Four Day Labor Day Weekend Bash in Prince George's

Drawn by an array of carnival rides, food booths, bands, a beauty pageant and parade—festival-goers and families return every year from all across Prince George's County and Maryland to the Greenbelt Annual Labor Day Festival. 

Now in its 58th year, the festival has added some attractions this year to its annual offerings such as bingo, balloons, art and craft shows, horseshoes, roller skating, and a book sale. New this year are an all-day blues festival Saturday, a retro old-time fair and a rising stars talent show on Sunday.

The festival kicks off Friday and runs through Labor Day Monday in the historical . Take a look at some of this year's highlights. Also check the Festival's website for information on parking. Many of the activities and entertainment are free. Prices for food and rides vary. Save money on rides by buying wrist bands ahead of time.

ART SHOW

See displays of art by local artists of all ages. Awards for art show entries will be presented on the main stage Monday from 12 noon - 12:30 p.m. Art will be on display for viewing by the public Monday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the .

It's not too late to take part. For details on how to enter, who is eligible to participate, and more, see the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival website or contact Barbara Simon at (301) 474-2192.

CARNIVAL MIDWAY

Rides, games, a dunking booth, face painting, food booths, drinks and information booths. The rides for young and old are provided by Rosedale Amusements. Take a look at  to get an idea of what Rosedale can offer. The festival website provides a list of booth participants.

Carnival and booths kick off Friday, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. On Saturday the carnival runs from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and the booths are open from 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. On Sunday the carnival and booths are open from 12 noon - 10 p.m. And Monday the carnival and booths are open from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

CRAFT FAIR

Sunday, noon - 8 p.m.: Stop by Roosevelt Center and talk with local artists who will display their handmade crafts.

ENTERTAINMENT

Four Days of Live Music

Friday, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.: Johnny Seaton and Bad Behavior perform the music of Elvis Presley.

(NEW) Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.: All Day Blues Festival, includes blues legend Bobby Parker.

Sunday 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. Wicked Jezabel.

Monday, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Beatle Mania Returns; and 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. the CPR Band performs.

GREENBELT RISING STARS (NEW) 

Sunday, 2-8 p.m.: Performers 17 years old and younger will be on stage to show their talents, from singing and dancing, to playing a musical instrument, and more. "We need to make sure the youth have a place at the festival all around," says Labor Day Festival President Linda Ivy. "We really need to cultivate them for our future."

INFORMATION DAY

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Exhibits will be set up at Roosevelt Center. If you’re new to town and want to know more about local organizations, or if you’re an old-timer looking for a way to get involved, this is your chance to meet and mingle with local groups and find out about their causes, missions and products.

MISS GREENBELT PAGEANT

Friday, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.: The pageant kicks off its Miss Greenbelt, Junior and Little Miss contests with Host Rich Lee. The final segment of the competition, with formal wear and public speaking, takes place Sunday from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., along with the crowning of Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Greenbelt.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AND OPENING CEREMONIES

Friday, 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.: The grandson of two Greenbelt residents Musician First Class Bill Edwards, a member of the U.S. Navy Band, will sing the national anthem. Introduction of dignitaries, including Greenbelt City Councilmembers and other local officials. Presentation and announcement of Outstanding Citizen Award.

PARADE

The annual Greenbelt Labor Day Parade will celebrate its 57th year on Monday from 10 a.m. - 12 noon, having begun in 1956, the second year of the festival. The parade route runs down Crescent Rd. from Greenhill Rd. to Centerway. Parade award winners will be announced Monday, 12 noon - 12:30 p.m. on the main stage. This year’s participants include bands, fire trucks, color guard, community organizations, Circus Artist Gregory May, the Miss Greenbelt participants and more. The Grand Marshall will be Greenbelt’s Outstanding Citizen.

PHOTO SHOW

See displays of photographs by local artists of all ages on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., and on Monday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Greenbelt Community Center. For details on how to enter and more, see the festival website or contact Keith Zevallos at (301) 474-5542.

RETRO TOWN FAIR (NEW)

Enter your baked goods, needlework and more between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, go back in time to a town fair circa 1939. , with help from the Greenbelt 75th Anniversary Committee is organizing the event. Competition entries include flowers, vegetables, baked goods, canned goods, and needlework with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons awarded. And the ribbon of all ribbons to look out for is the Purple Grand Champion. 

The schedule is subject to change without notice. If you have questions, see the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival website for any updates or visit the Information Booth on the festival grounds. Follow Greenbelt Labor Day on Twitter.

Find out more about the cornocopia of Greenbelt Labor Day Festival events, activties and offernings in this eight-page pullout in the Greenbelt News Review.