What better place to spend Labor Day than our nation’s capital? If you're spending Labor Day in Washington DC, you will enjoy temperatures reminiscent of high summer alongside traditional end-of-summer activities. Enjoy activities and attractions, from special events and festivals to cruises and bike rides. If you’re looking for Washington DC Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out our list below. There are plenty of local activities and fun things do in Washington DC in September, including…

  • The Capital Wheel
  • Washington Monuments River Cruise
  • Kayaking on the Potomac River
  • Labor Day Capitol Concert
  • And more!

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these Washington DC attractions are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from top attractions and save up to 47% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Explorer Pass.

Labor Day Capitol Concert

September 2, 2019 at 8:00 pm U.S. Capitol, West Lawn

Image credit: The Kennedy Center. Image credit: The Kennedy Center.
Enjoy this free performance of the world-renowned National Symphony Orchestra as they signal the end of summer and the beginning of the fall performing arts season. Enjoy all your favorite patriotic songs plus a few fun extras. Bring a picnic blanket and lounge on the lawn with the whole family! The Labor Day Capitol Concert is the perfect family activity to say goodbye to summer. Getting In: Admission to the Capitol Concert is free and begins at 8:00 pm.

Hiking Rock Creek Park

Image credit: National Park Service. Image credit: National Park Service.
Get out and stay active with a little bit of urban hiking. Fortunately, D.C. is blessed with the beautiful and spacious Rock Creek Park, the perfect place for biking, running, hiking, and just plain strolling. Escape the heat of the city center and spend some time in nature. Take the whole family out for the day and enjoy D.C.’s warm summer weather (be sure to wear sunscreen!) Getting In: Admission to Rock Creek Park is free. If you're interested in renting a bike, bike rental tickets are included with the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

The Capital Wheel

Wdc-CapitalWheel-day-4c Stretching up 180 feet in the air, this family-friendly activity provides an incredibly gorgeous view of the city. Its waterfront location also makes this an unbeatable end-of-summer attraction - you'll be cooler by the water and get even better views. Be sure to keep your phone or camera charged for those perfect aerial photos! Getting In: The Capital Wheel tickets are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

Relax Aboard a Cruise

DCA-potomacriverboatHow about enjoying the water with a relaxing cruise? Choose a sightseeing cruise that combines the fun and serenity of a sojourn on the water with the excitement of an informative tour. See many of the best sights of the city while sitting back and relaxing, and while learning about the sights of DC. Getting In: Washington Monuments River Cruise tickets are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

Washington Nationals Baseball

Image credit: Washington.org Image credit: Washington.org
America’s favorite pastime is going strong in Washington, with the continually improving Washington Nationals representing at home in their beautiful stadium. This year the Nationals are playing against the Mets on Labor Day, but they have games on all week so take your pick of the dates for a guaranteed great time. Getting In:  Admission to Washington Nationals games is separately ticketed and is not included with the Washington DC Explorer Pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the team website.

Visit the National Zoo

One of the National Zoo's famed Giant Pandas. One of the National Zoo's famed Giant Pandas.
There’s no better time than summer to meet the myriad of wonderful creatures that call the National Zoo home. Scope out animal exhibits, immerse yourself in interactive activities, indulge in animal encounters, and much more. The zoo is a fantastic option if you'd like to spend the day outside and soak up the last of the summer sun. Be sure to save money for the gift shop! Getting In: Admission to the National Zoo is free.

Newseum

Newseum-1If you're down by the National Mall, pop into the Newseum and explore the history of mass media in America and around the world. Here, you can see memorable newspaper covers from around the world from historic events, see a piece of the Berlin Wall and wreckage from the Twin Towers, and more. Your Newseum ticket includes a two-day ticket, so feel free to come back the next day if you feel like you haven’t seen enough. Getting In: Newseum tickets are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Washington DC in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Of course, these are just a selection of ideas, because there are tons of other great things to do in D.C. to celebrate the end of summer, too. You could swim in a hotel pool, treat yourself at a popular brunch spot, get in some Georgetown shopping before the students return, and much more. Remember, some of these great attraction options are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass, where you can save up to 47% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style. Washington DC Explorer Pass