Updated January 17
This is not a fun guide. But you’re still living so we’re going to try to help you make the best of a bad situation. The federal government is shut down. Places you planned to visit are closed. Checks you planned to cash are not coming in. What seemed like a vacation for a day or two has turned into an uncomfortable new reality. Hopefully this guide will help. If you’re looking for more resources like food banks, rent, mortgage, utility assistance, etc., we recommend the Washington City Paper guide.
CULTURE
You may already know…
Due to the #GovernmentShutdown, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed. We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of our operating status.
— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) January 2, 2019
and
Due to the partial federal government shutdown, the National Gallery of Art is closed to the public. We will update our operating status as soon as we can, here and on https://t.co/WEnT8aPEDZ. [American 20th century, "View of Constitution Avenue Entrance to the National Gallery"] pic.twitter.com/KgZZaotne6
— National Gallery of Art (@ngadc) January 3, 2019
and
Volunteer events aren't allowed in Rock Creek Park during the shutdown, but that doesn't mean you can't go for a walk and pick up some trash on your own. #LoveRockCreek. pic.twitter.com/46IBeQwwJ6
— RockCreekConservancy (@LoveRockCreek) January 6, 2019
But not everywhere is closed.
If you are a furloughed federal employee, come see a show at Arena Stage for FREE. We are offering FREE tickets to "Kleptocracy" (Jan. 18 – 23) & "The Heiress" (Feb. 8 – 13). Bring your government I.D. when you pick up tickets > https://t.co/0RQfIY2rNx (Limit 2 per household) pic.twitter.com/iXQ642U5xp
— Arena Stage (@arenastage) January 13, 2019
ARTECHOUSE / DC is open during the #GovernmentShutdown. Federal employees visiting DC location can receive 20% off admission to our New Nature exhibition by showing their badge #DCisOpen @destinationdc
— ARTECHOUSE (@artechouse) January 2, 2019
Patron update: In the case of a government shutdown, all Kennedy Center performances will go on as scheduled, but public building hours will be curtailed.
Full details ⤵️https://t.co/0bV1rp8bCB pic.twitter.com/HinmSDKlu8
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) December 22, 2018
The Library of Congress is open today during its regular operating hours. https://t.co/UXcSGOjcEq pic.twitter.com/hxcjhdF8Us
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) January 3, 2019
The National Building Museum remains open during the #GovernmentShutdown. Federal employees can receive free admission to our exhibitions by showing their badge at the Admissions Desk #dcisopen pic.twitter.com/CZ3WuzcI4J
— NtlBuildingMuseum (@BuildingMuseum) January 2, 2019
During this government shutdown, the doors of the Newseum will remain open. Federal employees will receive FREE admission by showing their federal ID at the admission desk. Learn more at: https://t.co/nL0ZNskWOT #DCisOpen pic.twitter.com/Po7NOTKeOk
— Newseum (@Newseum) January 3, 2019
The U.S. Botanic Garden is open as scheduled, having been funded for the current fiscal year.
— usbotanicgarden (@USBotanicGarden) December 22, 2018
#RRBITC remains open during the #GovernmentShutdown – That includes our food court, parking garage, the @Capsteps political comedy show every Fri & Sat night and other attractions and amenities in #DowntownDC – Visit our website for more info: https://t.co/cQ1AkXfUC2 #DCisOpen pic.twitter.com/29MDsD9DhX
— Ronald Reagan Bldg (@ReaganITCDC) January 2, 2019
Federal Workers – You ALL are "Essential" to us! Show your Federal ID or Badge for free admission during the shutdown. We're staying open in January for as long as the #shutdown lasts! #DCisOpen
(Valid Tuesday – Sunday, except for New Year's Day).— Woodrow Wilson House (@WWilsonHouse) December 28, 2018
🎶 On the twelfth day of the #GovtShutdown my true love said to me, federal employees come to the Cottage for #free 🎶 (We’re better at history than Christmas carols, promise) pic.twitter.com/JsXfq7EqGY
— Lincoln's Cottage (@LincolnsCottage) January 2, 2019
During government shutdown, Aftermath Exhibits are open for daytime visitation. Theatre, museum, Petersen House are closed.
