Fun and Special Ways to Spend Labor Day Around the DMV
Labor Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last summer adventure before fall arrives. Across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, the DMV is packed with festivals, live music, family activities, food, art, and local traditions during the long weekend.
Jennifer Young Homes has rounded up some of the best ways to spend Labor Day weekend around the DMV, from a free orchestra concert and a classic car show to cultural festivals, art exhibits, and family-friendly celebrations.
DC JazzFest at The Wharf | Washington, DC | September 5–6, 2026
Location: The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC
Dates: Saturday, September 5–Sunday, September 6
Time: Times vary by performance
Jazz fans can celebrate Labor Day weekend with DC JazzFest at The Wharf, the festival’s signature Labor Day weekend celebration. The waterfront event features an impressive lineup of jazz artists, including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, Kurt Elling with the Yellowjackets, and more. Families can also enjoy activities such as a scavenger hunt, DC JazzBops!, and student showcases.
More information: DC JazzFest
DC Festival of Magic | Washington, DC | September 4–6, 2026
Location: Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC
Dates: Friday, September 4–Sunday, September 6
Time: Performance times vary
The DC Festival of Magic brings magicians from around the world to Washington, DC for a weekend of illusions, sleight of hand, comedy, and mind-bending performances. The annual event is specifically scheduled for Labor Day weekend and offers individual shows as well as an all-access ticket for those who want to experience multiple performances.
More information: DC Festival of Magic
Tiny Summer Fest | Fairfax, Virginia | September 6, 2026
Location: High Side, 4009 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA
Date: Sunday, September 6
Time: Noon–5 p.m.
Labor Day weekend gets a lively send-off at Tiny Summer Fest, a one-day celebration featuring craft beer, tropical cocktails, sake and wine tastings, summer Asian street food, live DJ music, a charity raffle, and a dunk tank. The event is all ages, although guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Proceeds help support Britepaths, making this a festive way to close out summer while supporting a local cause.
More information: Old Town Fairfax Business Association
Paint the Town Labor Day Art Show | Kensington, Maryland | September 5–7, 2026
Location: Historic Kensington Armory, 3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD
Dates: Saturday, September 5–Monday, September 7
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Art lovers can spend part of Labor Day weekend exploring the Paint the Town Labor Day Art Show, a three-day exhibit and sale featuring approximately 500 pieces of original artwork. The event includes a judged art show, live demonstrations, a plein air competition, and opportunities to purchase artwork, prints, and cards.
More information: Montgomery Art Association
Soul Summer Music Festival | La Plata, Maryland | September 6, 2026
Location: Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, MD
Date: Sunday, September 6
Time: Noon–8 p.m.
Music lovers can celebrate Labor Day weekend with the Soul Summer Music Festival, a celebration of 50 years of Go-Go music. The festival features live performances from Rare Essence, Junkyard Band, Northeast Groovers, and other artists, along with DJs and special guests.
More information: Soul Summer Music Festival
National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert | Washington, DC | September 6, 2026
Location: DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, DC
Date: Sunday, September 6
Time: 8 p.m.
For a more relaxed Labor Day evening, the National Symphony Orchestra’s annual Labor Day concert offers an opportunity to enjoy live music without an admission fee. The 2026 concert will take place at DAR Constitution Hall, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis and no tickets required.
More information: National Symphony Orchestra
Fairfax Main Street Market | Fairfax, Virginia | September 6, 2026
Location: Downtown Fairfax, Virginia
Date: Sunday, September 6
Time: Check the event website for current market hours
Labor Day Sunday is a great time to explore the Fairfax Main Street Market, where shoppers can browse local vendors and enjoy the small-town atmosphere of historic Fairfax City. The market offers a simple way to spend part of the holiday weekend supporting local makers and businesses while enjoying downtown. The market is listed on the Old Town Fairfax event calendar for September 6.
More information: Old Town Fairfax Business Association
27th Annual Labor Day Car Show | Fairfax, Virginia | September 7, 2026
Location: 4081 University Drive, Fairfax, VA
Date: Monday, September 7
Time: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Car enthusiasts can make the most of the holiday Monday at the 27th Annual Labor Day Car Show in Fairfax City. The free community event features hundreds of vehicles, including classics, exotics, hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles, and custom vehicles. Food vendors and a kids’ area add to the family-friendly atmosphere, while proceeds support local charitable organizations.
More information: 2026 Labor Day Car Show
Kensington Labor Day Parade & Festival | Kensington, Maryland | September 7, 2026
Location: Plyers Mill Road to Noyes Library, Kensington, MD
Date: Monday, September 7
Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Kensington Labor Day Parade & Festival is a longtime community tradition and a fun way to celebrate the holiday with neighbors. The parade and accompanying festival take over downtown Kensington on Labor Day, offering a festive community atmosphere and a classic small-town way to close out the summer. The event is held rain or shine.
More information: Visit Montgomery
Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade | Gaithersburg, Maryland | September 7, 2026
Location: Olde Towne Gaithersburg, MD
Date: Monday, September 7
Time: 10 a.m.
The 88th Annual Labor Day Parade gives families another traditional way to celebrate the holiday. Hosted by the City of Gaithersburg and the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Department, the parade features marching bands, dance groups, costumed characters, antique cars, fire engines, equestrian units, community organizations, and more as they make their way through Olde Towne.
More information: City of Gaithersburg
Kids Fest | Leesburg, Virginia | September 7, 2026
Location: Segra Field, Leesburg, VA
Date: Monday, September 7
Time: Check the event website for current hours
Families with young children can finish the summer at Kids Fest, a free Labor Day celebration hosted by Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The event includes a touch-a-truck zone, petting zoo, foam zone, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisters, a roaming magician, stilt walkers, a DJ, glitter tattoos, splatter paint, and more. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket.
More information: Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Labor Day Splash Bash & Cardboard Boat Regatta | Northern Virginia | September 7, 2026
Location: Cedarwood Swim and Tennis
Date: Monday, September 7
Time: Noon–4 p.m.; boat judging at 2:30 p.m. and races at 3 p.m.
For something a little more playful, the Labor Day Splash Bash & 4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta combines a Labor Day cookout with an afternoon pool party and cardboard boat competition. Guests can enjoy food, poolside music from DJ Shawn Freeman, and the entertaining spectacle of homemade cardboard boats racing across the pool.
More information: Cedarwood Swim and Tennis
End of Summer Party on the Patio | Lorton, Virginia | September 7, 2026
Location: Brickmakers Cafe, 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA
Date: Monday, September 7
Time: 4–7 p.m.
Lorton residents can close out the summer close to home at the End of Summer Party on the Patio at Brickmakers Cafe. The Labor Day celebration features live music, drink specials, and appetizer samples on the restaurant’s newly expanded patio, making it an easy option for an afternoon or early-evening outing.
More information: Brickmakers Cafe
Make the Most of Labor Day Around the DMV
Whether the perfect Labor Day involves live music, local food, an art show, a parade, a family festival, or simply getting outside for one final summer outing, the DMV offers plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend.
Jennifer Young Homes knows that one of the best things about living in the DMV is having so many communities, events, and experiences just a short drive from home. Labor Day weekend is the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new, support local businesses, and make the most of the unofficial end of summer.
Event dates, times, admission requirements, and schedules can change. Visitors should check each event’s official website before attending.
