32 Things to do in Washington D.C. for $15 or Less: August 2025

The official end of summer is drawing near now that August is here. Make the most of late-night sunsets, longer days, and sunshine with 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. Get ready to explore D.C. with this list of the best things to do on a budget.&nbsp; by Yelena Nicolle Salvador DC-PROPER AREA EVENTS 1) <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 Fri. 8/1 Where: DMV Cost: Free Info: Watch your favorite movies under the stars and by the Potomac with this list of outdoor movies around the city. Bring a blanket, your friends, your family, and even your pups for some free screenings in different neighborhoods. 2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/roller-skating-at-anacostia-park-washington-1002797">Free Roller Skating at Anacostia Park</a> When: Daily, starting Fri. 8/1 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: Master the art of roller skating at Anacostia Park. Borrow a free pair of wheels and get gliding on the rink. Don’t miss <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/august-late-skate-washington-1004601">August Late Skate</a> for extended hours, music, and community connection.&nbsp; 3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/national-arboretum-summer-evening-hours-washington-1003123">Summer Evening Hours at the National Arboretum</a> When: Daily, starting Fri. 8/1 until Sat. 8/30 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: Find some peace and quiet while exploring the National Arboretum. After a long day of work, you can chill on the grass and enjoy beautiful views during extended evening hours that happen every day for the rest of the month.&nbsp; 4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/shark-bites-brews-washington-1022561">Shark Bites &amp; Brews</a> When: Sat. 8/2 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: Happy Shark Week. Come celebrate these ginormous fish at the Wharf with shark-themed fun. Play fun games, enjoy shark-themed drinks, munch on shark doughnuts, and listen to live pop and rock music at this family-friendly festival.&nbsp; 5) <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. 8/2 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: Explore the National Gallery of Art on First Saturdays where you can enjoy special programming. Make some art inspired by your favorite works, listen to an educational talk, check out the pop-up library, and more.&nbsp; 6) <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. 8/3 &amp; Wed. 8/13 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: Head to the National Museum of Women in the Arts for two community days that happen every month. Listen to a gallery talk, make some art, explore the different exhibits on display, and grab something to eat from the pop-up cafe.&nbsp; 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/jazz-sundays-in-anacostia-washington-1021039">Jazz Sundays in Anacostia</a> When: Sundays, starting Sun. 8/3 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: Enjoy a family-friendly concert in the heart of Anacostia. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, get comfy, and taste different food from the food vendors on-site — all while taking in the smooth sounds of live jazz music by local musicians.&nbsp; 8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-great-american-farmers-market-washington-1022562">The Great American Farmers Market</a> When: Sun. 8/3 - Sat. 8/8 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the Great American Farmers Market is taking place on the National Mall during National Farmers Market Week. Shop for your favorite fresh produce, connect with local farmers, listen to live music, and even meet some highland cows during this week-long celebration.&nbsp; 9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dancing-on-the-waterfront-summer-series-washington-dc-1000993">Dancing on the Waterfront: Summer Series</a> When: Tuesdays, 8/5 &amp; 8/12 Where: Georgetown Cost: Free Info: The final two dance classes of this local favorite summer series are taking place this month. Get ready to learn some new moves on the Georgetown waterfront during Latin &amp; African Dance Night and Line Dancing Night. 10) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/wordplay-wednesday-late-nights-at-planet-word-museum-washington-1017557">Worldplay Wednesday</a> When: Wed. 8/6 Where: Downtown Cost: $5+ Info: Visit the Planet Word museum for some lexical fun. There will be complimentary light bites from Immigrant Food, after-hours access to all three floors of the museum, and plenty of word-based puzzles and games for everyone. 11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/rock-the-dock-concert-series-washington-1001630">Rock the Dock Concert Series</a> Wen: Wednesdays, starting Wed. 8/6 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: It’s the final month of this concert series right along the water. Head to the Wharf on a Wednesday this month for some live music by local musicians. You’ll get to enjoy the sound of go-go and funk, electrical soul, ‘90s pop, and so much more.