— Ford's Theatre (@fordstheatre) December 31, 2018
Furloughed friends, enjoy 20% off to see KINGS or ADMISSIONS at Studio Theatre using promo code DCisOPEN. Must show valid government ID. Expires January 23. #DCisOPEN https://t.co/n10ge873VR pic.twitter.com/uD7qtZUS87
— Studio Theatre (@Studio_Theatre) January 3, 2019
@washingtondc The Brady Art Gallery @CorcoranGW is open during the Government Shutdown as well and would love to be added to your list #DCIsOpen.
— Brady Art Gallery (@BradyGallery) January 3, 2019
Visit AMA today! Free admission, not affected by Shut down. Masters of modern art of Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, others on display! Tues-Sun 10am-5pm @OAS_official @DCist #DCisOpen pic.twitter.com/0GMKYuxMFc
— Art Museum of the Americas (@AMAmuseum) December 29, 2018
There are only 20 people in #downtownDC it seems & 2 of them are here at @touchstonewdc.
So, if you find yourself down here in this semi-abandoned, but #beautiful #capital, come by, we are here till 6pm.#dc #dmv #WashingtonDC #202creates #shawdc #acreativedc #dclife #dcevents pic.twitter.com/lqnKrj1RRa— Touchstone Gallery (@touchstonewdc) January 11, 2019
DINING
Some D.C. restaurants are offering free and discounted food and drinks to federal employees.
Big news! We will open a kitchen on Pennsylvania Ave this week to join private sector effort to feed federal employees during the shutdown. It’s only fair to feed Americans in need! #ChefsForFeds 👨🍳👩🍳🥘 Follow @WCKitchen for more details! pic.twitter.com/PRBtlaNug6
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) January 14, 2019
Bar Deco is offering guests who present a valid federal government ID $8 Manhattans and 20% off their check excluding alcohol.
Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants (Del Mar, Fiola, Fiola Mare, Sflogina (both locations)) are offering all government workers a 20% discount on their “Maria” menus.
Firefly is extending happy hour pricing on food and drinks for federal employees throughout dinner service. During weekday lunch service they’re giving a percentage off the bill for federal employees that is commensurate with the length of the government shutdown (e.g. 21% off on Day 21, 22% off on Day 22, etc.) through the end of January. Restaurant Week promo does not apply.
JINYA Ramen Bar is offering 50% off select items to the first 100 federal employees who show their badge at any of their DMV locations.
Junction Bakery & Bistro is guests with a valid federal government ID a free 12 oz cup of drip coffee at the Del Ray bakery and café.
Punch Bowl Social’s Arlington location is offering a 25% discount on all food, beverages and games (including happy hour, brunch and specials) to any federal government employee who presents their government ID to their server before ordering. The special does not apply to private parties or merchandise.
Radiator is offering a complimentary Furlough Fix cocktail.
El Techo is offering guests (with a valid federal government ID) a free plate of chicken, rib, OG, or veggie nachos with a $10 purchase or more. The deal is valid between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. every Tuesday through Thursday.
Urbana is offering their $10 pizza and beer special (margherita pizza and happy hour beer) to all federal employees any time during the shutdown.
Zita Rica is offering a 10% discount for federal employees with ID.
And I will offer again Free Sandwiches to the poor men and women of the federal government, republicans and democrats, at every restaurant of mine in DC for lunch until they get paid again! https://t.co/hHUnPrqhsF
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) December 21, 2018
Did you hear about our #ShutdownSpecial? Receive 10% off with federal government ID. Not valid on in-house specials.
