The best in Washington, DC things to do, entertainment, nightlife, culture, arts, fashion and more.
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What, No Charge? How to Have Fun in Washington for Free
By
Elizabeth Farrell
Check out this list of ideas on how to be content in Washington without spending a penny.
No money? No worries. There's plenty to experience in the city for free.
Most local museums cost nothing, but did you know that Washington is also chock-full of other interesting, tasty, cultural, and—best of all—free activities? Check out this list of ideas on how to be content in Washington without spending a penny.
United States Navy Band Concerts
An official United States band for 80 years, the Navy Band performs around DC, Maryland, and Virginia. All concerts are free, but check the Web site; tickets (free) may be required.
navyband.navy.mil/sched.shtml
Vidalia
This restaurant, which features Southern food, offers a free wine tasting from 5:30 to 6:30 PM Monday through Friday. Even better, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres with your wine.
1990 M St., NW; 202-659-1990; vidaliadc.com
Tryst Coffeehouse Jazz Nights
Jazz sounds so much better when it’s free. Check out some great live music Monday through Wednesday nights; the Web site lists upcoming performers. A bonus: Tryst also has free wi-fi during the week.
2459 18th St., NW; 202-232-5500; trystdc.com
Bistro Lepic
This French Bistro offers free wine at its wine bar on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 PM.
1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-0111; bistrotlepic.com
La Tasca
Relax Spanish style at this tapas restaurant/bar’s Friday happy hour from 4 to 7, with free paella at the bar.
722 Seventh St., NW; 202-347-9190; latascausa.com
Iota Club and Cafe Open-Mike Night and Poetry Series
Feel free to express yourself at Iota, where you can attend open-mike nights Wednesdays at 8 and listen to featured poets or read from your own work every second Sunday of the month from 6 to 8.
2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340; iotaclubandcafe.com
Dumbarton Oaks Garden
Meander through ten acres of beautifully landscaped, historic gardens and quiet retreats such as Lovers’ Lane. Admission is free until March 14, when it goes back up to $8.
1703 32nd St., NW; 202-339-6401; doaks.org
Creative Cakes Open House
If you’re planning a cake-worthy event or you just like frosting, Creative Cakes hosts a free cake-sampling open house one Sunday of every month.
8814 Brookville Rd., Silver Spring; 301-587-1599; creativecakes.com
National Gallery of Art Sunday Concerts
Can’t afford as many classical-music concerts as you’d like? The National Gallery of Art hosts free ones. Check the online schedule for a list of performers. If you can, arrive a half hour early—seats are first come, first serves.
Sixth St. and Constitution Ave., NW; 202-842-6941; nga.gov/programs/music
Ladies Night at Bedrock Billiards
Ladies who are up for a bit of pool or shuffleboard play for free on Wednesdays from 7 PM until midnight.
1841 Columbia Rd., NW; 202-667-7665; bedrockbillards.com
How do you have fun in Washington for free? Leave your tips in the comments.
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Comments
Great information about inexpensive activities in Washington. Is there any way you can add an email to a friend button? I think this would be nice for people visiting to get in a welcome package to the area.
Posted by: Linda Panagoulis, Apr 24, 2008 09:46:46 PM
The Smithsonian American Art Museum has a great jazz concert called Take Five in their new courtyard. It’s free, with a cash bar and cafe nearby, and takes place one Thursday a month from 5-8 pm. The next one is this Thursday, March 20th.
Posted by: Art and Jazz!, Mar 17, 2008 01:02:02 PM
Great listing! Can’t wait to check it out when I come back this summer :)
Posted by: A.M. Marks, Mar 11, 2008 08:35:21 AM
show every Thursday night in Dupont Circle...
show runs from 8 til 10pm..
free show featuring local comics--mix of newbies and pros
no cover--no drink min--you will have so much fun you will throw money at the comics...
StandupComedyToGo.com
Posted by: you forgot Topaz Bar: FREE Standup comedy, Mar 08, 2008 05:48:12 AM
Sadly, the NGA is not the best place to hear music -- too reverberant.
Posted by: Mike Licht, Mar 07, 2008 11:02:10 PM
Free Jazz on the mall in the summer :)
Posted by: Emily, Mar 07, 2008 12:58:56 PM
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Posted at
02:45 PM/ET, 03/05/2008 in
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