Here is a list of free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a fantastic resource for free and ticketed events presented by nearly 300 Metro DC Arts Presenters. For quick way to find even more FREE arts and culture events check out the Free events in Metro DC page on CultureCapital.com.
TICKETPLACE.org is another great program where you can find discount tickets to performances throughout metro DC @TICKETPLACEDC on twitter and at TICKETPLACE.org.
Note: New Format! All events below are FREE and are organized by date and start time. Be sure to click through the links for time, location and event details. Some may require advance RSVP. All of the events below are in DC unless otherwise noted
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best metro or bus access or see the new user promotions for uber and lyft at the bottom of this post, and on on the ride sidebar of this site.
See the Free events in Metro DC page on CultureCapital for more free events + exhibits
Smithsonian Folklife Festival! Wednesday, June 29 - Monday, July 4
Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2016 on The National Mall celebrating Basque Country "This year the Folklife Festival celebrates resilient communities around the world. Discover how the Basque Country sustains culture, drawing on traditions to innovate in a rapidly changing world. Learn renowned cooking techniques and phrases in the Euskara language. Experience bertsolaritza poetry competitions and stone-lifting matches. Drink a refreshing glass of cider or rioja wine and meet master artisans. Explore the Sounds of California through the music and stories of immigrant communities shaping the diverse state. Interact with artists in music workshops and stretch out on the lawn for an evening concert series."
Last Chance to see the Exhibits in Old Town Alexandria, VA
Art Impact USA: Caribbean Jubilee at the Torpedo Factory on view through Thursday, June 30
New Post-MFA Resident - Anne Smith at the Torpedo Factory on view through Friday, July 1
Alex Tolstoy: Watermarks & Tabletop: A Functional Art Exhibit at the The Art League through Saturday, July 2
Wednesday, June 29
Constitution-in-Action Learning Lab Family Program Families are able to take on the role of researchers and archivists for the morning at the National Archives, RSVP here, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday, June 30 - Evening
Anne Smith: Post- Graduate Talk, Smith has created a series of screen prints based on her observations and research of the Potomac River, ans she'll speak about how the Potomac has inspired her work, her process, and what she’s learned over the course of her time at the Torpedo Factory at 6:00pm
Art on 8th: Herb Scott Quartet D.C. Native and saxophonist Herb Scott performs at the Arts Plaza at Monroe Street Market by the Brookland Metro at 6:30pm
Friday, July 1 - Daytime
PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra Performance DC’s own steel pan orchestra shares some African Caribbean culture with a performance on the steps of the National Archives on Constitution Avenue, NW at 12:00pm
#ArchivesJuly4 Transcribe-a-thon at the National Archives 2:00pm, Free but RSVP is Required, Join online or in-person from 2:00pm - 5:00pm to transcribe documents related to the founding of our nation, the July 4th holiday, and more.
Friday, July 1 - Late Afternoon/ Early Eve
First Fridays with ACAS (Adinkra Cultural Arts Studio) at the Prince George's African American Museum 4519 Rhode Island Avenue in North Brentwood, MD. Celebrate Black Arts and Culture with a dance workshop and a live performance by Sound of the City band. Food trucks will also be on site if you wish to purchase food. Tunes provided by DJ 2 Tone Jones. 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Jazz in the Garden: Speakers of the House plays old school funk, boogaloo and rock at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden as part of the weekly series, 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Opening Reception for "Suite Inspirations" All-Media Series Show at Gallery Undergound in Crystal City, VA 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, July 1 - Evening
By & By Bluegrass at Lubber Run Amphitheater in Arlington, VA, Live Bluegrass, 8:00pm
Saturday, July 2 - Daytime
DC Legendary Musicians, featuring D.C. born, raised, and resident musicians of all ages, perform on the steps of the National Archives on Constitution Avenue, NW at 12:00pm
Early Keepers at the Prince George's African American Museum in North Brentwood, MD at 12:00pm. Free program for Kids 3-7 years old (Parent/Guardian Participation Required) where they can explore multicultural heritage through story-telling, music, movement/dance, and arts & crafts.
