The annual Labor Day Concert is a great occasion to enjoy the warm end of the summer night in Washington. Pack some food and head to a picnic on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on the last Sunday before Labor Day.

The concert by the National Symphony Orchestra is absolutely free to attend. Seating is first-come, first-served, so make sure you come early. Gates for security screening open at 3 pm. Classical music fans will be delighted to listen to the concert twice—during the rehearsal that starts at 3:30 pm and the actual performance at 8 pm. If the weather is rainy, the concert can be held at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater.

Lineup

The Labor Day Concert marks the start of a new performing season. It usually features traditional American compositions such as the "Washington Post March," "The Armed Forces Salute," “The Lady is a Tramp,” “My Funny Valentine," and “Maybe This Time.” National Symphony Orchestra often performs compositions by John Williams, Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and Johannes Brahms. Labor Day Concerts often feature award-winning musicians and conductors.

Access and Rules

You can access the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol near 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and 3rd Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. It is difficult to find parking in the area, so it's best to take the Metro. Union Station and Capitol South are the closest stations to the area. Security screening is a must to enter the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. The public can't bring in alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, bicycles, large umbrellas, or any kind of fireworks or weapons.

Concerts at the Capitol is a more than 130-year-old tradition of Washington DC. In the summer, you can enjoy military band performances on weekday evenings on the West Front steps of the Capitol Building. For the latest updates, please check with the official website (see External Resources below).