Costs nothing
Free Things to Do in DC
The best free attractions, monuments, and cultural experiences in the capital. All of it: zero dollars.
18 places
Upcoming
1813 events in the next 30 days
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Join the fun, show off your creativity, and bring book characters to life!
Tue, Oct 20FreeLittle Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House (Birding)
Calling all budding birders! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about birds of all types and practice our birding skills. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in
Tech Time
Need extra help with your phone or tablet? Need help with a job application? Need extra help with a computer? Come to Tech time where you can get extra help from a librarian.
Technology Help
One-on-one help with basic technology every second & third Tuesday of the month.
Toddler Explorations
Join on the Children's Floor for a fun toddler play time!
Birds of the World Scavenger Hunt
Search for 16 unique and colorful birds hidden around the children’s area and learn where each species can be found in the world. Find them all to earn a small prize!
Thurgood Marshall Remembered
Before he became the first black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall went to college with Kwame Nkrumah, Cab Calloway, and Langston Hughes. What were those dorm conversations like?
Tue, Oct 20FreeInteractive Programs
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs. Tours of the museum's highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on th
Lego Hour
Join us to play with Duplos in the Children's Room! If you have any questions or would like to request an accommodation, please contact dcplaccess@dc.gov at least one week before the program.
Music and Movement
Dance at the library!
Family Story Time
Story time program for children ages 0 to 12. Held in the reading area on the 2nd floor of the Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library at 10:30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Music and Movement!
Join us for a children's dance party!
Baby Lap Time
Come sing, talk and read with your pre-walking babies!
Family Story Time at Goethe-Institut
Space is limited; admission is first-come, first-served.
Tue, Oct 20FreePlay Date at NMNH: Awesome Arachnids!
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! Come join us as we celebrate the many wonderful ways arachnids help our planet, make observations of different arachnid species, and create art inspired by the different colors and shapes found on arachnids!
Tue, Oct 20FreeDC | Cradleboards and Crawlers
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other han
Tue, Oct 20FreeArt in the A.M.
Inspire early childhood creativity with SAAM during Art in the A.M. Children ages up to 5 years and their caregivers are invited to the museum before hours to learn, connect, and create in the galleries. During this program, participants will explore the exhibition Much Here Is B
Mixed Media Approaches with Chinedu
Explore a variety of mixed-media approaches to art!
Music and Movement
Move, shake, play, and have fun! Space is limited and tickets are distributed on first come, first served basis when the library opens.
ASL Story Time
Join us at the Northeast Library for American Sign Language Story Time!
Come Play Mahjong!
We'll learn Hong Kong style, as it’s the most versatile and makes it easier to transition to other styles later. Beginners are highly encouraged! Our group is growing... Join us!
Tue, Oct 20FreeFlights of Fancy Story Time: Space Spinners
Listen to a funny story about two tiny spiders who stowed away on a Space Shuttle. Find out more about the experience of space travel. Learn about the real experiments of sending spiders to space to see whether they can spin webs in microgravity. Takes place at the Steven F. Udva
Tue, Oct 20FreeHighlights Tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director
On this extra special tour with the Postal Museum's Director or Deputy Director, explore the wonders of our museum like never before! Meet at the Information Desk for an exclusive 45-minute tour.
Tue, Oct 20FreeBroad Stripes and Bright Stars
Meet Mary Pickersgill, seamstress of the enormous garrison flag that inspired the lyrics to America's national anthem and later became known as the Star-Spangled Banner. What was it like to live in a nation defending its sovereignty? Learn about the War of 1812, considered Americ
Coffee, Cinema & Conversation
Coffee, a short film and a conversation.
Tech Tuesdays
Learn How To Use Your Devices
Floor Yoga for Seniors
Align the muscular and skeletal structures, along with breathing techniques using both held and moving postures. Modifications are offered by the instructor to accommodate all participants.
Coffee, Cinema, & Conversation
Join a friendly conversation circle prompted by a film. Chat & connect with others. Movies are not listed.
Tue, Oct 20FreeTours | Arts of Japan
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum's renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more. Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600-1630), Japan, mid-17th century,
Tue, Oct 20FreeDC | Welcome to a Native Place
Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present. Pre
Travel Fiction Book Club
Travel around the world right from your living room. Each month we will read and discuss a novel set in a different country.
Tue, Oct 20FreePermanent Collection Tour
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Need extra help with a computer, laptop, phone or tablet? Come to Tech Help Tuesdays where you can get extra help from library staff.
