55th Annual Labor Day Art Show
The 55th Annual Labor Day Art Show, presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, returns to the historic Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park from September 5–7, 2026. One of the largest art shows in the Washington D.C. area, the exhibition showcases the work of more than 400 artists from the mid-Atlantic region, spanning a wide variety of mediums including sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture, and works on paper. The event also includes an Opening Reception and a Donor Preview on the evening of Friday, September 4, as well as an awards program with cash prizes and the opportunity for a solo exhibition.
When: Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm each day.
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 2026, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Spanish Ballroom, with refreshments served in the Bumper Car Pavilion. RSVP is preferred but not required.
Donor Preview: Friday, September 4, 2026, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (reception in the Bumper Car Pavilion) and a one-hour donor preview of the art show in the Spanish Ballroom from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Donors and members are invited to RSVP. A donation of $50 or more made between July 1 and September 4, 2026, will earn a $10 voucher toward purchases at the show; first-time donors who give at least $50 during that period will receive a $15 voucher.
Tickets: Admission is free. A suggested donation of $10 is encouraged to support the park’s free festivals, concerts, and historic building preservation. RSVPs are preferred but not required for the show or the Opening Reception.
Artists: Over 400 artists from the mid-Atlantic region exhibiting in a broad range of mediums. Artists are invited to submit entries by August 3, 2026, for consideration.
Awards: The Labor Day Art Show Awards Program offers cash prizes of $250 each for top works in the 2D and 3D categories. Additionally, the Park View Artist Award 2026 includes the opportunity for a solo art exhibition in the Park View Gallery in 2027. All participating artists are eligible.
Judge: Edith Graves, founder of Edith Graves, Art Advisor, LLC, with a BFA in Art History and Studio Art and 30 years of marketing and branding experience. She is a member of ArTTable and known for curating exhibitions and connecting collectors with artists.
Venue: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812. The ballroom is not air-conditioned; large fans will run throughout the day.
Note: Sponsorships for the event are available starting at $500. For sponsorship information, email development@glenechopark.org. The show has been a beloved tradition for more than half a century, attracting art collectors and casual viewers alike.