Labor Day weekend events across the DMV give families one last excuse to squeeze in festivals, fireworks, concerts, fairs and adventures before fall routines take over.
It’s the unofficial end of summer, but it’s also one final excuse to squeeze in festivals, fireworks, concerts, fairs and family adventures before fall routines officially take over. Luckily, the DMV knows how to send summer out in style.
Key Takeaways
From waterfront celebrations in Maryland to street festivals in DC and family fairs across Virginia, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the long weekend. Whether your family wants carnival rides and live music or a weekend getaway nearby, these events make it easy to celebrate the final big weekend of summer.
Labor Day weekend events in Washington, DC
DC JazzFest Labor Day Weekend Events
DC JazzFest transforms parts of the city into a massive celebration of live music every Labor Day weekend. Families can enjoy outdoor performances, waterfront stages and kid-friendly daytime events throughout The Wharf and other DC venues.
- Date: Sept. 2-6
- Address: 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC, and other locations around DC
- Phone: (202) 688-3590
Good to know
- Time needed: 2-5 hours
- Cost: $$$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Mostly outdoor
- Crowd level: Busy
- Reservation requirements: Some ticketed performances require advance purchase
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DC Festival of Magic
The DC Festival of Magic brings together magicians from around the world for a weekend filled with illusion shows, comedy magic and interactive performances that are especially fun for families. The event features multiple performances throughout Labor Day weekend, ranging from kid-friendly daytime acts to larger evening stage shows.
- Date: Sept. 4-6
- Address: Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Time needed: 1.5-3 hours
- Cost: $$-$$$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Indoor
- Crowd level: Moderate
- Reservation requirements: Advance tickets strongly recommended
Old Town Trolley Tours Labor Day Weekend Sightseeing
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest and most exciting times to explore Washington, DC, and Old Town Trolley Tours make it easy for families to see the city without stressing over parking or endless walking. The hop-on, hop-off tours allow visitors to explore major landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian museums, the Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery all at their own pace.
- Date: Daily tours throughout Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6
- Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Time needed: 2-6 hours depending on stops
- Cost: $$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor sightseeing with covered seating
- Crowd level: Moderate to busy holiday weekend crowds
- Reservation requirements: Advance ticket purchase recommended during Labor Day weekend
National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert
One of DC’s classic Labor Day traditions, the National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert brings live music and patriotic performances to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Families often bring blankets and picnic dinners while enjoying the open-air concert atmosphere.
- Date: Sept. 6
- Address: U.S. Capitol West Lawn, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Very busy
- Reservation requirements: No reservations required, but arriving early is strongly recommended
Paddle the Potomac With Key Bridge Boathouse
Families wanting one final outdoor summer adventure over Labor Day weekend, renting kayaks or paddleboards from Key Bridge Boathouse is one of the best ways to experience DC from a completely different perspective. Located in Georgetown along the Potomac River, the boathouse offers rentals that let visitors paddle past the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island and scenic waterfront views while soaking up the holiday weekend weather.
- Date: Labor Day weekend rental hours vary
- Address: 3500 Water St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Time needed: 1.5-3 hours
- Cost: $$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Moderate to busy during afternoons
- Reservation requirements: Online reservations recommended for holiday weekends
Labor Day weekend events in Maryland
Maryland State Fair
The Maryland State Fair is one of the biggest Labor Day weekend attractions in the state, featuring carnival rides, concerts, food vendors, farm animals and games. Families can easily spend an entire day exploring everything the fairgrounds offer.
- Date: Sept. 3-7
- Address: 2200 York Road, Timonium
Good to know
- Time needed: 4-8 hours
- Cost: $$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Mostly outdoor
- Crowd level: Extremely busy
- Reservation requirements: Advance tickets strongly recommended
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival is one of Maryland’s longest-running and most community-focused Labor Day celebrations, bringing together carnival rides, live music, parades, bingo, craft vendors and family activities all weekend long. Families can enjoy midway rides, games, handmade craft booths, food vendors and live performances throughout the weekend.
- Date: Sept. 4-7
- Address: 101 Centerway, Greenbelt
Good to know
- Time needed: 3-6 hours or full-day visit
- Cost: Free admission; rides and food extra
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Mostly outdoor
- Crowd level: Busy, especially evenings and parade day
- Reservation requirements: None; ride wristbands and tickets available onsite
Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade & Block Party
The Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade is one of the DMV’s longest-running Labor Day traditions and a perfect way for families to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. The 88th annual parade will bring marching bands, community groups, performers, vintage vehicles and festive floats through Olde Towne Gaithersburg, creating a classic small-town parade atmosphere that feels nostalgic and family-friendly. After the parade, families can stick around for a block party featuring live music, food vendors and inflatable activities for kids.
- Date: Sept. 7
- Address: 9 S Summit Ave., Gaithersburg
- Phone: (301) 258-6300
Good to know
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
- Cost: Free
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Busy along parade route
- Reservation requirements: None; arrive early for shaded viewing spots and easier parking
Spend Labor Day Weekend at Deep Creek Lake
If your family wants a more laid-back Labor Day weekend escape, Deep Creek Lake is one of Maryland’s best end-of-summer destinations. Families can spend the day boating, kayaking, swimming, hiking or simply relaxing by the water while enjoying cooler mountain air compared to the DMV heat. The area also offers mini golf, lakeside restaurants, scenic overlooks and family-friendly cabins if you want to turn it into a full weekend getaway.
