55th Annual Labor Day Art Show
The 55th Annual Labor Day Art Show brings together work by more than 500 artists from across the Mid-Atlantic region in Glen Echo Park’s Spanish Ballroom. The exhibition spans sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture, and works on paper, continuing a tradition that has attracted both collectors and casual visitors for more than 50 years.
The show also includes an artist directory, awards for outstanding two- and three-dimensional work, and opportunities to meet artists and browse a wide range of original artwork. The 2026 awards judge is Edith Graves, founder of Edith Graves, Art Advisor, LLC, who has three decades of experience in marketing and branding and works with contemporary artists, collectors, and designers.
When: Saturday, September 5, through Monday, September 7, 2026
Showtimes: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day
Tickets: Free
Venue: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park
Address: 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812
RSVP: RSVPs are encouraged but not required for the art show and opening reception.
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Spanish Ballroom, with refreshments served in the Bumper Car Pavilion
Donor Preview: Friday, September 4, 2026. The donor reception runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion, followed by a one-hour preview in the Spanish Ballroom from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Refreshments are provided. The preview and reception are for donors and members who RSVP.
Art Forms: The exhibition includes sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture, and works on paper.
Awards: The show will award $250 cash prizes for top works in both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional categories. Gift certificates to BLICK Art Materials will also be presented, and the 2026 Park View Artist Award winner will receive the opportunity for a solo exhibition in Glen Echo Park’s Park View Gallery in 2027. Award selections are made at the judge’s discretion, and all participating artists are eligible.
Awards Judge: Edith Graves, founder of Edith Graves, Art Advisor, LLC, is the 2026 judge. She represents a select group of contemporary artists nationwide and has backgrounds in art history, studio art, marketing, branding, exhibitions, and art advising.
Food and Beverages: Praline Café is open Saturday through Monday. Saté serves Indonesian food on Saturday and Sunday, Fly Pizza operates Saturday, and Pacha Mama Juice Co. operates Monday.
Donor Voucher: Donors who contribute $50 or more between July 1 and September 4, 2026, receive a $10 voucher toward a purchase at the show. First-time donors making a contribution of at least $50 during that period receive a $15 voucher. Only one voucher is available per person, regardless of donation amount.
Suggested Donation: Although admission is free, the park suggests a $10 contribution to support its festivals, concerts, historic buildings, and other programs.
Venue Note: The Spanish Ballroom is not air-conditioned, though large fans will operate throughout the day.
Contact: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, (301) 634-2222, info@glenechopark.org