It may mean the end of summer, but Labor Day is also about celebrating the American work ethic by doing little more than raising a glass. Get in the spirit by resolving to kick back this weekend, whether it’s with a lobster roll, a can of local craft brew or a pint of Blue Moon’s new seasonal ale. We’ll cheers to that!

Backyard Bash
5–7 PM, Wednesday, August 29
Helix Lounge (1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW)
THe last in the Backyard Bash series at Helix Lounge is this Wednesday; enjoy wood-fired specialty burgers and all the fixings (including brisket chili and house-made bacon jam) at the Helix Burger Bar. Add a can of DC Brau Lager for half price at just $3. Regular happy hour drink specials ($2 PBR cans, #3 Yuengling and Miller Light drafts, $4 house cocktails, $5 cosmos and $6 select wine) are also available.

Luau Party at the Penthouse
All day, Thursday, August 30
Penthouse Pool Club (1612 U St. NW)
Find a friend with a membership at the exclusive Penthouse Pool Club on the VIDA U Street rooftop — on this day only, members can bring up to four guests for free for the all-day luau, which will feature poolside hula dancers and specialty food and drinks available for purchase.

Blue Moon on the Blue Moon
6–9 PM, Friday, August 31
Local 16 (1602 U St. NW)
Be the first to sample Blue Moon’s Caramel Apple Spiced Ale (on the night of the actual blue moon, no less). It’s the winning Blue Moon brew from the March preview tasting and is on tap  exclusively at Local 16. A suggested $5 donation benefits the Arts Programs at Shaw Middle School.

Live & Kicken’ New England Lobstah Dinner
7 PM, 8:30 PM, 10 PM, Friday August 31 & Saturday September 1
Montserrat House (2016 9th St. NW)
ESL Radio presents this pop-up “restaurant” during three seatings each on Friday and Saturday nights at the uber-hip Montserrat House event space. Your $85 ticket, inclusive of tax and gratuity, covers unlimited Heineken or Amstel with two one-pound lobsters, chowder, corn and rolls. You’ll also be entered to win VIP tix to see Thievery Corporation at The Fairgrounds on September 15.

24th Annual DC Blues Festival
Noon–7:30 PM; Saturday, September 1
Carter Barron Ampitheater (3545 Williamsburg Lane NW)
Get your outdoors fix while you still can; the Carter Barron ampitheater hosts this free, day-long event with performances by local jazz musicians.

Labor Day Concert 2012
Gates at 3 PM; Concert at 8 PM, Sunday, September 1
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Enjoy a free performance by the National Symphony Orchestra within view of the night-lit Capitol dome. Where else in America can you find such cool (and gratis) culture?

Photo by Danya Henninger