- Date: Open year-round
- Address: Deep Creek Lake area, Garrett County
Good to know
- Time needed: Half-day to full weekend
- Cost: $$-$$$, depending on activities and lodging
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Mostly outdoor
- Crowd level: Moderate to busy holiday weekend crowds
- Reservation requirements: Lodging and boat rentals should be reserved early for Labor Day weekend
Take a Boardwalk Day Trip to Ocean City
For many Maryland families, Labor Day weekend means squeezing in one final beach trip before summer officially ends. Ocean City offers the perfect mix of beach days, boardwalk snacks, amusement rides and classic summer nostalgia that works for nearly every age group. Families can spend the day swimming, biking the boardwalk in the morning or grabbing late-night funnel cake and arcade games before heading home.
- Date: Beaches, boardwalk and attractions open throughout Labor Day weekend
- Address: Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
Good to know
- Time needed: Full day or weekend trip
- Cost: $$-$$$, depending on activities and lodging
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Mostly outdoor
- Crowd level: Very busy near the boardwalk and beach
- Reservation requirements: Hotels and restaurants should be booked in advance for holiday weekends
Labor Day weekend events in Virginia
Highland County Fair
If your family wants a true small-town fair experience over Labor Day weekend, the Highland County Fair delivers exactly that. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, the fair combines classic carnival fun with deep agricultural roots in one of Virginia’s most scenic mountain communities. Families can enjoy rides, games, farm animals, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, live bluegrass music, clogging performances and even horse shows throughout the multi-day celebration.
- Date: Sept. 2-5
- Address: 386 Myers Moon Road, Monterey
Good to know
- Time needed: Half-day to full-day visit
- Cost: $-$$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Mostly outdoor
- Crowd level: Moderate to busy during evening events
- Reservation requirements: None; some grandstand events may fill early so arriving ahead of time is recommended
Virginia Scottish Games
The Virginia Scottish Games bring bagpipes, Highland athletics, live Celtic music and Scottish traditions to Northern Virginia for one of the region’s most unique Labor Day weekend experiences. Held at Great Meadow in The Plains, the festival combines cultural demonstrations with family-friendly entertainment, competitions, shopping and incredible mountain scenery. Families can watch heavy athletic competitions, explore clan tents, and listen to live music.
- Date: Sept. 5-6
- Address: 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains
Good to know
- Time needed: 3-6 hours or full-day visit
- Cost: $$
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Moderate to busy throughout the weekend
- Reservation requirements: Advance tickets recommended for Labor Day weekend attendance
Annual Labor Day Car Show in Downtown Fairfax
Car-loving families won’t want to miss the Annual Labor Day Car Show in Downtown Fairfax, where classic cars, muscle cars, custom builds and vintage vehicles line the streets for one of Northern Virginia’s most popular Labor Day traditions.
- Date: Sept. 7
- Address: 4081 University Drive, Fairfax
Good to know
- Time needed: 1.5-3 hours
- Cost: Free; donations encouraged
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Moderate to busy midday crowds
- Reservation requirements: None for spectators; arrive earlier for easier parking and cooler temperatures
Spend the Weekend Exploring Shenandoah National Park
For families wanting a quieter Labor Day weekend outdoors, Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia’s best end-of-summer escapes. Families can drive Skyline Drive, stop at scenic overlooks, hike beginner-friendly trails and enjoy cooler mountain temperatures before fall arrives. Kids especially love spotting wildlife and stopping at picnic areas throughout the park. It’s a great option for families wanting nature without committing to a huge event or crowded festival.
- Address: Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park
Good to know
- Time needed: Half-day to full-day trip
- Cost: $
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Busy holiday weekend afternoons
- Reservation requirements: None for park entry, though nearby lodging books quickly
Have a Beach Day in Virginia Beach
Labor Day weekend is one of the last big beach weekends of the year, and Virginia Beach still feels lively without being quite as hectic as peak midsummer. Families can spend the day swimming, biking the boardwalk, grabbing seafood and letting kids enjoy arcades and beachside attractions before school routines fully return. The boardwalk atmosphere makes it easy to turn a simple beach day into a full family outing.
- Address: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
Good to know
- Time needed: Full-day or weekend trip
- Cost: $$-$$$, depending on activities and lodging
- Indoor or outdoor setting: Outdoor
- Crowd level: Busy near the boardwalk and beachfront
- Reservation requirements: Hotels and oceanfront restaurants should be booked in advance for Labor Day weekend
Labor Day weekend may close out summer, but the calendar stays full across the region. Once your plans are set, browse free family activities in the DMV for outings that cost nothing, check our monthly family fun guide for what is coming up next, and squeeze in one more shoreline trip with these family beach getaways near DC. Then bookmark our weekend guide to things to do with kids, refreshed every week, and our DC Kids Events calendar, where new happenings are added throughout the week.
