DC Thrifty Mom’s
FREE, Cheap, & Discounted Things To Do
in the Washington DC Metro Area
Labor Day Weekend:
August 30 – September 1, 2014
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Visit our Calendar for additional local area happenings.***
***Washington D.C.***
It’s “Unofficially” the last weekend of Summer! Consider a dip before all the DPR outdoor pools close for the season.
Canstruction®
National Building Museum
Daily, Through September 6 ∙ FREE, Drop-in program
This design/build competition features amazing structures made entirely of canned goods by local architecture and construction teams, benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank. This year, teams build off of the theme “play with your food.” See entries on display in the Great Hall from August 23–September 5 and watch De-Canstruction on September 6 as the teams disassemble their entries to donate the canned food used in their projects. Visit go.nbm.org/canstruction for more information.
14th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
[ONE DAY ONLY!] Saturday, August 30 ∙ 10:00 am – 10:00pm ∙ FREE!
Come to the 14th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are honorary chairs for the event.
This year’s festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions well into the evening. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, enjoy special entertainment, and stay up late for special new graphic novel, poetry and film programs.
American Bison Exhibition Public Opening
National Zoo
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
In celebration of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park’s 125th Anniversary, we are proud to bring back the American bison—the animal that inspired the founding of our Zoo and helped spark the conservation movement. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo started in 1887 as an exhibit on the National Mall behind the Castle featuring American bison and a handful of species native to North America. Two years later on March 2, 1889, Congress passed an act establishing the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. dedicated to “the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people.” Bison play a unique role not only in the Zoo’s history but are an iconic American animal with deep significance to our nation’s history.
2nd Annual Day of the Dog
Congressional Cemetery
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 11:00am – 5:00pm ∙ FREE Admission
Congressional Cemetery’s second annual Day of the Dog includes activities for both people and their pups. Local pet vendors and services will be present, as well as pet adoption agencies and shelters with dogs and cats ready for adoption. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets to participate in activities and contests will be available for purchase onsite ($5 for 10 tickets).
26th Annual DC Blues Festival
Carter Barron Amphitheatre
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission!
Featuring: Shakura S’Aida, Selwyn Birchwood Band, Eddie Turner, Shirleta Settles and Friends, Hardway Connection, Stacy Brooks Band & Much More!
Throughout the day, visit the John Cephas Workshop Stage for workshops led by talented and well-known artists who will entertain children and adults.
John Cephas Workshop Stage
12:00 – 4:00 pm Children’s Instrument Play Area
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. S.O. Feelgood
Workshops ~ Musical Instrument Petting Zoo ~ Family-Friendly Fun
13th Annual Page-to-Stage Festival 2014
Venues throughout the Kennedy Center
FREE Admission! No tickets required, limited seating available.
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, September 1 ∙ 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
The Kennedy Center hosts its 13th annual Page- to-Stage new play festival, featuring more than 40 D.C.- area theater companies. This year’s festival pays tribute to the Women’s Voices Theater Festival–an initiative by more than 50 D.C. area theaters to produce a world premiere play by a female dramatist in the fall of 2015. In honor of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, the 13th Annual Page-to-Stage festival showcases more than 30 female playwrights. [Performances included on the Kennedy's Center Millennium Stage]
The Petworth Jazz Project
Lawn of Petworth Recreation Center
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 5:30 pm ∙ FREE!
All Shows: Kids performance first, then jazz!
Tonight (Updated!): 5:30pm: Baba Ras D & 6:30pm: Braxton Cook
Brian Lies – Bats in the Band
Politics & Prose
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
The bats are back! This time their outing takes them through a warm spring night to a theater crowded with bats, and the music is already rocking. From a bat with the blues to a bat crooning a country ballad, this latest of Lies’s delightfully illustrated rhyming tales is a celebration of the joy and power of music. Ages 3 to 6.
Half-Price Summer Sundays: August 2014
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ $4-$5
Enjoy half-price admission to the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) every Sunday in August! Take this opportunity to visit NMWA’s collection and current exhibitions. Explore Total Art: Contemporary Video, which highlights the inventive processes that sustain women artists’ position at the forefront of video. Also, examine Meret Oppenheim: Tender Friendships, featuring sculptures, books and drawings created by artist Meret Oppenheim.
