The Best Labor Day Events in the Washington DC Area

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer. It's the last chance to hit the beach, cook that Big Barbeque, and say goodbye to those summer flings. To end the summer in style, several events in the Washington, DC Region has a great way of saying thanks for the memories summer. Last year, I wrote about Labor Day Events in the DC Metro Area. This year, I wrote an updated version of events in and around the DC region to check out.

Planet Arlington World Music Festival: Returning for its 2^nd year, the Planet Arlington Music Festival celebrates music from around the world. It returns to the Iwo Jima Memorial Grounds on September 1^st. The concert features performances by are Hugh Masekela (Legendary South African Trumpeter), Lila Downs (Latin Grammy winning/Oscar nominated Mexican-American vocal powerhouse), Cyro Baptista (avant garde Brazilian percussionist), Benny Jones, Sr. and the Treme Brass Brand (New Orleans Street Band) and The Ska-talites (Ska/Reggae- Jamaica's Greatest Band). During the breaks, there will be off-stage performances in the crowd by regional culturally specific groups. Bring a picnic and enjoy entertainment for the whole family!

The Page to Stage Festival: Part of the Kennedy Center Prelude Festival, The Page to Stage Festival features nearly 40 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. The event is free for all 3 days, but it's a 1^st come, 1^st served seating. I've attended this for the last 2 years, and I've been impressed by the showcase.

The DC Blues Festival: Entering its 19^th year, this event celebrates the blues with performances from local and national blues acts. The event is held at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park on September 2^nd.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival: Since 1977, The Maryland Renaissance Festival has become the region's premier outdoor event and the second largest Renaissance Festival in the country. It's a recreation of a 16^th century English village known as Revel Grove. Inside the Village, you'll find craft and food booths, five pubs, ten major stages, a Jousting Arena and lots of games. The event runs from August 25 to October 21, but it makes a great Labor Day Event for the whole family.

Bugout 62: If you're a fan of Volkswagens, you must get over to Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Virginia for the Bugout 62. This event is one of the largest VW car show events in the world. It treats east coast VW enthusiasts to a day of drag races, air and water cooled cars, showcases of rare and exotic VWs, swaps, new part vendors, slalom, and the Miss BugOut contest. It takes place 2 month (Memorial Day & Labor Day), and it's a great for the car fanatic in your life.

Labor Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol: Every year, The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol on the Sunday before Labor Day. The annual concert is led by NSO Associate Conductor Emil de Cou and the event is part of the Kennedy Center's Prelude Festival, which includes free performances to kickoff the performing arts season in Washington, DC. The show starts at 8:00 p.m., and it's best to arrive early.

Olde Towne Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade: In Montgomery County, The city of Gaithersburg holds its 69^th annual Labor Day Parade on September 3^rd through streets of Olde Towne Gaithersburg, including East Diamond and Russell Avenues. Parade attractions include Bolivian dancers, the Tai Yim lion dancers, Bugs Bunny, Batman, Celebrity Head TV Stars, antique highwheelers, African drummers and dancers, and an assortment of fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, clowns and more. The event starts at 1:00 p.m., and it's a rain or shine event.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival 2007: Entering its 53^rd year, The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival is a family friendly event that something for everyone. This year's activities include the art shows and exhibition, the Greenbelt Museum, Kickball, Live music, Fun Run and more. In addition, this event also hosts the Miss Greenbelt Pageant. The last day of the festival kicks off with the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade on Monday. The festival runs from August 31^st to September 3^rd.

Glen Echo Park Labor Day Art Show: Entering its 37th year, the annual Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo Park features the work of more than 200 artists-both adults and children-from the mid-Atlantic region. Many of the artists have a connection to Glen Echo Park, either as students or teachers. The display includes sculpture, paintings, works on paper, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography and furniture. Most artwork will also be for sale. Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to display original works of art in this non juried show. The show runs from Friday, August 31 - Monday, September 3.

Kensington, MD. Labor Day Parade & Festival: On September 3^rd, the city of 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!