Terrific Movie Tuesday
On Tuesday, October 20 at 2 p.m.the Chevy Chase Library will screen the 1987 film 'Broadcast News.' The film will be screened in the second floor meeting room.
Yoga
Gentle Chair Yoga
MLK Manager Meeting
Weekly Meeting
Tue, Oct 20FreeTour | The Peacock Room at 150
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler's famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue a
Techy Tuesdays
In this 2-hour clinic, you will be able to learn how to use the functionality of your devices, including Chromebooks, cellphones, tablets, laptops, Kindles, etc. Bring your own devices.
Beyond "In the Room Where It Happened"
An exploration of how the area’s geography influenced the selection of Washington, DC, as the nation’s capital.
Coffee & Conversation
Customers are invited to join a casual conversation with other library customers and individuals from the neighborhood. Coffee and Tea provided.
Palisades Study Hall
A quiet place for students to complete homework, study, or finish projects.
The Upskilling Labs workshop
A workshop series on emerging tech in partnership with DCPL + The Upskilling Labs.
Lego Challenge!
Calling all builders! Join us for some Lego fun each Tuesday!
Teen Scene @ Tenley
A weekly program for teen patrons with various activities on a rotating basis.
Teen Lounge
Teens 13-19 are invited to bring their best attitudes for fun and games and music! Bring a friend!
Teen Trivia
Trivia for teens
Tabletop Tuesday: Pokémon Club
It's gamer time!
Gamer's Galaxy
Video game program for teens!
Tabletop Tuesday
It's gamer time
Toddler Craft
Join us as we create paper monsters! Ages 2-5 Registration Recommended!
Tech 101
Join us to learn basic tech skills and get your questions about technology answered.
Supper With Magic School Bus
Watch Magic School Bus and eat free supper at our Afterschool Meal program with Capital Area Food Bank!
CAV Teen Art Program
Join us every Tuesday in the Teen Space at Capitol View Library for our weekly Art Program Series! Each session blends creativity, imagination, and hands-on exploration through art.
Tuesday Night Movies
DC Public Library Film Series
Brick Squad: Anacostia Adult Lego Club
Join us for Anacostia’s Library Adult Lego Club. Building Mindfulness, Confidence, find focus and meeting new friends.
Mahjong Night 麻将之夜
Come play American, Hong Kong, or Japanese-style mahjong. All levels welcome, including complete beginners! 来玩美式或港式麻将吧！欢迎各个水平的玩家，哪怕是完全的新手也没问题！
The Intimidating Book Club
Intended for those who have always wanted to read that one classic novel of gargantuan proportions but never did (or didn't finish).
Beginner's American Sign Language Classes
Join us at the Francis A. Gregory Library for our Beginner's American Sign Language (ASL) classes, designed to introduce you to the basics of ASL in a supportive and engaging environment.
ASL For Beginners
Join us at the Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library for engaging begginers American Sign Language (ASL) classes led by the excellent instructor Alondra Jones.
From Charts to DNA
Intermediate workshop on charting, DNA and practical next steps.
Tuesday Talks
Lance Kramer, Documentary Filmmaker at Meridian Hill Pictures, with his brother and director Brandon Kramer, speaking about their film "Holding Liat."
'Motherhood in Fiction' Lecture Series
The theme for our 2024-2026 book discussion series will be “Motherhood in Fiction.” Every meeting will be on Zoom and will feature a lecture from a local professor, followed by a discussion.
Queer Book Club
Queer Book Club is a small but enthusiastic community that meets monthly to discuss queer-themed books spanning numerous genres.
Tue, Oct 20FreeHistory Film Forum presents "Faith Healers"
The History Film Forum proudly presents Faith Healers , in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. Faith Healers explores the history of doctors who left the Philippines to care for patients in the United States. The documentary traces Dr. Zorayda Lee-Llac
Pokemon Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate 30 Years of Pokemon!
Mental Health Matters
Your mental health matters, we have information suited to your needs. Additionally, we do have a mental health specialist who can offer more support.
Pokémon Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate Pokémon's 30th Anniversary with a DC-themed Pokémon Scavenger Hunt!
Evil Laugh
Capitol View Library is hosting an Evil Laugh Contest!
Capitol View Library Creative Art Contest
Teens ages 13-19 are invited to participate in the annual creative art contest. THIS YEAR’S THEME: Spooky House(s)
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Join the fun, show off your creativity, and bring book characters to life!
Small Biz Assist with DSLBD
Come to the library to get support for your small business.
