Happy Labor Day! This holiday is about far more than just taking a day off from school and work — it honors American workers and celebrates the accomplishments of the labor movement throughout the country’s history. Many communities celebrate the occasion with parades, festivals and educational events highlighting local labor efforts.
These DMV-area events are a great way to spend your Labor Day with your family, teaching them about the holiday’s historical significance while still being fun, festive and family-friendly.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Sept. 4-7, 6-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday | Greenbelt, MD
Greenbelt’s annual Labor Day celebration features a variety of attractions around town, including carnival rides and games, a pet show, a diaper derby and the “Tour de Greenbelt” bike race. The event is capped off by the 70th Annual Greenbelt Labor Day Parade on Sunday.
Free | greenbeltlaborday.com
Labor Day Art Show
Sept. 4-7, 7-9 p.m. Friday, noon-6 p.m. Saturday through Monday | Glen Echo, MD
Glen Echo Park’s annual art show is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, with DMV artists displaying their paintings, sculptures, photography and more over the course of the weekend. The event kicks off on Friday with an opening reception.
Free | glenechopark.org/LDAS
Labor Day at Shipgarten
Sept. 5, 1-6 p.m. | Tysons, VA
Celebrate Labor Day with a barbecue at Shipgarten! In addition to hamburgers, hot dogs and more, you can also test your family’s skills in cornhole and water pong tournaments and enjoy other outdoor games.
Free | shipgarten.com
NSO Labor Day Concert
Sept. 6, 8 p.m. | Washington, D.C.
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual free Labor Day concert is back, set to take place at DAR Constitution Hall with a slate of patriotic tunes.
Free | kennedy-center.org
Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade
Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-noon | Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg’s annual Labor Day parade has been a local tradition for 88 years and sees local marching bands, community organizations, antique cars and more parading around the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. Additional activities will be available at the Gaithersburg Community Museum and Olde Towne Plaza.
Free | gaithersburgmd.gov
Kensington’s 59th Annual Labor Day Parade & Festival
Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Kensington, MD
The 59th Annual Town of Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival features dance groups, marching bands, horseback riders and more making their way from Plyers Mill Road to Noyes Library, with a community festival on Armory Avenue.
Free | tok.md.gov
