It’s the final long weekend of summer!
If you’re holding on to the last bit of warmth, head towards the water.
It’s one of your last chances to go tubing at spots like Watermelon Park or around Harpers Ferry, or kayak through sunken ships in Mallows Bay … honestly, one of the best things The Scene team did this summer! Take a look.
If you want to hit up a pool, double-check before you go. Many of the public pools across D.C. have closed for the season. But Northern Virginia’s affordable waterparks are up for one last hurrah!
If you’re looking to avoid Bay Bridge traffic while enjoying the water, here is a really good guide we did a while back.
- Weekend weather: After a steamy, stormy work week, the weather is getting a weekend glow-up. Expect pleasantly warm temps, less humidity and little to no rain. Download our app on iOS and Android for the forecast.
Around the DMV
More than 200 restaurants extended their deals for Restaurant Week through Sunday. Here’s the list.
The DC Comedy Festival opens tonight, with shows from Shirlington to Silver Spring through Saturday.
D.C.
It’s not Labor Day weekend without DC JazzFest, and there are several ways to jazz up your weekend. The Wharf hosts the two-day outdoor festival, but you’ll find shows at venues across the city, including embassies. Sat. and Sun., $29+
Outdoor movies: Enjoy a double feature of “When Harry Met Sally” and “First Wives Club” at The Wharf (Weds.); “Mean Girls” at Union Market (Fri., $25 per car or free for walk-ups); “Finding Dory” at Georgetown Waterfront Park (Fri.) and “Scarface” with a custom soundtrack produced by a live DJ at the Lincoln Memorial (Sat.).
The DC Festival of Magic features five entrancing shows in downtown D.C. Grab an all-access pass for $99 or buy tickets to individual shows for $55. Fri. to Sun., Capital Hilton
The DC State Fair celebrates the District with live music, demos, contests and more. Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Anthem Row, free
Take your chance to see the National Symphony Orchestra for free as its annual Labor Day Concert moves to DAR Constitution Hall. You can get tickets here, but show up early anyway because seating is first come, first served. Sun., 8 p.m., free
Last chance: It’s the final weekend to enter the Smithsonian Castle before renovations resume. You can also check out several museum exhibits in their final days, including “State Fairs” at The Renwick Gallery; “Basquiat × Banksy” at the Hirshhorn and “Voices and Votes” at the Arts and Industries Building.
- ICYMI: We’re also fans of the “America’s State Flowers” exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Maryland
Afro+ Fest, billed as the world’s largest Afro-Caribbean and hip hop music festival is coming to Prince George’s County right outside of Northwest Stadium. Davido, Wizkid, Alkaline, Lil Baby, Latto, Chief Keef, Sexyy Red, Tiwa Savage and more are set to perform on multiple stages. Fri. to Sun., Landover, $149+
The Labor Day Art Show returns to Glen Echo Park for its 55th year. Browse all types of work from more than 500 artists. Sat. to Mon., noon to 6 p.m., free admission
Rides, games, live music from top local bands, a pet show, a diaper derby: Greenbelt’s Labor Day Festival has something for everyone! Parking is limited, but you can grab a shuttle from several parking locations. Buy tickets for unlimited rides by midnight Thursday for a discount. Fri. to Mon., Historic Roosevelt Center, free admission
Free summer concerts: Spend Friday night dancing along to Pop cover band Girl Crush at rio in Gaithersburg; Mike Kamuf LBB at Sligo Creek Golf Course or Soul Crackers in Bethesda.
The Dinosaur Park in Laurel hosts its monthly open house on Saturday, or you can bring paleontologists-in-training to the Silver Spring B&O Railroad Station on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about trains and dinos.
Tomadachi Food Fest turns Rockville Town Square into a free, open-air fair with food, performances, vendors and decorations inspired by your favorite anime. Cosplay is encouraged, and the fest is open to pets and people of all ages. Sat., Rockville, free
Close out summer dancing at the Capital House Music Festival. Sat., noon to 9 p.m., Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Silver Spring, free
The Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival is where you can pick your own sunflowers (bring your own shears!), plus enjoy hayrides, tours, face painting and animal petting. Sat. and Sun., Serenity Farm in Benedict, $13 online or $15 at gate
Want to see go-go legends perform all in one place? Here’s how you can see Rare Essence, Junk Yard Band and more at the Summer Soul Music Festival. Sun., Charles County Fairgrounds, $100+
Virginia
Circus Vasquez brings performers from around the globe to Tysons, showcasing daring tightrope acts, gravity-defying gymnastics and stunts you must see to believe. Through Sept. 13, Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, $22+
Ready for fall? Great Country Farms not only has apple picking, but also a corn maze, a kids’ play area with an obstacle course and jumping pillows and extra fun on weekends, including pig races and apple pressing demos. Stop by the Farm Market for apple cider doughnuts and cider slushies! Fall Fun on the Farm runs through Sept. 18, Bluemont, $11-$15, free for kids 2 and under
Bruce In The USA, a Springsteen tribute band, brings The Boss’ greatest hits to life at Reston Station, where you’ll also find a pop-up bar and family activities. Fri., 7:30-9 p.m., Reston Station, free
Herndon’s Friday Night Live features cover band Shake the Room, playing hits from the ‘80s to today. Fri., 6:30-10 p.m., Herndon Town Green, free
Bagpipes, Highland dance, fiddling, athletics and more celebrate heritage at the Virginia Scottish Games. Sat. and Sun., The Plains, $26.90 for a one-day adult pass
Sample favorites like kebabs or try something new (mujaddara, perhaps?) at the Middle Eastern Food Festival, which will also feature church tours, dancing, music and more. Sat. and Sun., Holy Transfiguration Church in McLean, free entry
Enjoy live bands, sip wine and sample food trucks while supporting local musicians as LoCo Fest returns to 868 Estate Vineyards. Dogs and kids are welcome! Sun., noon to 9 p.m., Hillsboro, $39.19 in advance/$49.87 same day
Music Snob’s concerts picks
Nino Paid, 7 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $36.65
On his standout third LP, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” the DMV rapper continues delivering tales of personal struggle, but as the title suggests, his concise lyrics bring a sense of hopefulness and inspiration, not just the gloom with which he’s made his mark. He has plenty of bouncing tracks and heartbreaking ones, but this is rare album rap. Details.
Love Riot, 6 p.m. Sunday, Hank Dietle’s, $10
Baltimore pop-rockers return after 26 years with a new album and a pre-release party in Rockville. A Baltimore and D.C. favorite 30 years ago, they had a bit of national fame in the ‘90s when their catchy, accessible songs found their way into TV shows. Details.
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