THURSDAY
3
SEPTEMBER
The Ember List · the DC area
Things to do in the DC area
We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 29 best things to do in the DC area between September 3 and September 9. Updated daily.
Highlights for September 2 – September 5
SHOUT (Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West, American History Museum)
A performance where an ensemble sings, dances, and teaches the historic ring shout tradition. Wednesday, September 2, 11–11:30am. Free. All ages
Pop-Up Exploration Cart (Brookside Gardens)
Free hands‑on nature activities with iNaturalist at the Brookside Gardens Children’s Garden. Wednesday, September 2, 11am–1pm. All ages; no registration needed
Meet the Wheelwoman (1 West, American History Museum)
Talk about the rise of the safety bicycle and its impact on women’s independence. Wednesday, September 2, 11:30am–12pm. Free. All ages
2026 Anacostia River Discovery Series Boat Tour (Anacostia Park Boat Ramp, 1500 Anacostia Drive, Washington, DC)
Guided boat tour exploring the Anacostia River’s ecology and history. Thursday, September 3, 6–7pm. All ages; register online
Empire of the Sun (Free Outdoor Movie at Fort Hunt Park) (Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA)
Free outdoor screening of the film Empire of the Sun with a brief historical talk. Friday, September 4, 12am. Free. All ages; bring a blanket
Netherlands Carillon Concerts (Netherlands Carillon, N Meade St, Arlington, VA)
Free carillon concerts featuring jazz, pop, and patriotic music with views of Washington. Saturday, September 5, 12am. Free. All ages; bring lawn chairs
Women in Aviation Tour (College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD)
Guided tour highlighting women’s contributions to aviation at the College Park Aviation Museum. Saturday, September 5, 11–11:45am. Free. All ages
Our best picks: things to do in the DC area — September 3–9
Touch artifacts, ask questions, and learn more about your favorite animal ambassadors from the Naturalists who care for them! No registration required.
This is a no rider left behind group ride – think “party pace.” There will likely be some “session-ing” and skills instruction along the way. This is a perfect way to meet other riders and build skills on your bike. We have a limited number of bikes and helmets available to borrow (we will ask to hold something as coll…
Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for an Anacostia River Discovery Series boat tour on the Anacostia River to explore the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and in the communities around the river. We will have the opportunity to witness some of the restoration of river habitats and ho…
Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream). Nogu Svelo! is a legendary Wild East punk and alternative rock band out of New York City. Blending punk energy, theatrical performance, and Eastern European cabaret influences, Nogu Svelo! has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary international rock.
FRIDAY
4
SEPTEMBER
Experience an unforgettable weekend of wonder at the DC Festival of Magic this Labor Day Weekend, from September 4 to September 6.
Do you have an interest in birding? Then join us for a morning of bird watching at Locust Grove Nature Center. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea from our tea station as you learn beginner birding techniques, or bring a thermos of your favorite breakfast beverage. Bring your own pair of binoculars or borrow a pair from…
Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling! Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, ref…
Genre‑defying high entertainment group Perfekt Blend is performing on the Floating Stage at Transit Pier on Friday, September 4. This free concert, presented by Pacifico Beer, begins at 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY
5
SEPTEMBER
We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…
Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Woodlawn Museum admission included. Hike covers 2 miles…
Anime-themed food fest in Rockville, MD. 20+ food vendors, main stage, beer garden
Discover the vital role women have played in powered flight, beginning with Katharine Wright in 1903. Explore the groundbreaking achievements of female pilots with ties to College Park Airport, and engage in a conversation about the opportunities and challenges women face in aviation careers. — Discover the vital role…
The signature event of DC JazzFest will take place from September 5-6 on District Pier. Join us for live music performances by incredible artists—from homegrown talent to NEA Jazz Masters.
Death Cafés are an opportunity to demystify the death experience. We offer an open, safe environment for discussing thoughts and feelings about all manner of death and dying. At a Death Café people drink tea and discuss death. Our aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) live…
SUNDAY
6
SEPTEMBER
The Hot Lanes is a 16-piece culmination of a vision Bobby Jasinski had in 2014. With influences ranging from Wynton Marsalis to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the focus of The Hot Lanes is to promote jazz in the D.C. metropolitan area. Featuring diverse and talented group of musicians, The Hot Lanes encourages j…
(12-Adult) Drawing water can be made a little less tricky by learning a few techniques. Rippled, still or running, we will learn all about how water behaves. Join artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn how to draw this surface that is both transparent and reflective. All art materials provided.
Discover the vital role women have played in powered flight, beginning with Katharine Wright in 1903. Explore the groundbreaking achievements of female pilots with ties to College Park Airport, and engage in a conversation about the opportunities and challenges women face in aviation careers. — Discover the vital role…
Join docent Sushmita Mazumdar every first Sunday of the month as she guides you to use pencil and paper to consider the unique ideas and expressions of Asian artists from various traditions spanning the continent across centuries. All materials will be provided. No reservation needed.
Join our ensemble of performers as they sing, dance, and teach through storytelling. Learn about the ring shout—a powerful practice blending song and rhythmic movement created by enslaved communities in the 1700s and 1800s. They combined various religious practices of Europe and Africa, creating a cultural tradition th…
Celebrate everything homegrown, handmade, and proudly DC at the 17th Annual DC State Fair. On September 6, Anthem Row comes alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District's agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, enjoy live music, local vendors, creative demons…
MONDAY
7
SEPTEMBER
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza 2026 features hot entertainment for the Downtown DC community. From July 13 through September 25, 2026, Monday to Friday at 12:00 p.m. - 1:00pm on Wilson Plaza, join us for free lunchtime performances featuring the area's most talented enterta…
Scroll down for Parade and Festival participation information. It is that time of year again! We are gearing up for our 59th Annual Town of Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival! Please mark your calendars for the event on Monday, September 7th, at 10:00 am. If you are interested in joining the parade, please comple…
Examine the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations in this in-person, docent-led tour. Learn about Chinese artworks such as ritual bronze vessels, calligraphy, brush paintings in ink and color, and exquisite ceramics. Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the…
This is not your ordinary hip-hop dance class. Get moving and grooving to upbeat music while your fitness level improves — This is not your ordinary hip-hop dance class. Get moving and grooving to upbeat music while your fitness level improves. It’s all fun and all good in this energetic workout. Level: All
TUESDAY
8
SEPTEMBER
Led by Arlington’s Department of Technology Services Cybersecurity team, this program provides a practical overview of cybersecurity best practices with a focus on mobile device safety. Participants will learn how to secure their devices, recognize common scam warning signs, practice safe communication habits, and prot…
In this course, participants will explore a variety of mixed-media approaches to art! Mixed media can unlock a variety of textures, styles, and imaginative avenues. Applying techniques such as perspective, shading, and color theory, participants will have the opportunity to work from reference imagery as well as from l…
Ages 18 & up. Join us on four Tuesdays this fall for Line Dance Socials! Pull on your boots and enjoy an evening of dancing, music, and fun. No experience needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to groove!
WEDNESDAY
9
SEPTEMBER
DSLBD offers one-on-one meeting time for DC-based entrepreneurs and businesses to learn more about our programs, connect with additional services in the District, and develop a for-profit business. Please see the assistance descriptions below for one-on-one meetings with a DSLBD team member and use the scheduling link…
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