– Bar Open Til 1 am!#shutdown #dupontcircle #washingtonDC #governmentshutdown pic.twitter.com/iGl2rYoOCi— Acrosstheponddc (@acrosstheponddc) January 8, 2019
As the 3rd full week of the govt shutdown ends, we’re expanding our offer to furloughed government employees + contractors. Beginning today, from 3-5pm daily, we’re offering one free pie to government employees and one $5 pie to contractors. Offer valid w/ govt issued ID.
— &pizza (@andpizza) January 12, 2019
For all those affected by the #governmentshutdown we are offering 20% off cases of wine, 15% off 3-6 bottles and 10% off liquor! Make it an Irish coffee today! @GlendaloughDist 🥃 ☕️ https://t.co/RSFg0cpBRM
— Bacchus Wine Cellar (@BacchusWineDC) January 4, 2019
If you're a federal employee or contractor, stop by our bakery across from the National Zoo for a free coffee during the #shutdown, while supplies last. It's just a small gesture to thank you for your service and show our support for all our federal friends! pic.twitter.com/OlbrfcOnc5
— Baked by Yael (@bakedbyyael) December 22, 2018
Fed friends affected by shutdown, you're all essential to us! 25% off at Bus + Smokehouse until everyone's back to work. Open until 9p today, 5830 Georgia Ave NW
— BBQ Bus (@bbqbusdc) January 5, 2019
Are you not working because the #ShutDown? Well here’s what we are going to do… show us a Government ID and you’ll have access to happy hour prices from 11:30 – 7pm. Additionally, since Trump wants 18B for the #BorderWall we will be offering 18% off all food! #DCDrinks #DCEats
— The Big Stick (@thebigstickdc) December 27, 2018
Don't let the shutdown get you down. Take advantage of the time off and come for a midday stroll on @TheWharfDC. We've got 10% off all food items for a quick and affordable lunch. Open at 11 AM every day of the week!#ShutdownSpecial pic.twitter.com/YBEr0opVNM
— thebrightondc (@brightonwharf) January 3, 2019
This shutdown has lasted longer than it needed to. Beginning tomorrow, federal employees affected by the shutdown will receive 20% off their Busboys and Poets food purchase and 10% off bookstore purchases with a valid employee ID. #EndTheShutdown pic.twitter.com/3UrT1vYBxL
— Busboys and Poets (@busboysandpoets) January 13, 2019
Available at 12:01AM pic.twitter.com/K8RCeAG7Ma
— Capitol Lounge (@CapLounge) December 21, 2018
To honor federal workers impacted by the #shutdown, Carmine’s #DC will offer a bittersweet cocktail, the “Hard Times” ($6), & our #HappyHour menu will be available all day in the bar for as long as the shutdown continues. Show your Fed ID for FREE sliders 2-4 pm #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/vTLi0QPJEe
— Carmine's NYC (@CarminesNYC) December 22, 2018
We believe in doing our part to support communities in times of need—the best way we know how—through food. We will proudly serve a Warm Bowl to any federal worker 1/16 – 1/18 from 6-8 pm at all DC Metro locations, free of charge with a federal government ID. One bowl per person pic.twitter.com/Bjh8XCChdw
— Chopt Creative Salad Co. (@Chopt) January 16, 2019
Shutdown got you down? Join us at City Tap Penn Quarter for extended Happy Hour – 4 PM to 10 PM Daily, during the Government Shutdown.