Community Walk/Run Event
Kenilworth Park
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Come take a 3 mile walk/run around the Kenilworth Park area to help promote diverse youth programs and sports. FREE Food, Music & FUN!
National Symphony Orchestra: Labor Day Capitol Concert 2014
Presented by National Symphony Orchestra
West Lawn US Capital
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The National Symphony Orchestra celebrates the beginning of its 2014-2015 season with its annual Labor Day Capitol Concert. Participating artists and program to be announced.Free event, no tickets required. Gates open at 3 p.m., open rehearsal at 3:30 p.m.
***Maryland***
Kensington Historical Society Concert Series
Howard Avenue Park
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 10:00am – 11:00am ∙ FREE with Museum Admission
Concerts are every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. all summer, until the end of September. All concerts are in Howard Avenue Park, across from the Farmer’s Market at the Kensington Train Station. These concerts were started by the late Wat Stewart, a longtime Kensington resident and Board member of the Kensington Historical Society. Click here for a full schedule: 2014-KHS-Concert Schedule Today: 2nd Story Band ~ Folk, blues, alternative & world beat
60th Annual Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Roosevelt Center
FREE Admission to the Festival Grounds.
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 10:30 am – 10:00 pm (Entertainment until 11pm)
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Entertainment until 11pm)
Monday, September 1 ∙ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival was started in 1955 as a way of raising funds to build a Youth Center. It has been held every year since by the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee, one of the largest all-volunteer organizations in Maryland.
This year, 2014, will mark the 60th year of the Festival. It will take place Friday, August 29, through Monday, September 1, at the Roosevelt Center at 101 Centerway in Greenbelt, MD. View the weekend-long attractions and events.
Trains and Planes
College Park Aviation Museum
Through Monday, September 1 ∙ FREE with Museum Admission
Miniature trains, villages, tunnels, and depots spark the imagination as they bring history to life. The National Capital Trackers bring a fascinating and constantly moving display of model railroads to the museum.
Maryland State Fair
Timonium Fairgrounds
Through Monday, September 1 ∙ $3 (Child: 6-11), $6 (Senior: 62+), $8 (Adult:
Children Ages 5 and under are admitted FREE. Rides are not included in Fair Admission. A ticket is required for all persons Aged 3 and over for concerts held in the Racetrack Infield. Tickets may be purchased online or at MD State Fair Admission Gates.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Anne Arundel County in Crownsville, just outside of Annapolis, MD
Through Monday, September 1 (event continues with varying schedule through Oct 19)
10:00 am – 7:00 pm ∙ Ticket Savings the first 9 days of the Maryland Renaissance Festival
On Labor Day – Monday, September 1 – All Seniors (62+) are admitted FREE! Always, Children 6 and under are free and do not require a ticket.
Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides
Historic C&O Canal
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31 ∙ 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm ∙ Fees listed below
Take a trip back in time to the 1870′s! Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules. Experience rising 8 feet in a lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal. Enjoy life at a slower pace.
$8.00 for adults (ages 16-61), $6.00 for seniors (ages 62 +), and $5.00 for children (ages 4-15). Children aged three and under ride free. Ten or more people are required to make advance reservations on either boat. Otherwise, seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Charles F. Mercer boat capacity is 65 people. The boat programs last approximately one hour.
“Paint The Town Art Show, 2014″
Kensington Town Hall/Armory
FREE Admission
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday Reception 6 – 7:30 pm)
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 11:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday, September 1 ∙ 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sponsored by Montgomery Art Association and the Town of Kensington
Labor Day 44th Annual Glen Echo Park Art Show
Glen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom
Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1 ∙ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission!
Sponsored by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, the exhibition and sale runs from 12 pm to 6 pm each day. Admission is free. The exhibition features the work of more than 250 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. The show includes works in a wide range of artistic media. On Saturday at 12pm, Adventure Theatre MTC & Glen Echo Open House! Join Adventure Theatre MTC and Glen Echo Park for an Open House and explore the many classes and programs we offer! We’ll have pictures with Garfield, free popcorn, free stylings by Pigtails and Crewcuts, readings of Petite Rouge, showings of Pinkalicious and more! While visiting Glen Echo, consider:
Tiny Tots: Animal Crackers
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $5
See Hobey Hound on the hoop trapeze, Donna Dodo the ring juggler, Carmen the performing bear, and a chorus line of lambs in an old-fashioned vaudeville show!
Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Through Sunday, August 31 ∙ various show times ∙ $10 [check for Discount Tickets]
What’s so bad about the Big Bad Wolf? At last B.B. (Big Bad) Wolfe tells his side of the story, in rap, no less. Has the notorious pork poacher and grandma impersonator gotten a bum rap, or is he truly deserving of his moniker? You be the judge! This tongue-in-cheek version of two children’s favorites uses humor and music to explore our fear of things we don’t understand. This is one of our funniest productions and includes lots of audience participation.
Pinkalicious – The Musical
Adventure Theatre MTC
Through Sunday, August 31 ∙ various show times ∙ $10.50-$19
Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Based on the book “Pinkalicious” by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann∙ Book by Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann ∙ Music by John Gregor ∙ Lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann ∙ Directed by Carl Menninger ∙ Starring Felicia Curry ∙ All Ages. Check TicketPlace.org for discount ticket availability.
Tiny Tots: Old McDonald’s Farm
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $5
The animals on Old McDonald’s Farm come out to entertain us. Al E. Cat introduces us to his barnyard buddies who will delight and amaze with their antics!
Fan Appreciation Day
Bowie Baysox
Sunday, August 31 ∙ $6+
Join the Baysox for a fun-filled Fan Appreciation Day, Sunday, August 31 @ 2:05 pm! The stadium gates will open at 12:30 pm for a pre-gameMeet The Team Autograph/Photo Session until 1:15 pm. Fans can also play Catch On The Field before the game! The first 500 fans (ages 13 & up) will get a Baysox Knit Beanie Cap!
There will be a free raffle during the game for fans to win great prizes from Baysox sponsors plus the chance to win Autographed Items from current and former Baysox Players!
After the game, kids ages 12 & under will be invited onto the field for the first ever Helicopter Candy Drop with over 200 pounds of candy! Kids will get to pick up as much candy after it is dropped on the outfield. All fans will then get to Run The Bases after the Candy Drop presented by the Just Born Candy Company.
To get your tickets for Fan Appreciation Day, CLICK HERE or call 301-464-4865 today!
Movies on the Potomac – 007: You Only Live Twice
National Harbor
Sunday, August 31 ∙ movies start at 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of ocean breezes and all-ages fun! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show!
Rise + Rhyme: Storytelling/Performances (Ages 5 and Under)
Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville
Monday, September 1 ∙ 9:30am ∙ Admission is $5 per child. Additional donations for the performer are appreciated.
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds.
Today’s featured artist is master educator, musician, and storyteller, Bashea Iya Imana. “Iya & the Kuumba Kids” is an interactive, hands-on, fun-filled time. Iya masterfully blends music & movement with storytelling, eco-friendly arts & crafts, and puppetry. This educational program for children fosters a love for learning and promotes literacy, critical thinking, respect for the environment, character development, and creativity.
47th Annual Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival
St. Paul Park
Monday, September 1 ∙ 10:00am ∙ FREE!
Parade starts at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Park and features local marching bands from area schools, equestrian show groups, dance groups, floats and ambassadors from local churches, schools, non-profits and business as well as local, state and federally elected officials.
Following the parade will be a festival on Armory and Howard Avenue. Enjoy newly discovered foods, along with diverse vendors, and games and activities for children of all ages.
Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade
Olde Towne
Monday, September 1 ∙ 1:00pm ∙ FREE!
Now in its 76th year, this rain or shine event includes ethnic dance groups, antique cars and fire trucks, clowns, high school marching bands, and an assortment of community groups, equestrian units, and more.
During the parade, free parking will be available in the Olde Towne garage, located at the corner of Olde Towne and Summit Avenues. Handicap parking will be located behind the Victor Litz store on the north side of Diamond Avenue, and behind the Shell station on Summit Avenue. A shuttle bus will also be available from the Lakeforest Shopping Center transit station to Gaithersburg Elementary School beginning at noon.
