Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Below are our most popular summer focused links- check ’em out while they’re around:
Summer bucket list

Outdoor summer movies
Ice cream shops!
Splash parks and more water fun
12 sunflower fields
8 games to play in the pool + must-haves for water play
Road trip!
20 classic outdoor games

All weekend
The Maryland Renaissance Festival
Running every Saturday and Sunday through October 23 in Crownsville, Maryland. There is enchantment and merriment from the moment you enter the castle gates with likely the largest number of adults dressed in costume that your child has ever seen.

Hi-Lawn BBQ & Picnic
Head to Union Market’s rooftop for cocktails, bbq and lawn games.

Maryland State Fair
Located in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland the fair is Sept. 1-5 & 8-11. There are rides, competitions, food and more!

National Book Festival
Books bring us together! Come to the nation’s capital over Labor Day weekend as we return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 3. If you can’t join us in Washington, D.C. for a day of free talks and activities, several programs will be livestreamed, and video of all talks can be viewed online after the Festival concludes.

National Cinema Day
September 3 you can see a movie for $3! See above link for DC area theatres participating.

DC Jazz Fest
The 18th Annual Festival has performances all weekend long.

Sunday
8:00pm: The NSO’s free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol! This year’s event features Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke leading the orchestra in music by Aaron Copland, John Williams, new Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, and others. Special guest Jimmie Herrod (Pink Martini, America’s Got Talent) joins the celebration to perform favorites by Gladys Knight, Joni Mitchell, and more! The performance is FREE to attend, no tickets required. Seating is first-come, first served. Gates open to the public at 3:00pm and you can catch the open dress rehearsal at 3:30pm.

Monday
10:00am-2:00pm: Kensington’s Labor Day Parade & Festival
Enjoy marching bands, equestrian shows, dances & floats. After the parade there will be food trucks, music and activities.

Day destinations (less than 2 hours away)
Trails, marshes & gardens
Beach & state parks
Outdoor fun
15 ways to get outdoors
Adult getaways
Family overnight trips


Allison

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