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 D.C. 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! 

• Monday, April 18 – Stop by the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse to catch The Revenant for $2. The bear scene is 100% worth $2.
• Tuesday, April 19 – Fate of a Salesman, the documentary about the historical H Street NE shop Men’s Fashion Center, is being screened at the Anacostia Community Museum with a discussion to follow.
• Tuesday, April 19 – Go back to the Drafthouse to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
• Thursday, April 21 – Learn about the lives and work of accomplished people! The National Archives Foundation is screening Eye on the 60s, a movie about the LIFE Magazine photographer Rowland Scherman.

• Monday, April 18 – The Brookland Busboys and Poets’ Monday Open Mic night is being hosted by the musician, poet, and educator Ayanna Gallant.
• Monday, April 18 – Paperhaus and CrushNPain are releasing respectively a single and an EP at Black Cat! Head on over to soak up those sweet DC DIY vibes.
• Monday, April 18 – Sister duo Larkin Poe is having a CD release party/show extravaganza at Gypsy Sally’s.
• Monday, April 18 – Monday, April 18 – Reminder: Underground Comedy at the Big Hunt.
• Tuesday, April 19 – If Monday night comedy wasn’t enough: Bottom shelf comedy at Black Whiskey tonight.
• Wednesday, April 20 – It’s BYOV (bring your own vinyl) night at Songbyrd! If you think you’ve got a vinyl collection worth sharing then sign up to become a DJ for the night.
• Wednesday, April 20 – It’s a 4/20 celebration (they brought it up not me) at DC9 with LowDown Brass Band, the Rocket Band, and The Fuss.
• Thursday, April 12 – Lewis Del Mar and Foreign Air are at Black Cat, if you need something to do.
• Thursday, April 21 – Narragansett Brewery Presents These Wild Plains and Buffalo 40 at DC9. I don’t know if that means there will be free (or cheap) beer, but I sure to hope so.
• Friday, April 22 – Listen to the tunez of Brian Dolzani at the Vynil Lounge at Gypsy Sally’s.
• Friday, April 22 – Listen to strangers as they sing your favorite punk songs for charity at Black Cat.
• Saturday, April 23 – Hit up the Made In DC open house at the Anacostia Arts Center where there will be all the local snacks, dranks, and shopping your little D.C. obsessed heart desires.
• Saturday, April 23 – If you’re looking to spend your night with some of D.C.’s best drag queens, hit up Black Cat’s Gay/Bash.
• Saturday, April 23 – Get immersed in the local music scene. Puff Pieces is having a record release party at La Casa with guests Buck Gooter and Hothead.
• Sunday, April 24 – Moth Broth, Kenneth Johnston, and Marian McLaughin are at Holy Underground in Baltimore. That is all.
• Sunday, April 24 – Night Moves and YUM are at DC9 if you’re interested.

• Monday, April 18 – Jack Shenker is coming to Busboys and Poets to talk about his book The Egyptians: A Radical Story.
• Tuesday, April 19 – Robin Yassin-Kassab and Leila Al-Shami are discussing the new book Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War at Busboys and Poets. Educate yo self.
• Tuesday, April 19 – Catch She Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
• Wednesday, April 20 – Nathalia Holt is talking about her book, Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars at Busboys and Poets. The book talks about the women who worked in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory helping develop rocket design.
• Wednesday, April 20 – Leopardo’s newest State of Innovation event is called Smart Scaling for Startups. It’s free and it’s taking place at Context Media.
• Wednesday, April 20 – You love the Renwick, we love the Renwick. They’re hosting a Wonder Gallery talk with artist Seán Brady from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Thursday, April 21 – Hillyer Art Space is hosting a *fiction* book swap with Kramerbooks at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 21 – Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism celebrates and showcases the works of contemporary Spanish illustrators.
• Sunday, April 24 – It’s the last night of the “A Day Before” exhibit at the DC Arts Center. There’s an artist talk and closing reception starting at 5 p.m.

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.