30 Things to do in Washington D.C. for $15 or Less: July 2025

Soak up the summer sun and enjoy outdoor festivals, concerts, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-outdoor-movies-in-washington-dc-summer-2024-washington-1001702">movies</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/10-beer-gardens-now-open-in-the-dc-area-washington-1001973">beer gardens</a>, and more. Enjoy this list of the best 30 events around DC to make the most of this season.  by Yelena Nicolle Salvador 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dancing-on-the-waterfront-summer-series-washington-dc-1000993">Dancing on the Waterfront: Summer Series</a> When: Tuesdays, starting Tue. 7/1 Where: Georgetown Cost: Free Info: Show off your moves along the Georgetown waterfront during these dancing socials. Learn contemporary line dancing, Latin and African dance, square dancing, and more throughout the month while making new friends.  2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-outdoor-movies-in-washington-dc-summer-2024-washington-1001702">Free Outdoor Movies in Washington DC: Summer 2025</a> When: Select days, starting Tue. 7/1 Where: DMV Cost: Free Info: Get ready for outdoor movie season around the DMV. Explore different neighborhoods with friends as you enjoy a picnic and a movie under the stars.  3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/roller-skating-at-anacostia-park-washington-1002797">Free Roller Skating at Anacostia Park</a> When: Daily, starting Tue. 7/1 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: Grab a free pair of skating rentals and roll around the rink in Anacostia Park. You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy this activity. Just come on by and practice going for a few laps before testing out new roller skating skills.  4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/wordplay-wednesday-late-nights-at-planet-word-museum-washington-1017557">Worldplay Wednesday: Baseball Edition</a> When: Wed. 7/2 Where: Downtown Cost: $5+ Info: Come explore Planet Word Museum’s language-based galleries with a twist: baseball-style. Celebrate America’s favorite pastime, enter Nationals giveaways, enjoy baseball-inspired treats, and so much more.  5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/rock-the-dock-concert-series-washington-1001630">Rock the Dock Concert Series</a> Wen: Wednesdays, starting Wed. 7/2 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: Free concerts right on the water? Oh, yes. Enjoy all genres of music from country and party hits to a special karaoke concert and 2000s hits. Get ready to dance, sing, and vibe to local talent.  6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2024-smithsonian-folklife-festival-washington-1001486">Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2025</a> When: Wed. 7/2 - Mon. 7/7 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: Learn about different cultural traditions from around the world. At this iconic festival, you’ll be able to enjoy cultural performances, workshops, demonstrations, art, and more. This year’s theme is ‘Youth and the Future of Culture,’ honoring the creativity, resilience, and power of intergenerational exchange.  7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/a-capitol-fourth-concert-2025-washington-1021035">A Capitol Fourth Concert</a> When: Thu. 7/3 &amp; Fri. 7/4 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Catch this 40+ year tradition right in front of the Capitol building. Listen to live music and celebrate America’s birthday with one of the greatest fireworks displays in the nation. If you can’t make it on the 4th, catch the dress rehearsal the day before to see the talented musicians on stage.  8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/live-at-the-library-washington-1010821">Live! At the Library</a> When: Thursdays, starting Thu. 7/3 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Don’t miss the Library of Congress’s after-hours party every Thursday. Explore the exhibits and the building’s architecture, connect with community members and local resources, and enjoy happy hour drinks and food. There will also be trivia, community conversations, and more.  9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/national-independence-day-parade-washington-1021033">National Independence Day Parade</a> When: Fri. 7/4 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Thousands of people line the streets of Constitution Ave. to see this famous parade. Cheer on bands, drum corps, floats, servicemen and women, and other community members to celebrate our nation.  10) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/palisades-fourth-of-july-parade-washington-1021031">Palisades Fourth of July Parade</a> When: Fri. 7/4 Where: Palisades Cost: Free Info: Cheer on this neighborhood 4th of July parade that will be showcasing local small businesses, community organizations, and more. Come connect with neighbors and the folks of the Palisades.  11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/capitol-hill-community-4th-of-july-parade-washington-1021032">Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade</a> When: Fri. 7/4 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Head to Barracks Row to cheer on this neighborhood's 4th of July parade. Local organizations, small businesses, bands, floats, and more will be marching down the streets. Come join the fun.  12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/fourth-at-the-wharf-washington-1017471">Fourth at the Wharf</a> When: Fri. 7/4 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: No one does 4th of July like the Wharf. Head to the pier for not one, but four stages, of live music. There will be unbeatable views of the fireworks launched by the National Park Service. You can grab a bite to eat after singing and dancing to live country music all night.   13) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/national-mall-independence-day-fireworks-washington-1021034">National Mall Independence Day Fireworks</a> When: Fri. 7/4 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: The National Park Service will be hosting Independence Day fireworks again this year. Watch the sky burst with color along the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.  14) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-saturdays-at-the-national-gallery-of-art-washington-1001753">First Saturdays at the National Gallery of Art</a> When: Sat.7/5 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: Enjoy a community day full of family fun at the National Gallery of Art. Get your face painted, make some art, explore the galleries, and so much more at this local museum.  15) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/capitol-hill-books-free-wine-and-cheese-event-book-sale-washington-1003841">Capitol Hill Books Free Wine &amp; Cheese</a> When: Sat. 7/5 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Your favorite neighborhood bookstore is hosting its free wine and cheese event. Enjoy discounts on books, connect with other book lovers, and munch on some complimentary cheese while savoring a glass of free wine.  16) <a href="https://joyraft.com/search?find_loc=Washington%2C+DC&amp;q=community+day+at+national+museum+of+">Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts</a> When: Sun. 7/6 &amp; Wed. 7/9 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: Explore the galleries of the National Museum of Women in the Arts during community days and extended hours. There will be highlight tours, art-making activities, and more.  17) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/jazz-sundays-in-anacostia-washington-1021039">Jazz Sundays in Anacostia</a> When: Sundays, starting Sun. 7/6 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: Anacostia is hosting free Sunday concerts full of soul, rhythm, and summertime vibes. Get ready to soak up the sun while grabbing a bite from local food vendors. Then, show off your dance moves in the park while listening to live jazz.  18) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/asia-after-dark-eiko-ishibashi-gift-washington-1021037">Asia After Dark | Screening &amp; Performance</a> When: Fri. 7/11 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: The National Museum of Asian Art is hosting a fun after-hours party. Catch a special outdoor screening and performance by multi-instrumentalist composer and musician Eiko Ishibashi. And grab some food and drinks from the on-site pop-up vendor.  19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/romanian-weekend-at-the-wharf-washington-1001755">Romanian Weekend at the Wharf</a> When: Fri. 7/11 - Sun. 7/13 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: Celebrate Romania’s culture and its relationship with the United States at the Wharf. In partnership with the Embassy of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute of New York, this annual tradition features food, music, live performances, and so much more.  20) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dc-martial-arts-history-showdown-washington-1021040">DC Martial Arts History Showdown</a> When: Sat. 7/12 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: This event is not your conventional martial arts showdown. Instead of sparring with fists, local competitors will be sharing stories and memories about DC’s martial arts history. Learn about the cultural heritage behind different martial arts by local practitioners.  21) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/summer-evening-hours-at-the-garden-washington-1021011">Summer Evening Hours at the Garden</a> When: Thu. 7/17 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: Enjoy extended hours at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Enjoy onsite refreshments, a live local band performance, and stunning plant collections. Learn about flora and fauna in the area and beyond.  22) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/take-5-jazz-at-saam-washington-1019313">Take 5: Jazz at SAAM</a> When: Thu. 7/17 Where: Penn Quarter Cost: Free Info: Take a break with relaxing music at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Catch Zoë Jorgenson, an innovative bassist, composer, and educator who blends the sounds of jazz, indie, folk, and ambient genres.  23) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/saturday-night-dancing-at-the-wharf-washington-1019293">Saturday Night Dancing</a>  When: Sat. 7/19 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: Learn how to swing dance along the water. At this themed dance night, you can listen to a variety of music, learn how to swing dance from pros by GottaSwing, and meet new friends with the sunset as your backdrop.  24) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/library-of-congress-family-day-discover-the-national-library-service-for-the-blind-and-print-disabled-washington-1021030">Library of Congress Family Day: National Library Service for the Blind &amp; Print Disabled</a> When: Sat. 7/19 Where: Georgetown Cost: Free Info: Head to the Library of Congress for a fun family day where you can learn about the different modes of accessibility within the space. Make art, learn about different resources, and more.  25) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/tudor-tuesday-washington-1020988">Tudor Tuesday</a> When: Tue. 7/22 Where: Georgetown Cost: $0-5 Info: Explore the beautiful grounds of Tudor Place on a warm summer night. Bring a picnic, take a tour of this historic house, stroll around the garden, and make some art with friends and family.  26) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/cleveland-park-night-market-washington-1019346">Cleveland Park Night Market</a> When: Thu. 7/24 Where: Cleveland Park Cost: Free Info: Walk around the neighborhood of Cleveland Park and enjoy an after-hours night market. Shop from local artisans and makers, treat yourself or a loved one to a new gift, and more.  27) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/cjm-after-sunset-after-hours-pride-party-washington-1021029">CJM After Sunset: After Hours Pride Party</a> When: Thu. 7/24 Where: East End Cost: $15 Info: Head to the Capital Jewish Museum for an after-hours museum party. Celebrate the queer Jewish community of the DMV. There will be talks, drag performances, themed cocktails, and more.  28) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/union-market-movies-on-the-plaza-washington-1017496">Union Market Movies on the Plaza: ‘E.T.’</a> When: Fri. 7/25 Where: NoMa Cost: Free Info: Get cozy and grab a snack from one of the vendors inside Union Market. Then, make your way onto the lawn fo r an outdoor screening of E.T.  29) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/music-in-the-meadow-buck-forty-nine-washington-1020987">Music in the Meadow</a> When: Fri. 7/25 Where: Northeast Cost: Free Info: Make your way to the National Arboretum for a free concert at the Ellipse Meadow. Bring a picnic and listen to the sounds of Buck Forty Nine, a local twang band playing music that blends rock, country, and blues.  30) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/postal-party-family-festival-washington-1020986">Postal Museum Family Festival</a> When: Sat. 7/26 Where: NoMa Cost: Free Info: Visit the National Postal Museum and celebrate 250 years of the United States Postal Service. Enjoy art-making, history, games, and stories about the pubic system that has connected people all over the country.

