Free & Almost Free Things To Do This Week In DC

Here we focus exclusively on the cheapest YET most satisfying entertainment to be found around DC. Every week we highlight free and almost free activities, a choice happy hour or two, food specials and hot tips for budget survival. PLEASE POST YOUR FREE EVENTS (FOR FREE!) ON OUR AGENDA PAGE or send us FREE TIPS to [email protected] for inclusion in the future FREE THINGS guide. So, time to plan the week! 

Outdoor movie season is beginning. That’s means there’ll be no end to the free movies showing throughout the city and into the burbs. Be sure to consult your Outdoor Movie Guide, my friend, if this is your bag

• Tuesday, July 14 – The Boxtrolls plays at South Riding Center’s movie night, starting at sundown.
• Tuesday, July 14 – State of Play will show at Georgetown Sunset Cinema, as a part of their series of films set in the neighborhood. This film features Robin Wright in a political thriller in which she doesn’t play Claire Underwood.
• Wednesday, July 15 – Singin’ In The Rain at NoMa Summer Screen = lots of tap dancing, singing, and possible actual rain. Sorry to harsh your sunny mellow.
  
• Wednesday, July 15 – U Street Movie Series will show a double feature, playing Reefer Madness as well as Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, a definite nod to Initiative 71.
• Wednesday, July 15 – Dumbarton House continues its Jane Austen film festival with a screening of Emma, make sure to bring your own blanket (seating is on the lawn).
• Thursday, July 16 – You know what’s awesome? Everything. The Lego Movie is screening at Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movies.
• Friday, July 17 – Anchorman shows at the Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival, for those who have apartments that smell of rich mahogany.
  
• Friday, July 17 – Plus Miss Congeniality shows in Farragut Park at the Golden Cinema Series.
• Saturday July 18 – Want somewhere to take the kids on Saturday (or feel like indulging your inner child)? Penguins of Madagascar plays at Cinema Del Rey.
• Saturday, July 18 – Or if you feel like indulging your inner teen angst, The Breakfast Club is playing at The Wine Bin.
  
  
• Saturday, July 18 – Million Dollar Arm plays at Stonebridge at the Potomac Town Center.
• Saturday, July – Cinematery, an evening movie event in the Congressional Cemetery, will show Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest.

• Tuesday, July 14 – Teen Mom, Lubec and more play at The Pinch.
• Tuesday, July 14 – Sleepy Kitty and Br’er jam at Black Cat.
• Wednesday, July 15 – You like coffee right? Well, then attend the Washington DC Public Cupping of St. Louis’ Blueprint Coffee at A Baked Joint. Coffee for all.
  
• Wednesday, July 15 – The Dance of the Cranes, a synchronized mechanical ballet of gargantuan proportions, will lay spectacle to Massachusetts Avenue.
• Wednesday, July 15 – The Raised By Wolves and Lighting Fires (both locals!) play at Black Cat, with Lighting Fires debuting their new EP.
• Thursday, July 16 – Adult Mom, Lady Queen Paradise, and Poppy Patica will tear it up at Above the Bayou. 
• Thursday, July 16 – Live at Fort Reno, Alfajor, Wanted Man, Delanos, and Night of 1000 Cakes play.
• Thursday, July 16 – The Effects, Wing Dam, and Time is Fire play at the Paperhaus. DMV friends = good times to be had.
• Thursday, July 16 – Fatigue, Semper Eadum, and Sem Hestro bring out of town hardcore punk to Saint Ex. Make sure to bring a donation!
  
• Friday, July 17 – A six band line-up graces Ghost Office in College Park, featuring locals Witch Coast and Young Rapids.
• Friday, July 17 – Duplex Diner celebrates its 17th birthday with drinks, DJs, and dancing, starting at 9 PM. Expect lots of 80s music all night.
• Saturday, July 18 – Fast Forward II at the Looking Glass Lounge features “an evening of song and dance,” plus DJ Ayescold.
• Sunday, July 19 – Lots of electronic and hip-hop plays at 453 Florida Avenue, with Akoko and Oshwa.

• Tuesday, July 14 – Zine Night with DC Zinefest will educate all present about the DC zine scene, as well as include tips on how to make your own magazine awesome.
  
• Friday, July 17 – Champneys Taylor begins a temporary residency at Civilian Art Projects with 11 abstract paintings and one site specific installation.
• Saturday, July 18 – Like bikes? Like racing? The Track or Die DC Alley Cat Race promises the most exciting event on two wheels. It costs money to race but the event is FREE to watch.
  
• Saturday, July 18 – Simon Winchester reads excerpts of his book, When the Earth Shakes, all about natural disasters and their sociological consequences, at Politics and Prose.
• Saturday, July 18 – Mwangi Hutter’s exhibition, Burning Desire To Be Touched, “examines our profound desire for harmonious relationships” at the National Museum of African Art.
• Sunday, July 19 – Busboys and Poets hosts a screening of the film Nas: Time Is Illmatic, followed by a discussion.

That’s all, remember – PLEASE POST YOUR FREE EVENTS (FOR FREE!) ON OUR AGENDA PAGE or send us FREE TIPS to [email protected] for inclusion in the future FREE THINGS guide. Feel free to leave us your suggestions in the comments. Sharing is the new caring.