Stitching Circle
Bring your own materials/project for an hour of camaraderie and crafting! And snacks!
Thurgood Marshall Remembered
Before he became the first black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall went to college with Kwame Nkrumah, Cab Calloway, and Langston Hughes. What were those dorm conversations like?
Wed, Oct 21FreeWonderplace
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on
Baby & Toddler Story Time
This is for 10AM. No waitlist/walk-ins. One session PER day, please. Join us at the Georgetown Library for stories, rhymes and songs for little ones ages 0-2! Online pre-registration is REQUIRED.
Virtual ESL Conversation Circles
Practice your English-speaking skills by joining the weekly virtual ESL Conversation Circles.
Toddler Play Party
Play is one of the best ways to strengthen pre-literacy skills. Join us for unstructured play time tailored for kids 0-5.
Legos in the Library!
Come play Legos in the library! For children ages 2-6 and their involved caregives!
Birds of the World Scavenger Hunt
Search for 16 unique and colorful birds hidden around the children’s area and learn where each species can be found in the world. Find them all to earn a small prize!
Wed, Oct 21FreeBig Objects, Big Stories: Point of Pines Plantation Slave Cabin
Join us for a docent-led tour to get a fresh look into the Museum's featured object. At each of these 15-minute talks visitors will hear incredibly big stories about a big object. About this Program: Visitors cannot overlook the Point of Pines Plantation Slave Cabin, a circa earl
Wed, Oct 21FreeSpark!Lab
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditio
Wed, Oct 21FreeInteractive Programs
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs. Tours of the museum's highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on th
Wed, Oct 21FreeDC | Cradleboards and Crawlers
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other han
Family Story Time
Fun for the entire family, these story times are packed full of books and activities designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Ticket required, on a first come first serve basis.
Family Story Time
Enjoy a story time for the whole family, with a playtime hour afterwards!
Gentle Yoga with Beth Lawrence
A gentle yoga practice designed to allow participants to stretch and relax
Family Story Time
Story time program for children ages 0 to 12. Held in the reading area on the 2nd floor of the Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library at 10:30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Stretch & Flex
Gentle stretching and flexibility exercises
Health Converstion with Medstar
Come have a community health conversation share stories and experiences.
Coffee & Conversation
Customers are invited to join a casual conversation with other library customers and individuals from the neighborhood. Coffee, tea, and snacks provided.
Baby & Toddler Story Time
This is for 10AM. No waitlist/walk-ins. One session PER day, please. Join us at the Georgetown Library for stories, rhymes and songs for little ones ages 0-2! Online pre-registration is REQUIRED.
Wed, Oct 21FreeBook Signing & Pastry Pop-up with Chef Carla Hall
Meet and greet celebrity chef Carla Hall in the Sweet Home Café and grab a signed copy of her latest book, Carla Bakes. The café will also host a special pastry pop-up station featuring desserts from the cookbook. In Carla Bakes , Hall shares "80 joyful recipes designed
Family Play Hour
A play hour following our Wednesday story time program for children to socialize and play with each other
ASL Story Time
Join us for American Sign Language (ASL) Story Time!
Family Story Time
Fun for the entire family, these story times are packed full of books and activities designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Ticket required, on a first come first serve basis.
Wed, Oct 21FreeHighlights Tour
Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum.
Computer Basics & NorthStar
In this 2-hour class, you will learn the parts and functions of the computer, the mouse, and the keyboard, as well as the features of the Desktop.
Wed, Oct 21FreeBroad Stripes and Bright Stars
Meet Mary Pickersgill, seamstress of the enormous garrison flag that inspired the lyrics to America's national anthem and later became known as the Star-Spangled Banner. What was it like to live in a nation defending its sovereignty? Learn about the War of 1812, considered Americ
Wed, Oct 21FreeWellness Wednesday
Join the Portrait Gallery and wellness expert Aparna Sadananda for mindfulness programs inspired by the Portrait Gallery's collection. Explore artful meditations, sound baths and musical meditations. For a detailed schedule of wellness programs please reference the specific dates
Mid-Day Games Galore
Board Games, Card Games and More!
Wed, Oct 21FreePermanent Collection Tour
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Wed, Oct 21FreeDC | Welcome to a Native Place
Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present. Pre
Wed, Oct 21FreeHighlights Tour
Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.
Mental Health Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours to meet with a licensed social worker for support and connection to community resources.
DC Jail Video Visitation
DC Jail Video Visitation at the Capitol View Library.
