Free things to do in Washington, DC

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.

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…

11 AM – 1 PM·1st Floor, Hall of Human Origins, Natural History Museum · Washington

Do primates learn from one another? Did early humans learn in the same way? How can scientists uncover evidence of learning from the past? Come chat with Dr. Elaine Miller to explore the evolution of learning! An expert in evolutionary brain anatomy and function, Dr. Miller will use puzzles to illustrate the advantages…

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…

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…

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…

1 PM – 2:15 PM·Wallace H. Coulter Plaza, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

Rhythms, Roots, Recipes: Community Stories of Food and Music brings together cooking demonstrations, live music, and storytelling. Each program in the series explores traditions that animate families and communities across the United States—and beyond. Join us for an afternoon of Armenian American culture as found in o…

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·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 – 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 – 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…

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,…