Free things to do in the DC area

5 PM – 7 PM·City of Alexandria

Join us for Historic Happy Hours as we deep dive into history in a fun setting throughout the city! Learn about tavern entertainment in the late 18th and early 19th centuries presented by Jim Holloway, Interpretive Program Coordinator. Join us at Ramparts at 1700 Fern St. Alexandria, VA 22302

6 PM – 7 PM·People’s Book, 7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD

Join us to explore novels that challenge, subvert, or reimagine the norms of fantasy writing. Every month, we will be exploring diverse and magical worlds, where LBTQ+ characters are at the center of the action and/or written by LBTQ+ authors. Epic adventures, magical beings.

6 PM·River Pavilion, The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream). Nogu Svelo! is a legendary Wild East punk and alternative rock band out of New York City. Blending punk energy, theatrical performance, and Eastern European cabaret influences, Nogu Svelo! has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary international rock.

Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308

Come to Fort Hunt on September 4 at 7:30 PM for a special screening of Empire of the Sun at Pavilion A! Every Friday in September, a new movie will screen. In lieu of previews, a park ranger will deliver a talk about how each movie connects to Fort Hunt’s twentieth century history and this year’s sub-theme of science a…

11 AM – 1 PM·Smithsonian Gardens · Washington

Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling! Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, ref…

1 PM – 3 PM·Program Room, Anacostia Community Museum · Washington

Explore the stories from fabrics, textiles and threads in this hands on workshop by local artist, Autumn Spears. Inspired by the idea that textiles can serve as personal and cultural archives, The Shape of Memory, invites us to reflect on a memory or experience that has shaped our lives and transform that reflection in…

7 PM – 9 PM·Transit Pier · Washington

Genre‑defying high entertainment group Perfekt Blend is performing on the Floating Stage at Transit Pier on Friday, September 4. This free concert, presented by Pacifico Beer, begins at 7:00 pm.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens · Washington

We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…

Netherlands Carillon, N Meade St, Arlington, VA 22209

Enjoy sweeping views of Washington, D.C. while guest carillonneurs play free concerts of jazz, pop, and patriotic music on the carillon's 53 bells. Join Park Rangers to learn more about the Netherlands Carillon's history, and it's symbolism of friendship. We recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the perfo…

9 AM – 12 PM·Montgomery College Food Forest, 7719 Chicago Avenue, Takoma Park, MD

🌱Monthly Work Party at the Montgomery College Food Forest 🌱 Come spend a few hours with us at the food forest. We’ll be out on the land together tending to the land. Most days are a small group of people showing up, getting their hands in the soil, and working alongside one another. No experience needed – just come a…

11 AM – 11:45 AM·College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD

Discover the vital role women have played in powered flight, beginning with Katharine Wright in 1903. Explore the groundbreaking achievements of female pilots with ties to College Park Airport, and engage in a conversation about the opportunities and challenges women face in aviation careers. — Discover the vital role…

12 PM – 2 PM·Program Room, Anacostia Community Museum · Washington

Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop led by artist James S. Terrell. Inspired by the symbolism and storytelling power of masks, participants will design and paint their own expressive mask artwork on canvas. Inspired by the work of David Driskell and Lois Mailou Jones, James S. Terrell will walk participants throu…

Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308

The Hot Lanes is a 16-piece culmination of a vision Bobby Jasinski had in 2014. With influences ranging from Wynton Marsalis to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the focus of The Hot Lanes is to promote jazz in the D.C. metropolitan area. Featuring diverse and talented group of musicians, The Hot Lanes encourages j…

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens · Washington

We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…

11 AM – 11:45 AM·College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD

Discover the vital role women have played in powered flight, beginning with Katharine Wright in 1903. Explore the groundbreaking achievements of female pilots with ties to College Park Airport, and engage in a conversation about the opportunities and challenges women face in aviation careers. — Discover the vital role…

11 AM – 12 PM·Meet at Information Desk, Asian Art Museum · Washington

Join docent Sushmita Mazumdar every first Sunday of the month as she guides you to use pencil and paper to consider the unique ideas and expressions of Asian artists from various traditions spanning the continent across centuries. All materials will be provided. No reservation needed.

11 AM·Anthem Row, 800 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Celebrate everything homegrown, handmade, and proudly DC at the 17th Annual DC State Fair. On September 6, Anthem Row comes alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District's agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, enjoy live music, local vendors, creative demons…

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

Join our ensemble of performers as they sing, dance, and teach through storytelling. Learn about the ring shout—a powerful practice blending song and rhythmic movement created by enslaved communities in the 1700s and 1800s. They combined various religious practices of Europe and Africa, creating a cultural tradition th…

Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza 2026 features hot entertainment for the Downtown DC community. From July 13 through September 25, 2026, Monday to Friday at 12:00 p.m. - 1:00pm on Wilson Plaza, join us for free lunchtime performances featuring the area's most talented enterta…

12 PM – 1 PM·Meet at Information Desk, Asian Art Museum · Washington

Examine the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations in this in-person, docent-led tour. Learn about Chinese artworks such as ritual bronze vessels, calligraphy, brush paintings in ink and color, and exquisite ceramics. Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the…

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM·Westphalia Community Center, 8900 Westphalia Road, Upper Marlboro, MD

This is not your ordinary hip-hop dance class. Get moving and grooving to upbeat music while your fitness level improves — This is not your ordinary hip-hop dance class. Get moving and grooving to upbeat music while your fitness level improves. It’s all fun and all good in this energetic workout. Level: All

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM·Third Floor, "20th Century Americans" · Washington

Join us in the galleries for a drop-in sketching session with artist, Jill Galloway! Create, connect, and sketch with fellow artists, while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collection. These drop-in style workshops will include all supplies. Open to artists of all levels, ages 18 and up. When you arrive,…

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM·Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. · Alexandria

Ages 18 & up. Join us on four Tuesdays this fall for Line Dance Socials! Pull on your boots and enjoy an evening of dancing, music, and fun. No experience needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to groove!