Annual Labor Day Festivals in the Washington DC Area

Labor Day Weekend is known as the last holiday for the summer, and its day before the new school year for most kids. That means its one last chance to hit the beach, hit the pool, or have that big cookout! How do you end the summer with the bang? Here are some Labor Day festivals in the Washington, DC area.

Page-To-Stage New Play Festival: Over 35 theaters from the D.C. metropolitan area, all with a mission to produce and support new work. This three-day Kennedy Center-wide event offers a series of free readings and open rehearsals of plays and musicals being developed by local, regional, and national playwrights, librettists, and composers. It's all a preview of the 2006-2007 Play Season. September 2-4, 2-10 p.m.

Labor Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol: Each year during the Sunday before Labor Day, The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol. It is part of the Kennedy Center's Prelude Festival, which includes free performances to kickoff the performing arts season in Washington, DC. September 3rd at 8 p.m.

Maryland Renaissance Festival: From Late August to October, Visitors will experience a taste of the 16^th century with crafts, food, live performances on 8 stages, a jousting arena and lots of games. You can see a fire-eater, watch jousting in full armor, marvel at jugglers and magicians, and listen to music and choral groups. Enjoy a variety of fare from 42 food outlets. In addition, you can shop at more than 130 craft shops for stained glass, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, wood-butchery, leather-work, inlay, clothing, and glass-blown creations. It's a family friendly event in Crownsville, MD. It is 30 minutes from Washington, DC. August 26 - October 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $17 for Adults, $15 for Seniors, $8 for Children 7-15 years of age, and kids 6 and under are free.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival: It started out as a way of raising funds to build a Youth Center. Now, it has grown into an annual tradition. Entering its 52^nd year, this free family friendly event has something for everyone. It has live music, a craft show, art exhibits, parades, kids' events and more. In addition, they provide free shuttle service for those heading to the event. September 1-4: Friday from 6 - 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The 36th Annual Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo Park: Held at the Spanish Ballroom, the Labor Day Art Show will feature the work of more than 150 regional artists - both children and adults - many of which are either students or teachers at Glen Echo Park. Artworks for sale include sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass and jewelry. Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to display original works of art in this non-juried show. September 2-4 from 12 p.m. to 6 .p.m.

Kensington, MD. Labor Day Parade & Festival:
Kensington, MD holds its annual Labor Day Parade and Festival. It starts off with the parade at 10 a.m. at the corner of St. Paul Street and Plyers Mill Road, it will march south on Connecticut Avenue, and end in the Antique Row district on Howard Avenue in Kensington. This year, the festival will feature lots of family entertainment including live music on 2 stages with performances from top local performers, with children's activities in Reinhardt Park such as face painting, balloon sculpting, teen activities and more. In addition, there will be wonderful artwork and handmade designs from area artisans, and lots of great food on hand! September 4th at 10 a.m.

Gaithersburg's 67th Annual Labor Day Parade: The city of Gaithersburg celebrates the unofficial end of summer with their 67^th annual parade. On September 4^th, you can watch fire engines, high school marching bands, clowns, horses and giant balloons fill the streets of Olde Town Gaithersburg. September 4th at 1 p.m.

19th Annual Herndon Labor Day Jazz & Wine Festival: Entering its 19^th year, the city of Herndon, VA celebrates Labor Day with live Jazz music and great wine. It's a great pairing of well-known regional and national jazz performers. Wine tastings from up to a dozen Virginia wineries offer a tasteful complement to the music filled day. September 4th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3; $15 for wine tasting.

Planet Arlington World Music Festival: The 1^st free festival dedicated to world music, Planet Arlington celebrates the diversity of the community with music from Africa, Latin America, Europe and more. It takes place on the grounds of the Netherlands Carillon, with the national Mall serving as the spectacular backdrop for a stage filled with musicians who will amaze and inspire those who listen. September 2nd from 4 p.m. to 9.p.m.