Happy Birthday, America and Happy Birthday, Tudor Place! at Tudor Place. Please Note: Free only for Veterans + military families. Members: $3, all others $5 Happy 200th Tudor Place Historic House and Garden! America’s Story Lives Here – now marking a rare American Bicentennial. Play traditional American outdoor games, take self-guided garden tours, make patriotic crafts, and of course, enjoy a piece of the giant Tudor Place birthday cake from Dog Tag Bakery (while it lasts) in the historic gardens at 1:00pm
Art on 8th: GET CREATIVE Arts & Crafts activities for families at Dance Place in Brookland at 1:30pm
Film: The Big Broadcast (preceded by Me and the Boys) "All-star musical revues were all the rage by the early 1930s. The Big Broadcast, riding this wave with dazzling style, assembled a line-up that includes Bing Crosby (in his first major movie role) and many more. (Frank Tuttle, 1932, 35mm, 80 minutes) and (Victor Saville, 1929, 35mm, 7 minutes) film screenings at the National Gallery of Art, East Building, Audiotrium at 2:00pm
Film: Her Sister's Secret film screening (Edgar G. Ulmer, 1946, 35mm, 86 min, click link to read film description) at the National Gallery of Art, East Building, Auditorium at 4:00pm
Saturday, July 2 - Early Eve
Art on 8th: Ernesto "Gato" Gatell y su Banda "one of the most recognized and beloved Cuban singers alive today" performs at the Arts Plaza at Monroe Street Market by the Brookland Metro at 6:30pm
Saturday, July 2 - Evening
Mary Ann Redmond at Lubber Run Amphitheater "Winner of a staggering 24 Washington Area Music Awards (WAMMIES) for best female jazz, rock-pop, roots rock/traditional R & B, the vocalist has toured with Mary Chapin Carpenter and opened for The Pointer Sisters and The Neville Brothers" She'll perform a free outdoor concert in the park in Arlington, VA at 8:00pm
Sunday, July 3 - Daytime
Film: Spring Night, Summer Night "Director J. L. Anderson and writer-producer Franklin Miller spent time getting to know the counties of rural southeastern Ohio where they set their tale — an account of illicit love in a hardscrabble corner of mid-century America." (J. L. Anderson, 1967, 35mm, 82 min) at the National Gallery of Art, East Building, Auditorium at 4:00pm
Desert Highway- Eagles tribute band- Free Concert at McLean Central Park in VA (see metro trip-planner for bus access from metro or see uber and lyft promo codes below) at 5:00pm
Saturday, July 3 - Early Eve
The Sweater Set at Lubber Run Amphitheater, Winners of five WAMMIE Awards for "Best Folk Duo" and "Best Contemporary Folk," The Washington Post says Sara Curtin & Maureen Andary "...will pluck at your heartstrings [with] an intimidating number of instruments" and soaring soprano harmonies, play a free show in Lubber Run Park in Arlington, VA at 6:00pm
Sunday, July 3 - Evening
A Capitol Fourth Concert Rehearsal on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Skip the crowds and head down to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol a day early for a dress rehearsal of the performance (minus the fireworks). Guest artists include host Tom Bergeron, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, The Voice winner Alisan Porter, Cassadee Pope, Gavin DeGraw, Amber Riley, Jackie Evancho, Sutton Foster, Yolanda Adams, Scott Hamilton & On Your Feet! Annual performers include: Jack Everly, National Symphony Orchestra, Choral Arts Society of Washington, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own", The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, and much more. 8:00pm
Monday, July 4 - Happy Fourth of July!
Free Events in DC
July 4th Celebration at the National Archives - see full schedule of events starting on July 1 here! Explore the National Archives Museum and view the original Declaration of Independence in the Rotunda, participate in hands-on activities for all ages, sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence and much more. There will also be a Declaration of Independence reading by historical reenactors and performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry "The Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps, event begins at 8:00am
National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets 11:45am The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP's, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants.
Sylvan Theater Stage Concert at the National Sylvan Theater by the Washington Monument on The National Mall featuring the The United States Army Band’s popular ensemble Downrange at 6:00pm
A Capitol Fourth Concert & A Capitol Fourth Fireworks on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this top-rated extravaganza features coverage from 20 cameras positioned around Washington DC, ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation. Guest artists include host Tom Bergeron, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, The Voice winner Alisan Porter, Cassadee Pope, Gavin DeGraw, Amber Riley, Jackie Evancho, Sutton Foster, Yolanda Adams, Scott Hamilton & On Your Feet! Annual performers include: Jack Everly, National Symphony Orchestra, Choral Arts Society of Washington, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own", The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, and much more. Concert starts at 8:00pm but you probably want to arrive sooner if you want to get a spot. Fireworks begin just after dark and can be seen from around the area.
Free Events in VA
July 4th Celebration at Long Bridge Park, Arlington at Long Bridge Park in Arlington, VA Event-goers can take part in the various activities happening at the park that day, including a food truck rally, drop-in kickball games and contests, drop-in lawn games, free face painting, moon bounces (weather permitting) and balloon art, live music from exciting acts and great views of the Washington, DC fireworks display. Event is listed as starting at 5:00pm
Fairfax Evening Show & Fireworks at Fairfax High School in VA with music starting at 6:00pm, the 1812 Overture by the City of Fairfax Band at 9:20pm and fireworks at 9:30pm
Falls Church July 4th Celebration & Fireworks at George Mason HS in Falls Church, VA with music starting at 7:00pm and fireworks at 9:20pm
Free Events in MD
College Park Independence Day Concert and Fireworks at the University of Maryland, College Park. Music from The Nightlife Band starts at 7:00pm and a 30 to 40 minute fireworks program starts around 9:00pm. Concessions open at 5:00pm, alcohol is not permitted.
Rockville's Independence Day Celebration at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Rockville, MD features musical performances by The Nighthawks, The Fugitive Brass Quintet, Rockville Concert Band, and fireworks at 9:15pm
Uber & Lyft Promtions for New Users! Free in DC has special promotions for those new to uber and lyft car services. It might make more sense to get certain places this way depending on where you are coming from. If you have a smart phone and don't already have the apps, you can download the lyft app and get $10 off your first lyft ride with promo code FREEINDC10 and download the uber app to get $20 off your first Uber ride with the promo code FREEINDC14 when you sign up here: uber - Note: Be sure to select uberx for your own ride or you can select uber pool or lyft line (if you don't mind the idea of possibly sharing a ride with people en route) for the best price!