The Labor Day Music Festival, showcasing D.C. artists, is returning for a third year. (Photo by S Pakhrin)

We don’t want you laboring too hard (sorry, not that sorry) to entertain yourself this holiday weekend, and, per usual, we’re looking out for your pocketbook, too. Get your groove on at a whole bunch of concerts, catch the annual Page-to-Stage new play festival, and more, all for the price of $0.00.

Get your go-go on and celebrate the city’s most underrated park
On August 31, 1918, Congress designated land to create Anacostia Park, which stretches across 1,200 acres (it includes the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden, Langston Golf Course, and other green spaces). Kick off the weekend—and the celebrations for the park’s 100th birthday—with a free concert from the Chuck Brown Band on Friday night. Then come back on Saturday for a day jam-packed with outdoor activities: yoga and boat tours in the morning, followed by fishing lessons, a bike repair pop-up, rollerskating performances, and, uh, live raptors throughout the afternoon. And, of course, a birthday party wouldn’t be complete without cake. While the festivities end on Saturday, the entirety of 2018 has been designated the “year of the Anacostia”—see here for more events.
Anacostia Park, Friday, 6:30-10 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Listen to locals at the Lincoln
After you’ve seen the Chuck Brown Band on Friday, bust out your best dancing shoes for two more nights of free concerts at the Lincoln Theatre. Saturday is “Latin Night,” with performers Jason Cerda, Pablo Antonio y La Firma, Verny Varela, and Elena & Los Fulanos taking to the stage. Sunday switches up to D.C. musicians specializing in “Go-go Fusion”—DuPont Brass, The JoGo Project, Full Throttle Band, and The Experience Band & Show. But why pick just one? Both shows are entirely free and open to the public through the mayor’s 202Creates initiative.
Lincoln Theatre, Saturday, 7 p.m., and Sunday, 7 p.m.

Give a stripped-back play a shot
Calling all former theater kids, this one’s for you. Now in its 17th (!) year, the Page-to-Stage new play festival features dozens of works in various stages of production—from table reads to nearly ready for primetime—from what seems like practically every theater company in the area. Synetic Theater’s Sleepy Hollow is on the docket for Sunday, while Saturday and Monday feature full days of programming.
Kennedy Center, Saturday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Sunday 6-7 p.m., and Monday, 10 a.m.-10p.m.

Let the National Symphony serenade you
In terms of patriotic events, the annual Labor Day Capitol Concert is a bit like the Fourth of July’s little sibling—still plenty of Americana to go around, but not quite as much hoopla. The 1.5-hour concert of classics takes place on the Capitol’s West Lawn. Alcohol is banned, but you can still pack a picnic and make an evening of it.
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Sunday, 8 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.)

Walk right on up to NMAAC
Once upon a time, your fair editor recommended waiting a few months until the crowds died down to pay a visit to the African American History and Culture Museum in order to really enjoy the breathtaking museum. That day, of course, never really came. But almost exactly two years after the museum made its debut, you can finally visit without a ticket—during walk-up weekdays in September. If you have off on Monday, seize the opportunity. Be on the lookout for all the things that represent Chocolate City in the various collections.
African American History and Culture Museum, Monday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Want more ideas for your weekend—even if they cost a little money?
10 Spots For Labor Day Brunch In D.C.
12 Things To Do In And Around D.C. This Labor Day Weekend
Six Of The Week’s Best Food Events Around D.C.
15 Concerts You Don’t Want To Miss Around D.C. This Week