Free Things to Do in Washington D.C. Besides Museums

Washington D.C. has plenty of great, free things to do. Most of them are museums. That's great, but it isn't for everyone, and there are only so many museums you can go to. Both locals, and tourists looking for some different experiences in D.C., need other free things to do as well. Check out this guide to just a handful of the alternative free things to do in Washington D.C. with events held all throughout the year and activities and experiences of all kinds.

Artomatic - Typically held annually at varying locations throughout metro Washington D.C.

The massive local art show known as Artomatic, usually held in the summers each year in a different location, although not in 2010, is a must-see. It takes over an empty office building and features hundreds of different local artists. The art ranges from the spectacular to the awful, and you'll want to see both. Wine and beer can be purchased, and you'll also find performances, music and other events.

Cherry Blossom Festival - February/March at the Tidal Basin

The D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival is known all around the country and the world for the unique views that are available. The entire area surrounding the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial and to a lesser extent, the Washington Monument, is covered with Japanese cherry blossom trees. They bloom in unison to provide a one of a kind sea of purples, pinks, whites and reds. Timing a trip to see the cherry blossoms is hard, since the exact days of blooming will vary based on weather conditions, but the blooms will be up in total for at least a few weeks. Expect there to be massive crowds, but if you time it right, it's definitely worth a trip.

Jazz in the Garden - Fridays from May to September; at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The Jazz in the Garden summer series is one of D.C.'s favorite summertime institutions. Every Friday evening in the summer, there is a free jazz concert with a different musician or band. You can sit right along the edge of the large fountain, or find a grassy spot in the surrounding area. There are pitchers of sangria, other drinks and food for sale at the event, and while you're *wink, wink* not supposed to, most groups bring their own wine to save some money and avoid the long lines.

Mormon Temple Lights - Evenings, Month of December; 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895

When you're heading to the Washington D.C. area from the north, whether from Philly or New York or elsewhere, the first landmark, hovering massively over the beltway, that lets you know you have arrived is the massive Mormon Temple. During December, the entire temple grounds get lit up with an elaborate and extensive collection of colorful Christmas lights. There are also typically musical performances during the evenings, and you can go into the visitor's center as well.

National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. (Adams Morgan)

The National Zoo is a fun way to spend a few hours and see all of the animals and other displays. The National Zoo, or Smithsonian National Zoological Park if you wanted to be all fancy about it, is most famous for the saga of trying and eventually succeeding with breeding giant pandas, but it has plenty of other unique and exciting animals to view, and throughout the year has many special events and exhibits as well.

Outdoor Movies - All throughout the area, summertime

D.C. is home to many outdoor movie festivals. Screen on the Green, located at the National Mall in downtown D.C. is the most famous, but there is a slew of others that are continuing to pop up. Many towns now host their own for a least a few weeks in the summertime, including both Rockville and Bethesda. The same goes for free, outdoor music shows and concerts. There's a huge array of them all around the D.C. area in the warmer months.

Phillips After 5 - First Thursday of the Month; 1600 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC - 202-387-2151

The Phillips After 5 event, held at the Phillips Collection art gallery and exhibit hall located in Dupont Circle, takes place on the first Thursday every month. Think of it as a happy hour and art show combined, typically with music and a bar and hors d'oeuvres area. The drinks will cost you, but admission to the event is free. There are also different guest speakers or demonstrations and other events for each monthly event.

Smores at the Ritz Carlton - Winter; 3100 South Street, N.W., Washington, DC - (202) 912-4100

At the Lobby Lounge in the Georgetown Ritz Carlton, you can stop by at sundown during the winter and enjoy free, premium smores sandwiches, made of course by the hotel's "S'more-melier". You can purchase a gourmet hot chocolate to go along with that, or grab a glass of wine or another beverage as you relax fireside in the fancy hotel lobby. The smores are insanely delicious, seriously.

Trails - All throughout the area

There is an abundance of different trails scattered all the way around the Washington D.C. area. This includes the Capital Crescent trail, which stretches from Silver Spring, through Bethesda and into Georgetown, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal trail, and many other. Perfect for serious bikers, or a casual stroll and some great scenery. Check out more D.C. area trails here.