$5 Select Drafts
$6 House Wines
$7 Beer & Shot Combo#DCisOpen pic.twitter.com/t9OQOO0oQF— City Tap Penn Qtr (@citytappennqtr) December 22, 2018
We’re thinking of the hundreds of thousands of employees affected by the #governmentshutdown just days before the holiday break and going without pay. Our Government’s employees need a drink. Come on by, relax & enjoy $1 glass of City Winery Wine w/ government photo ID #dcisopen pic.twitter.com/PvVk03JyY1
— City Winery DC (@CityWineryDC) December 23, 2018
The government might be shutdown but we aren’t! $15 bottomless mimosas or bloodys with government ID, Mon-Fri during the shutdown. #shutdownspecials @ Commissary https://t.co/avC7AseCDh
— Commissary DC (@CommissaryDC) January 6, 2019
Day 16 = 16% off everything in the tasting room. #Shutdown #ShowID pic.twitter.com/fRGg1eCFgY
— DC Brau Brewing (@dcbrau) January 6, 2019
Doughnut forget! Federal employees receive a complimentary cup of @CompassCoffeeDC with any purchase during the shutdown. Find other #Shutdown deals thanks to @WTOPFreebies https://t.co/YGchTXdUlM pic.twitter.com/0FxfpHvE0B
— District Doughnut (@DCDoughnut) December 31, 2018
Ok #DC, now that everyone is back #Shutdown special begins. Lunch special of a sandwich and N/A beverage $6 from 11-2pm M-F. It’s not quite a $5 foot long, But we also promise not to change the special while everyone is furloughed. Gov ID required please. pic.twitter.com/umqs40NFz8
— DC Reynolds (@DCReynoldsBar) January 3, 2019
End the #GovernmentShutdown! For all those affected, we're offering a complimentary guacamole or house margarita. Just show us your government ID, and it's on us. #washingtondc #dc #govtshutdown pic.twitter.com/khv8bQ5Hq3
— El Centro D.F. (@ElCentroDC) January 14, 2019
We support our federal workers! 20% off your bill for during the government shutdown with a valid ID. https://t.co/TobFseDA66
— Equinox Restaurant (@EquinoxDC) January 7, 2019
Fish Market: making furlough a little easier one discount at a time. Stop in and show us your valid government ID to score $8 Manhattans 🥃 and 20% off your entire bill excluding alcohol. Days off done VERY right 👌 pic.twitter.com/voxiur5xh1
— The Fish Market (@fishmarketva) January 8, 2019
Starting Thursday Jan 10th at 4pm every night until further notice, four of our specialty cocktails will be $5 ALL NIGHT for furloughed govt employees. Must show government employee ID.
Cocktails Include:
Russia's Mule
The Bipartisan
Steadfast Siesta
Wake Me Up When… pic.twitter.com/VxZABL2u6d— GCDC (@grilledcheeseDC) January 7, 2019
. We support you! Any Federal Employee that shows their work ID at our #CapitolHill location can receive a free snack fry and fountain soda with the purchase of a burger during our #GovernmentShutdown
Tag us with your #ShutdownStory and we will retweet you! #EndtheShutdown pic.twitter.com/2d2X8VJFA2
— Good Stuff Eatery (@GoodStuffEater) January 11, 2019
"If you need a coffee pick-me-up before you head in to work for free, all Gregory's Coffee locations [in DC] are offering government employees who show their IDs a free 12oz coffee of any type (drip, lattes, cappuccinos etc.) until the shutdown ends." 😘 https://t.co/iphvasqFhZ
— Gregorys Coffee (@GregorysCoffee) January 12, 2019
#BecauseWeCare Federal Government Employees can enjoy 1/2 off select items #AllDayEveryday at all Hank's restaurants #GovernmentShutdownSpecial #JLRG
*don't forget your Government ID* pic.twitter.com/2h96iBPOsI— Hank's Oyster Bar (@HanksOysterBar) January 10, 2019
Free appetizer/dessert and happy hour drinks ALL DAY M-F w/ gov’t ID during #shutdown pic.twitter.com/VjuvqDE1y5
— Kramerbooks (@kramerbooks) January 9, 2019
La Côte d’Or Café is offering a $22 menu ALL DAY to furloughed government workers. Available until further notice with a valid government employee ID. Menu on our website: https://t.co/BlOXquZguo#governmentshutdown #washingtondc #furlough #governmentshutdown2018 #shutdown pic.twitter.com/TwTb5qzZmD
— LaCotedOrCafe (@LaCotedOrCafe) January 17, 2019
Show your government ID and get half off all drinks (including our signature cocktails!) during #governmentshutdown starting today! pic.twitter.com/IxiOFgBC0R
— Little Havana (@littlehavanadc) January 3, 2019
We'll continue to offer our 50% discounted breads at Union Market throughout the entire #GovernmentShutdown. Some may disagree with us but we are firm in our decision to provide support wherever we can.
