stages and many artists’ exhibition booths. Support local artists by purchasing some of their original work!
