Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice everything is coming. But you don’t have to switch seasons just yet. Get in some last-minute summer fun with these local activities happening Labor Day weekend.
DC JazzFest
Aug. 28-Sept. 1
The five-day festival will take over the District with more than 100 concerts in 12-plus neighborhoods. The schedule includes what festival Artistic Director Willard Jenkins calls the “grand 20th anniversary weekend” on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at The Wharf and Arena Stage. Catch performances by Afro-Cuban singer Cimafunk and D.C.-based groups The JoGo Project and Chuck Brown Band. For a full list of performers, times, venues and ticket prices, check the website.
Guy Branum comedy show at Arlington Drafthouse
Aug. 30 and 31, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Sept. 1, 7 p.m.
Laugh away your end-of-summer sadness at five shows featuring Guy Branum, a comic who has written for well-known TV shows such as Hacks and The Mindy Project, as well as Mel Brooks’ History of the World, Part II. The author of My Life as a Goddess, Branum is the creator and host of truTV’s Talk Show The Game Show, a mashup of two TV formats that pits comedians and celebrities against each other for the title of “Best Guest of the Night.” Tickets cost $20. // 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Animals of Mount Vernon
Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Included with the price of admission ($13-$26) at George and Martha Washington’s old stomping grounds is the chance to meet and greet the sheep, oxen and horses that live on the property. You’ll also hear from livestock staff about the jobs the animals performed on the estate in the 18th century. Bring your dog for the 10 a.m. All the President’s Pups Dog Tour, a 1.25-mile walking tour about canine life at the farm. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Virginia Wine Tour with Vino Virginia
Aug. 31
The tour leaves from the Pentagon City Metro station at 9:40 a.m. and takes participants to explore Virginia wineries. The experience includes private, scheduled group tastings and a Certified Tourism Ambassador guide who shares details about historical, cultural and natural notables. Tickets cost $169. // 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington
Virginia Scottish Games
Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Still carrying a torch for the competition of the Olympics? This festival is for you. Watch Piping & Drumming, Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, Fiddling, and the East Coast Championships for men’s amateur athletics while getting a big dose of Scottish culture. Find kilt-wearing clan members who can talk about their heritage and tartan pride. Sign up for Gaelic or Celtic lessons and catch some cultural tunes. Food and goods vendors will also be on hand. Tickets cost $20 per day or $30 for the weekend. For children ages 6-12, the fee is $5 on Aug. 31, but free Sept. 1. Children 5 and younger are free both days. // 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains
Corn Maze & Apple Harvest at Great Country Farms
Aug. 31-Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Few things signify the change of summer to fall than the emergence of apple festivals. This popular farm in picturesque Bluemont kicks things off with a 1.5-acre corn maze, fresh-pressed apple cider, apple cider doughnuts and apple picking in the orchard (although taking the apples home will cost you an extra per-pound fee). The farm also has a 15-acre play area with jumping pillows, an obstacle course, giant slides, rope swings and the Cow Pie Putt Putt Golf Course. Tickets cost $14-$18. // 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont
Electric Jungle Rooftop Party at Clarendon Ballroom
Sept. 1, 2-10 p.m.
Enjoy one more summertime party under the stars at this ever-popular Clarendon venue, courtesy of B Social Events. From 3-6 p.m., get margaritas, shooters and White Claws for $5; $6 draft beers; and $8 mojitos. Can’t make it that Sunday? Catch DJ Will Gralley on Aug. 30 or DJ Philipz on Aug. 31, both from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
National Symphony Orchestra Annual Labor Day Concert
Sept. 1, 8 p.m.
Find a spot on the Capitol’s West Lawn and enjoy the free show. Listen to songs by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, John Philip Sousa, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and more, featuring Grammy–nominated rapper/beatboxer Christylez Bacon.
25th Annual Labor Day Car Show
Sept. 2, 8 a.m.
People with vehicles of any type—antiques, classics, custom, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles—are welcome to participate in this annual Fairfax City event. In the past, more than 200 show cars from 24 manufacturers have attracted upward of 5,000 admirers. Produced by the city and the Clifton Lions Club, the goal is to raise money for Inova’s Life with Cancer and the Cloverleaf Equine Center. Admission to the car show is free, but spectators are encouraged to make a nominal attendance donation. // 4081 University Drive, Fairfax
Labor Day Kids and Family Festival
Sept. 2, 12-6 p.m.
Superheroes will be out in force at this kid-friendly Shipgarten event. Fight evil with the likes of Spider-Man, Wonder Woman and Captain America, all of whom will be available for photo ops. Children can play superhero-themed games and create superhero-themed crafts. Look for live music and food vendors, too. Admission is free. // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean