Free Things To Do In DC

Here we focus exclusively on the cheapest YET most satisfying entertainment to be found around DC. Every Monday 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!

GENTLE REMINDER: Consider joining the new-and-improved BYT VIP program, called VIPERS (yes!) which is all about making your life better with awesome things like: paid reserves at select (already) sold-out shows, hugs-heavy bus trips to where-the-hell-is-that venues like Merriweather Post Pavilion, pre-release MP3s and promo CD downloads, members-only ticket giveaways and discounts, priority line-jumping at BYT events, tons of loot we get from labels and PR people that we don’t know what to do with, exclusive pre-pre-pre-sales, monthly secret happy hours where you can huddle amongst the rest of the VIPER elite + pick up extra schwag, super sweet Vipers-only pow wows with some of your favorite musicians, artists and local celebs…. and, well, anything else we can think of.

Now onto this week:

MOVIES!

Monday, April 14 – Kick up your movie game with $2 screenings of “The Wolf of Wall Street” and a “Frozen” sing-a-long at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse.
Tuesday, April 15th – And the Arlington Cinema $2 movies continue tonight with “12 Years a Slave” and another “Frozen” sing-a-long.
Thursday, April 17th – Then head on up to Mazza Gallery for the DC International Film Festival.
Friday, April 18th – AND Union Market’s drive-in movies return this Friday with a screening of “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Each car’s admission is 0 bones but if you split it between multiple people in your car that’s like nuffin’!

SHOWS/PARTIES/CONCERTS!

Monday, April 14th – Hip-hop duo Native Sun play The Kennedy Center tonight and you gotta pay zero bucks to see ‘em.
Tuesday, April 15th – On a more somber note, The Kennedy Center’s offering a free Boston Public Quartet performance in remembering of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Tuesday, April 15th – And you can head on over to Anacostia Arts Center for a free Gay Men’s Chorus show.
Tuesday, April 15th – And there’s a free stand-up variety show and game show over at Nick’s Riverside Grill.
Tuesday, April 15th – AND there’s free karaoke at Zeba Bar.
Tuesday, April 15th – And if you want to grab the mic or check out some local talent, Gypsy Sally’s hosting a free open mic night with drink specials.
Tuesday, April 15th – The Brixton’s got its own comedy show happening every Tuesday night. They’ve even got drink specials. Sweet.
Tuesday, April 15th – More laughs? Head to Vendetta for their underground comedy night.
Wednesday, April 16th – It’s Wednesday so you know that means WONDERLAND WEDNESDAYS over at Wonderland Ballroom.
Wednesday, April 16th– AND Satellite Room’s now hosting a Wu-Tang Wednesdays DJ night.
Wednesday, April 16th – Celebrate Wednesdays with Hump Day at Mova Lounge including music, dancing, open mic sessions, spoken word, burlesque, screenings, live performances, DJs, karaoke, themed nights… essentially everything.
Wednesday, April 16th – And there’s always the free Underground Comedy Show at The Big Hunt.
Wednesday, April 16th – If you’re in the mood to take the mic yerself, Hill Country BBQ’s got free live band karaoke.
Wednesday, April 16th – There’s trivia at Bier Baron Tavern, complete with mystery drink specials.
Wednesday, April 16th – OR get dancin’ at Doner Bistro’s Das German party.
Wednesday, April 16th – Or head on down to H for Little Miss Whiskey’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Thursday, April 17th – Or you can get dancin’ at Little Miss Whiskey’s Club 90.
Thursday, April 17th – If you feel like singing, git you some karaoke at Sticky Rice.
Thursday, April 17th – No? Back to dancin’? Try Patty Boom Boom’s ’95 Live.
Friday, April 18th – There’s also COALBXX, DC9’s indie dance party with $2 drinks. Nothing not to love.

FOOD!

Tuesday, April 15th – Did you know there’s beer pong over at Penn Social? There’s beer pong over at Penn Social.
Tuesday, April 15th – Chow down on $2 tacos and $4 margaritas at El Centro D.F. AND they now have a queer happy hour on the roof with food and drink specials. Sweet.
Wednesday, April 16th – And not necessarily free but pretty cool, half your $$$ spent at Petworth Citizen benefits Lincoln’s Cottage in celebration of D.C. Emancipation Day.

CULTURE:

Now – Sunday, May 18th – Oh hey, it’s time for another NEXT exhibition at Corcoran. Check out the next wave of artistic talent, mmk?
Monday, April 14th – Sunday, April 20th – And welcome to Washington Theatre Week! All week you can catch discounted, free and pay-what-you-can performances around town.
Monday, April 14th – Speaking of theatre, there’s a Shakespeare-themed trivia night over at The Brixton.
Thursday, April 17th – Let’s keep that theatre train a-rollin’ with The Kennedy Center’s free showcase of selections from theAmerican College Theatre Festival.
Thursday, April 17th – And head to Malmaison for the launch party of A Tourist of Saints, their newest photography exhibit.

GENERAL WELL BEING:

Tuesday, April 14th – VIDA Fitness instructors will lead free workout classes each Tuesday throughout April at The Park at City Center. Obviously this is a score.
Tuesday, April 14th – And you can get in even more yoga at the Georgetown Public Library with free lunch hour yoga class at noon.
Every Monday – Donation-based yoga at Union Arts! Chataranga all night and get your “ommm” on.