Looking for budget‑friendly ways to enjoy the capital this weekend? WTOP has compiled a roundup of free events and dining deals happening throughout the District of Columbia from Sept. 11 through Sept. 13.
Arts and Culture
Art All Night returns Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11‑12, with free arts programming in all eight D.C. wards. Local artists, live music, performances and cultural experiences will be offered at venues across the city.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Kronos Quartet will perform a free concert from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Museum of American History. The concert marks the Smithsonian’s 25th‑anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks. Admission is free, but tickets are required and seating is limited.
Sunday, Sept. 13, the Go‑Go Museum & Café hosts free drumming workshops with Batalá and a live capoeira demonstration at 2 p.m.
Family‑Friendly Festivals
Celebrate giant panda Qing Bao’s fifth birthday at the National Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 12, starting at 9 a.m. The panda will receive a special fruit‑based ice cake, and admission to the zoo is free for everyone; donations are welcome.
Head to Western Market on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for free entry, free doughnuts and other summer sweets, plus movie ticket giveaways and chances to win concert tickets.
Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge opens its doors Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. for free admission, local vendors, family activities and a chili cook‑off.
The Fairfax festival on Sept. 12‑13 offers free admission, church tours, Egyptian crafts and authentic Egyptian food for purchase.
Adams Morgan Day returns Sunday, Sept. 13, with a free, family‑friendly neighborhood festival featuring music, art, vendors and food, expected to run from about noon to 7 p.m.
Dining Deals
The Dine All Night program runs through Sunday, Sept. 13, with participating restaurants across the District offering special happy‑hour menus, dinner specials and dessert deals.
Columbia Heights Eats Week continues through Sept. 13, providing participating restaurants with discounted meals, drinks and other specials throughout the neighborhood.
More than 200 D.C. restaurants are extending their Restaurant Week offers, featuring prix‑fixe lunch, brunch and dinner options. Menus and participating locations vary.
Wendy’s Rewards members can purchase a 10‑piece order of crispy or spicy nuggets for $1.99 with any purchase; the offer runs through Sept. 27 at participating locations.
Outdoor and Seasonal Events
The Maryland Seafood Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11‑13, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Adults need tickets, but children 12 and under enter free. The festival includes seafood vendors, live music, shopping, contests and kids’ activities.
All events are free or offer free admission for children, making them ideal for families looking to enjoy the capital without breaking the bank.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
