WASHINGTON — As the weekend begins, here are a few events taking place across our area to ring in the month that brings us fall!
Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) every week each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.
DC
- Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5
- Address: The Capital Hilton: 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, 20036
- Admission: $45
- Organizer: Fever
From the organizers that brought the District "Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience" and "Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience," a weekend show providing magical entertainment is coming just in time for Labor Day. The show will feature magicians in five shows at the Capital Hilton.
- Thursday, Aug. 31 through Sept. 4
- The Wharf; Wharf St SW Washington, DC 20024
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: The DC Jazz Festival®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization
The D.C. JazzFest is back to bring music to the ears of locals across town right on the water in Southwest. Performers from talented musicians to vocalists will take the many stages to showcase tunes jazz lovers look forward to every year.
- Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Address: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: The Library of Congress
"Books bring us together!" Organizers declare, celebrating the return of this event made especially for book-lovers. The festival will feature everything from talks and book sales and signings to events for children and adults alike.
"If you can't join us in Washington, D.C. for a day of free talks and activities, several programs will be live-streamed, and video of all talks can be viewed online after the Festival concludes."
MARYLAND
- Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Address: Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture
Check out an array of art in Glen Echo Park this weekend. Visitors can view the work of more than 200 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. Art-lovers will have a chance to check out masterpieces in sculpture, painting, jewelry, glass photography and even furniture!
- Friday, Sept. 2 to Sunday, Sept. 5
- Address: Historic Roosevelt Center 101 Centerway Greenbelt, MD 20770
- Admission: Event prices vary
- Organizer: Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee
At this weekend event, you'll find everything from carnival rides and games to a baby Diaper Derby, a retro town fair, pie eating contest and a table tennis tournament. The attractions are endless at this annual holiday event!
- Friday, Sept. 3, through Monday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Address: 1821 Crownsville Rd Annapolis, MD, 21401 United States
- Admission: $24 for adults, $12 for kids, children 7 and under free; discounts for groups and seniors
- Organizer: Maryland Renaissance Festival organization
It's one of the first weekends that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is back in full swing! Join in the tradition at the ye olde fest that runs through mid-October. You'll happen upon a 27-acre village that will show off 200 performers on ten stages. Check out jousting in a 3,000-seat stadium, and the more than 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in renaissance shops and taverns featuring cool libations.
"Nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis, Maryland," organizers share.
VIRGINIA
- Saturday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 4 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m
- Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean, Virginia
- Admission: Free entry, free parking
- Organizer: Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church
Festival-goers are invited to take a taste of some delicious and authentic Middle Eastern food at this annual event.
"Smell the aromas from the outdoor grills, partake of Kibbee, Chicken Shish Kebab, Roast Lamb, Falafel, Fattoush, Hummus, and Stuffed Grape Leaves, or any number of other delicious menu choices. Be sure to save room for dessert and coffee," organizers share.
"Some of the mouth-watering Arabic pastries include Baklawa, Maamoul, Namoura and Ghraybeh. There also is Atayef, a pancake-like dessert stuffed with a delicious pistachio mixture and rose-water simple syrup."
Vendors, live music, dancing and various children's activities will also be on-site.
- Monday, Sept. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Address: Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department 4081 University Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22030
- Admission: Free; spectators are encouraged to make a nominal attendance donation
- Organizers: City of Fairfax and the Clifton Lions Club
Car enthusiasts, this is the labor day event for you! Especially if you're looking to help out a good cause, as organizers share that the mission of the show is to raise money for local charitable service organizations, including Life with Cancer and the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program.
"100% of the proceeds from the show will be donated and all donations received are tax deductible," organizers state in the event description.
Attendees will find more than 300 show cars from 34 different manufacturers and organizers say that last year's show brought out 4,000 spectators to enjoy family time in the sun.
- Recurring; Sunday, Sept. 4 from 3 p.m.to 4 p.m.
- Address: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
- Admission: Free with admission to the Gardens ($3 to $6).
- Organizer: Virginia Chamber Orchestra
Relax on your holiday weekend Sunday with the sounds of the Virginia Chamber Orchestra to help facilitate. Lounge in the Meadowlark Gardens of Vienna
The all-professional Virginia Chamber Orchestra spotlights its principal players in ensemble concerts at the Korean Bell Garden in Vienna’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
This weekend's program includes Mozart’s Viola Quintet and the Allegro from Dvorak’s “American” Quartet.
PLUS: Instead of taking yet another trip to a Smithsonian museum this weekend, how about finding something that could go in one?
Check out Laurel's Dinosaur Park on Saturday, Sept. 3 for a fun day any aspiring paleontologist won't soon forget.