— Lyon Bakery DC (@lyonbakeryindc) January 12, 2019
We want to be there for everyone being affected by the shutdown in #washingtondc with a little meatball love.
Get down with the shutdown.
1/2 priced draft beer, TMS wine, well cocktails and 50 cent Mini Buffalo Balls. All hours, just our DC Shop, until the shutdown is over. pic.twitter.com/FmAZEvSxYR— The Meatball Shop (@MEATBALLERS) January 10, 2019
Federal workers: coffee is on us! Come by our Georgetown location for coffee-on-the-house. Here's to hoping the shutdown ends soon. #govtshutdown #federalfurlough #governmentshutdown pic.twitter.com/WOc087rFlr
— Olivia Macaron (@OliviaMacaron) January 17, 2019
💥💥Federal Employee Special 💥💥
.
😋🍴25% off your meal for you AND a guest 🍴😋
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🚩🚩 Everyday till the government reopens 🚩🚩
.
Just show us an ID and let us help take the edge off yet another federal shutdown. pic.twitter.com/7jNxBn6xtM— Ornery Beer Company (@OrneryBeer) December 26, 2018
Shutdown Special! For all government employees and contractors! *must show federal ID or business card (for contractors). Pick any two appetizers and a 12” pizza for $30, running until the shutdown is over! pic.twitter.com/nDioadkxn9
— Pizzeria Paradiso (@eatyourpizza) January 10, 2019
Our government shutdown gift to you pic.twitter.com/MllZqyxbsO
— The Queen Vic (@queenvicdc) December 21, 2018
We stand with you…During the course of the shutdown we are giving free Shepherds pie to all government employees with a current government ID. #toughtimeswestandtogether #friendsandfamily #irishpub #publife #mstreet #georgetown pic.twitter.com/nsJXjoXflF
— Rí Rá Georgetown (@RiRaGeorgetown) January 14, 2019
. We support you! Any Federal Employee that shows their work ID at our #CapitolHill location can BOGO Sauza Tequila #Margarita during our #GovernmentShutdown.
Tag us on Twitter with your #ShutdownStory and we will retweet you! #EndtheShutdown pic.twitter.com/I11XVXMy2E
— Santa Rosa Taqueria (@SantaRosaTacos) January 11, 2019
All furloughed government employees: Enjoy one complimentary traditional taco on us. Just show your government ID at the register. Chinatown location only. #GovernmentShutdown
— Taco Bamba (@TacoBamba) December 28, 2018
Happy Hour ALL DAY M-F w/ gov’t ID during #shutdown #dc #dmv #reston #gaithersburg #fairfaxva pic.twitter.com/SoTjiHqIoc
— Ted's BULLETIN (@TedsBULLETIN) January 8, 2019
Attn: Gov’t workers impacted by the shutdown we have special deals for you! Come on by for a special extended happy hour and $7 meal deals including #burgers #chicken #friedrice #GovernmentShutdown #dcaf #shutdown @BYT @theHillisHome @Eater_DC @PoPville @wcp pic.twitter.com/A12J6NRBVs
— Valor Brewpub (@valorbrewpub) December 28, 2018
. We support you! Any Federal Employee that shows their work ID at our #CapitolHill location on Friday can receive a #FREE slice of cheese or pepperoni #pizza 🍕
during our #GovernmentShutdown.Tag us on Twitter with your #ShutdownStory and we will retweet you! #EndtheShutdown pic.twitter.com/d4IfbX0jMo
— We, The Pizza (@wethepizza) January 11, 2019
We’ll be updating this as closings and specials are announced.
