EST. 1790 · The District of Columbia
Love Washington, D.C.
Public Holiday

Labor Day

When
September 7, 2026
Where
Nationwide (federal holiday) · Nationwide
Price
Free
A row of trees taking on the first autumn colour beside the Tidal Basin under clear early-autumn light in September in Washington, D.C.

About

The first Monday of September honours the American labor movement and marks the unofficial end of summer. In DC it caps a long weekend that overlaps with the DC JazzFest.

Highlights

  • Federal holiday and unofficial end of summer
  • Overlaps with the DC JazzFest over the long weekend
  • Outdoor concerts and cookouts around the region

Practical tips

  • Government offices and banks close; Metro runs a holiday schedule
  • A popular long-weekend travel period — book ahead
  • Great weekend for outdoor music and the National Mall

Sources

More on the calendar

Other upcoming events

22MAY

Jazz in the Garden 2026

May 22–August 14, 2026National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

On summer Friday evenings the National Gallery of Art turns its Sculpture Garden into a free open-air jazz venue. The 2026 'American Sounds' season nods to the nation's 250th, with passes given out by weekly lottery.

Live MusicJazz
19JUN
Nearby · Philadelphia, PA

Wawa Welcome America 2026 (Philadelphia Semiquincentennial)

June 19–July 4, 2026Benjamin Franklin Parkway & citywide

Philadelphia's free Wawa Welcome America festival expands for the US 250th, running from Juneteenth through July 4 with concerts, museum days and a grand finale concert and fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Art Museum.

FestivalFireworksLive Music
25JUN

Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026

June 25–July 10, 2026National Mall

A centerpiece of the US 250th, the Great American State Fair lines the National Mall for over two weeks with pavilions representing all 50 states, territories and federal entities — food, culture and exhibits ahead of the July 4 capstone.

FestivalFamilyFood