***Virginia***
Dani’s Duds
Dulles Expo Center ∙ FREE Admission
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (No Kids before Noon on Saturday)
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Sunday is Half-Price Day)
Northern Virginia’s oldest & largest semi-annual children’s consignment event
Close to 150,000 pieces of highly discounted children’s clothing, toys, shoes, books, baby equipment & accessories, cribs, strollers, high chairs, bikes, sport/outdoor gear, anything you can think of that a child needs age newborn to teen years!
Now also with a Family Corner of furniture and goods/decor for the home, kitchenware, bath accessories, and more.
Virginia Scottish Games
Great Meadow in The Plains, VA ∙ Entrance Fee
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Concert on Saturday evening until 9)
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Children 12 and under free on Sunday)
Scottish and Celtic heritage is the reason for the celebration, but there is something for everyone at this dog-friendly, family-friendly 2-day event. FREE Parking!
Special Event -Dog Days of Summer
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Bring your family to the Museum to see military working dogs, birds of prey and various pet adoption agencies with animals looking for a home.
War of 1812 Signature Event
Waterfront Park
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31 ∙ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Following nearly a year of festivities, the Office of Historic Alexandria commemorates the bicentennial of Alexandria’s involvement in the War of 1812 with a grand event along the Potomac River featuring exhibits, food vendors and waterfront activities plus a rematch between Alexandria residents and the British Embassy. View weekend schedule.
2014 Lake Anne Jazz Festival
Lake Anne Plaza
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm ∙ FREE (rain or shine)
Join us for the 8th Annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival. Come and enjoy an afternoon and evening of “Jazz on the Lake.” Reston Community Center is a major sponsor of this annual event presented by the Friends of Lake Anne and the Lake Anne Merchants and hosted by Lake Anne Plaza.
Starlight Cinema
Trinity Centre Parking
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 7:30 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Your evening will begin with an outdoor pre-movie program – music, food and children’s activities. Then, at dark, the movies will start. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. A FREE series of drive-in movies held Saturday nights in August at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Centre Parking in Centreville. For those who remember taking a date or the whole family, kids and all, to a drive-in movie, here is a chance to relive the good old days; for those who came along to late for the drive-in era, it’s an opportunity to sample this old fashioned fun. The Spotlight on Cinema movies can be watched on the big screen from the comfort of your car or from beneath a canopy of stars in a designated seating area. Tonight: “The Lego Movie” Rating PG; 101 minutes; 2014
Movies On The Green
Tysons Corner
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Join Tysons Corner Center on Saturday evenings at dark for our complimentary Movies on the Green series. Enjoy evenings outside with friends and family while watching your favorite films on our spectacular new outdoor plaza. Tonight: The Blind Side (PG13)
Chaise Lounge Band
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, August 30 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Chaise Lounge’s album The Early Years takes the listener to the Sands hotel in Las Vegas. The year could be 1958 or 2008, so timeless is their music.
Udvar-Hazy Center Summer Concert Series
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Say goodbye to summer with a bit of excitement! Come enjoy your favorite classic and contemporary rock tunes performed on the north lawn by the celebrated Quantico Marine Corps Rock Band. Don’t miss this high energy performance at the last concert of the summer.
Summer Movies at Stonebridge
Potomac Town Center
Sunday, August 31 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Summer Movie Nights at Stonebridge every Sunday at 7 pm through August on the Jumbo Tron! Tonight’s Feature: Beetlejuice
Mr. Knick Knack! Children’s Performance
Reston Town Center - In the Pavilion
Monday, September 1 ∙ 10:30am – 11:15am ∙ FREE!
Unique, heart-centered music for kids!
Labor Day with Rocknoceros
Jammin Java’s Tot Rock!
Monday, September 1 ∙ 10:30am ∙ General Admission $5
Herndon Labor Day Festival
Herndon Town Green
Monday, September 1 ∙ 12:00pm – 6:00pm ∙ Entrance Fee (Cash Only at gate - Children 12 and under free)
Join us in downtown Herndon for the annual Labor Day Festival featuring great music, a craft show, food, twelve wineries, and micro-brews and culinary demonstrations.
Enjoy your long weekend!
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