While D.C. is filled with countless events and experiences, it’s important to remember how many free opportunities are right at our fingertips!
Claire Cahill - Commercial Editor•
Of course, D.C. has plenty of free historical sites. But if you’ve exhausted the classic national monument adventures, we’ve got you covered with some additional free things to do in D.C.!
1. Step into the Library of Congress for a unique happy hour experience
Taking place every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Live! at the Libraryinvites you to explore the library’s ornate Thomas Jefferson Building, current exhibitions, and stunning Main Reading Room after hours. While attendance is completely free, snacks and drinks are sold on-site.
Want to extend your evening? The Library of Congress hosts concerts, screenings, lectures, and more each Thursday as well. Check out the full calendar of events, and be sure to snag your tickets in advance.
2. Let laughter fill the air at these lively stand-up shows
Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or want to shake up date night with some laughs, these Underground Comedy sets present an awesome line-up of comedians. With free shows at Hot Bed in Adams Morgan and Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights, Underground Comedy always has something fun on the horizon.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the shows typically feature rapid-fire sets from 10 to 15 different comedians. Check out the Underground Comedy websitefor upcoming shows.
3. Stroll down the towpath along the C&O Canal
Boasting over 180 miles of trails between Georgetown and Cumberland, Maryland, the C&O Canal towpath is the perfect destination for both history buffs and fitness fanatics. Lined with historic lock houses, mills, and other hidden gems, the path contains over 1,000 historic structures!
From hiking and biking to rock climbing and scrambling in select areas, there’s something for everyone to take advantage of recreationally. There are several entrance points along the length of the canal, and all are free except for the Great Falls Tavern entry.
4. Attend one of D.C.’s popular Jazz in the Garden concerts
Get ready for an unforgettable evening packed with sculptures, live music, fresh air, food and drinks at one of the National Gallery of Art’s summer concerts. The 2024 lottery-based Jazz in the Garden events include the following:
🎶 US Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note: Friday, July 12th
🎺 Jake Blount:Friday, July 19th
🎵 Brent Birckhead: Friday, July 26th
🎷 Plena Libre:Friday, August 2nd
🎶 Leigh Pilzer’s Seven Pointed Star:Friday, August 9th
Registration is required, so check out the event details to try your luck at getting a ticket!
5. Marvel at the Rubell Museum’s contemporary collections
Formerly home to Randall Junior High School, the Rubell Museumin Southwest brings the Rubell Family’s substantial contemporary art collection to the nation’s capital. Featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, videos, and installation artwork, the venue is known for its impressive range of creations.
D.C. residents can get free admission to the Rubell Museum with proof of ID. For those living in Maryland and Virginia, or visiting from further away, the museum accepts pay-what-you-wish donations on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
6. Enjoy free weekly screenings and performances at the Kennedy Center
Catch free film screenings and performances inside D.C.’s stunning Kennedy Center! Film screenings take place on Sundays at 3:00 pm inside the Justice Forum, or outside on the expansive REACH Plaza.
On Wednesdays through Saturdays, the Kennedy Center hosts live performances in the Grand Foyer at 6:00 pm. Guests can book tickets online, or grab them at the Box Office on the day of each performance. Tickets are always free and are administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Get an aerial view of D.C. from the Old Post Office Tower
Boasting a 270-foot observation deck on the 12th floor, the Old Post Office Toweroffers unparalleled views of the Capitol, Washington Monument, White House, and beyond. On sunny days, visitors can see more than 12 miles of surrounding attractions.
The tower is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm seven days a week, and visitors heading to the observation deck can enter via the door marked “Museum and Clock Tower.” Tickets are not required in advance.
8. Embark on a mesmerizing mural walk
D.C.’s vibrant murals are a great way to enjoy some free art without stepping into a museum. Rain or shine, the colorful creations make their mark throughout the city. As of March 2022, the NoMa BIDreported having over 42 murals in NoMa alone.
You can also find plenty of street art scattered throughout other parts of the city, including Adams Morgan and Blagden Alley.
9. Enjoy free health and wellness activities powered by FITDC
From 5k runs to yoga to Hip Hip cardio sessions, FITDC’s free events are a great way to stay active – and have fun doing so! Launched by Mayor Muriel Bowser, powered by AETNA, and executed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, FITDC unites D.C. residents through health and wellness.
Whether you’ve been in the district for years or are new to the area, these free D.C. workout classes are a great way to build your community!
10. Visit any of D.C.’s Smithsonian locations for free!
D.C.’s Smithsonian museums, galleries, and zoo are some of the city’s greatest free attractions. While most of the locations allow walk-ins, the African American History and Culture Museum, D.C. Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo require timed entry passes.
Take a look at the full list of free-admission Smithsonian locations below:
🎟️ African American History and Culture Museum
🌍 African Art Museum
🚀 Air and Space Museum (located in D.C. and Chantilly, VA)
🖌️ American Art Museum
📜 American History Museum
🪶 American Indian Museum
🌐 Anacostia Community Museum
🏛️ Archives of American Art
⚙️ Arts and Industries Building (temporarily closed)
🖼️ Freer Gallery of Art
✨ Hirshhorn
🦁 National Zoo
🐘 Natural History Museum
🧑🎨 Portrait Gallery
✉️ Postal Museum
💥 Renwick Gallery (temporarily closed)
🔍 S. Dillion Ripley Center
🏺 Sackler Gallery
🏰 Smithsonian Castle (closed for renovation)
🪴 Smithsonian Gardens
11. Explore Rock Creek Park via pedestrian-only roads
Upper Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park is now permanently closed to vehicles, increasing accessibility to D.C.’s natural beauty. The expansive, newly paved roads accommodate all sorts of activities – from walking and running to rollerblading and biking.
The pedestrian and cyclist-only streets offer roughly 5 miles of roadway to explore, with year-round traffic closures in three sections:
🚲 Broad Branch Road to Joyce Road
🏃 Picnic Area 10 to Wise Road
🛼West Beach Drive to the DC/Maryland line
Ready to get active? If you’re not within walking distance, you can park at the Pierce Mill Parking Lot before setting off on your adventure.
12. Watch language come to life at Planet Word
This immersive language museum is just as entertaining as it is insightful. Described as the world’s first voice-activated museum, Planet Wordfeatures countless interactive exhibits dedicated to languages around the world, humor, music, poetry, and more.
The museum is located at 925 13th St NW and is open on Mondays, as well as Wednesday through Saturday. Planet Word suggests including a $15 donation per ticket, though you can increase or decrease this amount depending on your needs.
See also: 10 Must-See Art Exhibits In D.C. In 2024 Perfect For Any Occasion
Tags:adventure, animals/zoo, art gallery / museum, exhibition, improv, , social drinking, stand-up
