Living in Potomac has its perks, and high on the list is being perfectly placed for the region’s best Labor Day weekend events. From 5Ks to concerts, food festivals to state fair favorites, everything worth doing is within striking distance of your River Road routine. We’ve curated the standouts so there’s something for everyone:

Start Your Weekend Strong
Kick off Saturday with the 32nd Kentlands/Lakelands 5K through Gaithersburg’s award-winning neighborhoods. This USATF-certified course also serves as a Maryland Senior Olympics qualifier, where your personal best might mean more than bragging rights. The post-race merchant expo and live entertainment sweeten the deal, with cash prizes for top finishers and team awards for families.

Feed Your Cultural Soul
DC JazzFest turns the District into America’s jazz capital through Sunday, with a massive waterfront finale at The Wharf. NEA Jazz Masters Ron Carter and Branford Marsalis headline alongside Marcus Miller and the Sun Ra Arkestra. Free outdoor performances complement ticketed shows at venues from The Anthem to intimate neighborhood spots.

Art in Every Corner
Glen Echo Park’s 54th Annual Labor Day Art Show fills the historic Spanish Ballroom with work from over 400 Mid-Atlantic artists. Running Saturday through Monday, the juried exhibit spans sculpture, painting, jewelry, and more, with cash prizes and a Friday night reception. In Kensington, the Paint the Town Art Show showcases Montgomery Art Association talent with live demos and a plein air competition.

Symphonic Sunday
The National Symphony Orchestra’s Labor Day Concert returns to the Capitol’s West Lawn Sunday at 8 p.m. Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads a program featuring Copland, Gershwin, and contemporary composers. Admission is free and seating is first come, with security gates opening at 3 p.m.

Classic Americana
The Maryland State Fair rolls into the weekend with thoroughbred racing, glass-blowing demos, and a lineup that includes goat yoga, square dancing, and the Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off. On Monday, take your pick. Gaithersburg’s 87th Annual Labor Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. with marching bands, antique cars, and a festive block party. Or head to Kensington for the 58th Annual Labor Day Parade and Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring dance troupes, equestrian teams, floats, food vendors, live music, and family fun.

Weekend Wildcards
The DC Festival of Magic brings world-class illusionists to the Capital Hilton Friday through Sunday. Willing to cross the river? McLean’s Middle Eastern Food Festival serves up kibbeh, baklava, and live music Saturday and Sunday at Holy Transfiguration Church. On Monday, Fairfax’s Annual Labor Day Car Show rolls out more than 300 classics and muscle cars to benefit local charities. And for something completely different, head to The Plains in Virginia for the Virginia Scottish Games on Saturday and Sunday, with Highland dancing, piping, heavy athletics, whiskey tastings, sheepherding demos, clan tents, and antique British cars on display.

Labor Day weekend 2025 isn’t just summer’s finale. It’s the grand finale.

🤝 Scotland AME Zion Church leaders just launched the Potomac Community Foundation, backed by names like Robert Buchanan and William Conway. The mission? Invest in Montgomery County’s historic Black communities. Learn more

🥗 Eat Sprout opens in Bethesda today. Expect scratch-made bowls, smoothies, and sourdough served daily 7am–7pm. Peek their August menu

🧊 Below Zero is now (finally) chilling at Montgomery Mall. Swiss science meets marble luxury with cold therapy skincare that promises to “enhance beauty and slow aging.” Explore their site

🎭 American University’s unveils its fall performing arts lineup of theater, music, and dance performances. Spring tickets sold out fast so see what’s on

⛳ Laytonsville Golf Course hosts its 2-Day Men’s Senior Championship Sept. 13–14. $200 gets you two rounds, carts, lunch, prizes. Open to golfers 50+ with USGA handicaps. Sign up to compete

Nail Art for Tweens & Teens. 4:30-5:30pm @ Potomac Library
Get glam with non-toxic nail polish, brushes, dotting tools, and stickers in this DIY program. All materials provided for ages 10-18 to explore the art of the manicure. 💅

Friday Night Salsa. 6-9pm @ Pike District Pop-Up Park
Free salsa dance party by Víctor at All Out Danza transforms the Pike District into a Latin celebration with food vendors, beer, wine, and cocktails for 21+. Bring chairs or claim the Adirondack seating. 🕺

Sunset Summer Movie Night. 8-9:30pm @ Meadowside Nature Center
Watch "The Great Outdoors" starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd on the nature center lawn. $25 ticket includes wine or beer (2 drink max), popcorn, and candy. Ages 21+ with ID check. Register in link, bring lawn chairs + blankets 🎬

USA Wildwater Championships & Team Trials. Sat & Sun, 10:30am-3pm @ Great Falls National Park
Watch America's top kayakers tackle Class V+ rapids in sprint and classic races as they compete for spots on the US team over 2 days. Spectating possible from overlooks on both MD and VA sides 🚣‍♂️

E-biking Through Potomac & Great Falls. 10am @ Avenel Local Park
Tour through Potomac on this 21-mile guided ride past Glenstone Museum and back via the C&O Canal Trail with a lunch break at the scenic overlook beach. Analog bikes welcome too. 🚴‍♀️

Houseplants 101. 11am @ Good Earth Garden Market
As part of their “Houseplant Palooza” event all weekend, you can learn how to tame tricky houseplants at this free workshop with Rachel, Good Earth’s houseplant manager + bring photos of your wilting wonders for personalized troubleshooting. Free to attend 🌱

Labor Day BBQ Party. 11am-2pm @ Strosniders Potomac Village
End summer BBQ with free food and 2X Ace Rewards points on grills and accessories 🔥

Chess Zone & Special Simul. 12-4:30pm @ Montgomery Mall
Join free play, lessons, and mini-tournaments, plus a special exhibition with U.S. National Master David Bennett playing 20 guests simultaneously. Registration starts on-site @ 12pm, all ages and skill levels welcome♟️

BiteMe Summer Food Festival Charity. 12-8pm @ The Square Rockville
Enjoy authentic Asian dishes, live cultural performances, a bustling goods market, and family-friendly showcases. Free admission, with all proceeds supporting the Maryland Food Bank. 🥟

PinoyFest. 10am–5pm @ Bohrer Park
Celebration of Filipino culture featuring authentic food, arts & crafts, live DMV artists, dancing and amazing karaoke of course. 🎤

Real Cake Decorating. 2pm @ Dov & Company
Learn pro techniques with Lillian Nathalie while decorating two mini cakes using pressed flowers, edible glitter, and luxe flavors. All materials provided. $85, tickets in link 🍰

^{*Dates & times subject to change based on weather and/or venues making your life more difficult}

Now forward this to that neighbor who claims they saw Bob Margolin at Hank Dietle’s

-Potomac Loop Team