Washington DC

S21: roundups

Uncover the best local events and activities in Washington, D.C. with our weekly roundups. From hidden gems to popular spots, find out what's happening in your neighborhood this week.

Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Washington, D.C. | Weekly Roundups & Highlights

The best of Joyraft DC 💫

Best of DC

The best of Joyraft DC

S4: top picks

Discover top attractions, events, hidden gems, dining, and nightlife in Washington, DC. Find the best things to do for locals and visitors alike

Things to do in in Washington, DC

Hot & New events in Washington, DC

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S20: c+d experiences

Explore Washington, DC’s top attractions, events, local spots, dining, and nightlife. Find the best activities for both residents and visitors.

The best things to do in Washington DC

Just added to Joyraft DC

Just added

S17: interest based

Top 10 FREE things to do in Washington DC

Free things to do in Washington DC

FREE

Free things to do in DC

S11: happening this weekend

Discover the best events and activities in Washington, D.C. this weekend. From festivals and concerts to family-friendly outings, find something fun for everyone in the nation's capital.

Top Things to Do in Washington, D.C. This Weekend | Must-See Events & Activities

Things to do in Washington DC this weekend

This wknd

This weekend

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Washington? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menu.

Washington Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Washington

Food & drink

Food & drink experiences 

30 Things to do in Washington D.C. for $15 or Less: July 2025

Where?