Page-to-Stage New Play Festival
Saturday, September 1, through Monday, September 3
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW
2 to 10 PM each day; free (except for parking)
800-444-1324
kennedy-center.org
The Kennedy Center welcomes more than 40 local theaters to its stages in an effort to promote new plays and musicals by local, regional, and national playwrights and composers. Visitors will experience readings, open rehearsals, panel discussions, and previews of upcoming Washington premieres. Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Saturday, September 1, through Monday, September 3 (and into October)
Off Route 50, near Annapolis
10 AM to 7 PM
rennfest.com
800-296-7304
The Jolly Jester, a.k.a. magician Bob Sheets, presents a special Labor Day magic and comedy act. The festival also features jousting, pony rides, knife throwing, and more.
19th Annual DC Blues Festival
Saturday, September 1
Carter Barron Amphitheater, Rock Creek Park
1 PM; free
dcblues.org
The DC Blues Society celebrates its 20th anniversary with Clarence “the Bluesman” Turner and Band, Mary Shaver and the Smokin’ Polecats, the Orioles, the Nighthawks, and Bobby Parker and the Blues Night Band.
Planet Arlington World Music Festival
Saturday, September 1
Netherlands Carillon/Iwo Jima Memorial Grounds
4 to 9 PM; free
703-228-1850
arlingtonarts.org/planetarlington.htm
Celebrate Washington’s diversity with music from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and more. Shuttle busses will run continuously from the Rosslyn Metro Station, Arlington Mill Community Center, and Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center.
Official Birthday Party for the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown
Sunday, September 2
9:30 Club, 815 V St., NW
7:30 PM, $25
930.com
Head to the 9.30 Club to see 73-year-old Chuck Brown do what he does best. The Washington legend will gear up his hometown fans with music he began developing in the mid-1970s, including “Bustin’ Loose,” “I Need Some Money,” and songs from his new album. SOJA, a local five-piece reggae band, will open.
National Symphony Orchestra Annual Labor Day Concert
Sunday, September 2
West Lawn, US Capitol
8 PM (gates open at 5); free
202-416-8113
kennedy-center.org
Vocalists from the Soldiers’ Chorus of the US Army Field Band will join the NSO. The event will move to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in the case of inclement weather.
19th Annual Labor Day Jazz & Wine Festival
Monday, September 3
Downtown Herndon, 777 Lynn St.
Noon to 6 PM
$3 ($15 with wine tasting), children under 12 free; tickets available only on-site
703-787-7300
herndon-va.gov
Live jazz, wines from ten Virginia wineries, a fine-arts show, and food are key features of this outdoor event in Herndon’s historic downtown area. Performers include the Village Jazz Band, Barbara Martin & Mac Walter, the Frank Vignola Quintet, and the Dave Valentin Quintet.
Navy Band Labor Day Concert
Monday, September 3
US Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
12:30 PM; free
navyband.navy.mil/summerconcerts.shtml
The US Navy Band concludes its summer concert series with a special Labor Day show.
Signature Theatre Season Preview at Millennium Stage
Monday, September 3
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW
6 PM; free (except for parking)
800-444-1324
kennedy-center.org
Signature, Arlington’s acclaimed theater, presents an evening of musical cabaret as part of the Page-to-Stage New Play Festival.
