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). This month, we can enjoy a prolonged summer at a few festivals and Labor Day celebrations.
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 24 – October 20
Annapolis, MD
This annual festival, which draws huge crowds every year, will transport you back to 1537. 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.
DC Jazz Festival
August 28 – September 1
Various Locations
Washington, DC
Celebrate the art of jazz over Labor Day weekend. A variety of venues in the area will host over 100 concerts throughout the Festival. The Wharf DC will host DC Jazz Fest on August 31st and September 1st. This event will include a hugely entertaining lineup on multiple indoor and outdoor stages. Check out the website for schedules and ticketing information.
DC Festival of Magic
August 30 – September 1
Capital Hilton
Washington, DC
The 4th Annual DC Festival of Magic will bring five of the best magician performances from across the country to dazzle DC audiences over Labor Day weekend. Tickets can be purchased online. Please note that all performances are for audiences 15 years of age and older, except for magician Chris Capehart’s Family Shows on September 1st (for ages 4 and up).
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
August 30 – September 2
Roosevelt Center
Greenbelt, MD
For 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.
National Symphony Orchestra: Labor Day Concert
September 1
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual Labor Day Concert will once again entertain folks on West Lawn of the Capitol. The concert is FREE and no ticket is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: Community Day
September 1
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, DC
The National Museum of Women in the Arts opens up its recently improved 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 11am and 2pm. While admission is FREE on these days, you must register online in advance.
Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival
September 2
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.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
September 2
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 7
Franklin Park
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.
Celebration of Textiles Family Festival
September 7
The Textile Museum
Washington, DC
This FREE family-friendly event allows attendees the opportunity watch artists demonstrating weaving, spinning, and lacemaking. The Silk Road Dance Company will also perform exciting Kurdish, Uzbek, Afghan, and Tajik dances. You and your little ones will also be able view silkworms in their various stage of development. This event does not require registration.
DC Bike Ride
September 7
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.
Playtime Project
September 7 from 2-7pm
Union Market, 1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002
Playtime Project, a nonprofit that offers transformative play experiences for children experiencing family housing insecurity in D.C. and Prince George’s County, is having a fun event! Head to The Plaza behind Union Market for a Market Madness table tennis tournament. Hosted in collaboration with@dcfray, @unionmarketdc, and Playtime Project. Proceeds from this event will support Playtime’s work.
Takoma Park Folk Festival
September 8
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.
Adams Morgan Day
September 8
Adams Morgan Neighborhood
Washington, DC
For 46 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.
Washington Ukrainian Festival
September 13 – 15
St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
Silver Spring, MD
Celebrate Ukrainian culture at the 21st 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.
Celebrate Petworth
September 14
800 Block of Upshur Street NW
Washington, DC
A group of volunteer residents organizes this FREE festival which celebrates “the creativity, diversity, culture, and people of Petworth and its surrounding neighborhoods.” In addition to music, food, and games, attendees can enjoy a dog show! There will be a Kids Zone hosting a full day of family-friendly activities and music. Check out the event website for a full schedule of events.
September 14 – 15
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.
Hecho en México
September 14 – 15
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Head to the National Museum of the American Indian for this multi-day celebration of Mexican artisans. Hecho en México, which translates to Made in Mexico, gives guests the opportunity to observe the methods of a celebrated sculpter, a papel picado artist, and an artist who works in the Huichol art of yarn painting.
Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
September 14 – 15
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 22nd 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.
Winnie-the-Pooh
September 18 – October 27
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
The beloved stories of A.A. Milne will be brought to the stage in this charming musical production. Join Pooh and his friends as they get into adventures in the 100 Acre Wood. The production is just over an hour long is is geared for kids age 3 and up. Tickets available online.
H Street Festival
September 21
H Street NE (between 3rd and 15th Streets)
Washington, DC
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 will also be 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 2023
September 21
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 an energizing performance by Rocknoceros!) 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.
Chuseok Family Festival
September 21
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
Washington, DC
Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea. Take the whole family to the National Museum of Asian Art to learn about this important tradition through special performances, crafts, cooking demos, a scavenger hunt, and much more. Please note that this is a FREE event, but registration is recommended and some activities will have a limited capacity and entrance will be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis.
PanaFest: Pan African Festival USA
September 21
Silver Spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza
Silver Spring, MD
This annual celebration of African heritage is back at the Civic Center at Veterans Plaza. It is the culmination of a number of events promoting African heritage in Montgomery County throughout the month of September. Attendees will be treated to live performances, arts and crafts, African cuisine, and African fashion. This event is FREE to attend.
Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival
September 28
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. Latinx heroes will be explored through Gallery portraits and the Lil’ Libros book series, The Life of / La Vida de. This event is FREE to attend, but registration is encouraged.
Fiesta DC Festival and Parade
September 28 – 29
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 29
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!
