September in the DMV offers plenty of opportunities to get out, explore and enjoy the changing season — all without spending a dime. From cultural festivals and live music to museum visits and community celebrations, there’s something for every age and interest. Here’s a roundup of the best free things to do this month in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Smithsonian Museums
It’s never a bad choice to visit the Smithsonian museums in DC. They’re a great opportunity to learn while having fun, whether your interest is animals, history, technology or something else.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
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Sept. 1. The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival features a parade, carnival games and rides, live music and entertainment and more.
Location: 101 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD
National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert
Sept. 4. This free-to-attend weekend concert takes place on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Experience covers of favorites by Gladys Knight, Joni Mitchell and more.
Location: East Capitol Street and 1st Street NE, Washington, DC
Library of Congress National Book Festival
Sept. 6. The National Book Festival takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Guests include bestselling authors and novelists like R.L. Stine, Ron Chernow and Maggie Su.
Location: 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC
Reggae on the Lake 2025
Sept. 6. Reston Community Center and Fairfax County present this family-friendly festival. Immerse yourself in Jamaican music, food and beverages. Additionally, there will be fun activities for kids, including games, face painting, balloon art, crafts and more.
Location: 1609 Washington Plaza, North Reston, VA
DC State Fair
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Sept. 6. The DC State Fair celebrates local culinary, gardening, crafts and artistry talents and creations.
Location: 680 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, DC
Takoma Park Folk Festival
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Sept. 7. This family-friendly music and arts festival will feature live musical performances, artisans and a juried craft show, community tables and a parade.
Location: 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, MD
Reston Multicultural Festival
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Sept. 20. Reston Community Center presents the Reston Multicultural Festival, a celebration of Reston’s diverse and communal spirit. Experience the vibrant cultures through song, dance, food and art.
Location: 11900 Market St., Reston, VA
Musica Viva Kentlands Concert
Sept. 20. Kentlands Community Foundation is sponsoring this free, family-friendly event at the Kentlands Club House, as part of an ongoing effort to provide classical music concerts each year in Kentlands.
Location: 485 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD
Hispanic Festival 2025
Sept. 21. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music and entertainment, ethnic food, artisan and food vendors, carnival games, exhibitors and plenty more.
Location: 7601 West Park Drive, Hyattsville, MD
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
