The Best Labor Day Events in the Washington DC Area

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer. It's the last chance to hit the beach, cook that Big Barbeque, and say goodbye to those summer flings. To end the summer in style, several events in the Washington, DC Region has a great way of saying thanks for the memories summer. Last year, I wrote about Labor Day Events in the DC Metro Area. This year, I wrote an updated version of events in and around the DC region to check out.

Planet Arlington World Music Festival: Returning for its 2^nd year, the Planet Arlington Music Festival celebrates music from around the world. It returns to the Iwo Jima Memorial Grounds on September 1^st. The concert features performances by are Hugh Masekela (Legendary South African Trumpeter), Lila Downs (Latin Grammy winning/Oscar nominated Mexican-American vocal powerhouse), Cyro Baptista (avant garde Brazilian percussionist), Benny Jones, Sr. and the Treme Brass Brand (New Orleans Street Band) and The Ska-talites (Ska/Reggae- Jamaica's Greatest Band). During the breaks, there will be off-stage performances in the crowd by regional culturally specific groups. Bring a picnic and enjoy entertainment for the whole family!

The Page to Stage Festival: Part of the Kennedy Center Prelude Festival, The Page to Stage Festival features nearly 40 theaters from the D.C. metropolitan area, all with a mission to produce and support new work. This three-day Kennedy Center-wide event offers a series of FREE readings and open rehearsals of plays and musicals being developed by local, regional, and national playwrights. The event is free for all 3 days, but it's a 1^st come, 1^st served seating. I've attended this for the last 2 years, and I've been impressed by the showcase.

The DC Blues Festival: Entering its 19^th year, this event celebrates the blues with performances from local and national blues acts. The event is held at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park on September 2^nd.