&nbsp; 12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/movies-on-the-pitch-washington-1019403">Movies on the Pitch</a> When: Thursdays, starting Thu. 8/7 Where: Southwest Cost: Free Info: Family-friendly movie nights on Audi Field are back. Grab a seat at this beautiful and expansive soccer field and get ready for blockbusters on the jumbotron. Catch ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘Moana,’ ‘Shrek,’ and more. 13) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/live-at-the-library-washington-1010821">Live! At the Library</a> When: Thursdays, starting Thu. 8/7 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Every Thursday, the Library of Congress hosts an after-hours party. Come take a look at the beautiful Main Reading Room, learn about local resources, explore the exhibits, and enjoy special programming.&nbsp; 14) <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. 8/9 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Support your favorite local bookstore where you can find a wide selection of used and new books. At this monthly get-together, you can enjoy a discount off your purchase, sip on free wine, and munch on free cheese while meeting other book lovers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 15) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-saturday-at-the-national-building-museum-washington-1022625">Free Saturday at the National Building Museum</a> When: Sat. 8/9 Where: Judiciary Square Cost: Free Info: Explore the National Building Museum for free this Saturday in August. Enjoy the beautiful architecture, take a look at the hands-on installations, make some art, and learn about the different exhibits on display. 16) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/august-family-day-celebrating-baseball-washington-1022627">Library of Congress Family Day: Celebrating Baseball</a> When: Sat. 8/9 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Head to the Library of Congress for some baseball-themed family-friendly fun. Celebrate America’s favorite pastime by making your own baseball card, learning about the Library’s historical baseball items, and meeting the mascots of the Washington Nationals.&nbsp; 17) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/community-tables-august-washington-1022631">Community Tables: August</a> When: Sun. 8/10 Where: Southwest Cost: Free Info: Meet new friends and your neighbors at this community gathering at the Southwest Duck Pond. Enjoy the outdoors while making a self-portrait, grabbing a flick at the photo booth, getting a poetry tarot reading, playing bingo, and sharing a meal. 18) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/q-rius-after-hours-washington-1022004">Q?rius After Hours</a> When: Wed. 8/13 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: Ever wanted to go to the National Museum of Natural History after-hours? You can with this fun adult event. Come play some puzzles and games, make some crafts, listen to expert talks, and explore different specimen collections. 19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2025-tomato-party-washington-1022582">2025 Tomato Party</a> When: Thu. 8/14 Where: Le Droit Park Cost: Free Info: Celebrate the mighty tomato at Common Good City Farm’s annual tomato party. Try out tomato-themed dishes, taste different tomato varieties, play some games, make some art, and connect with neighbors. Bring some school supplies if you are willing and able to donate and support local youth.&nbsp; 20) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/take-5-jazz-at-saam-washington-1019313">Take 5: Jazz at SAAM</a> When: Thu. 8/14 Where: Penn Quarter Cost: Free Info: Take a break after 5 and head to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a free live musical performance by Jen Krupa in the beautiful courtyard. Grab a board game to play while listening or take a snack break from the cafe on-site to make the most out of your experience.&nbsp; 21) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/saturday-night-dancing-at-the-wharf-washington-1019293">Saturday Night Dancing</a>&nbsp; When: Sat. 8/16 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: The final Wharf dance night is this month, so don’t miss your chance to show off your moves. Head to the pier to learn some salsa and get ready to dance the night away with live music right along the water.&nbsp; 22) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/musical-theater-performance-in-dupont-circle-park-washington-1022632">Musical Theater in Dupont</a> When: Sat. 8/16 Where: Dupont Circle Cost: Free Info: As part of <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/music-in-the-circle-dupont-concert-series-washington-1019353">Music in the Circle</a>, which occurs every Saturday in Dupont, Musical Theater in Dupont is a special program featuring live opera performances. Come enjoy a summer afternoon of unique sounds by local musicians. 23) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/summer-evening-hours-at-the-garden-washington-1021011">Summer Evening Hours at the Garden</a> When: Thu. 8/21 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: Get ready for late-night access to the U.S. Botanic Garden. Look at the extensive plant collection, listen to live music, enjoy light refreshments, and savor a relaxing evening in one of the most beautiful spaces in the city.&nbsp; 24) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/opera-in-the-outfield-washington-1002777">Opera in the Outfield</a> When: Sat. 8/23 Where: The Yards Cost: Free Info: Opera in the Outfield is a tradition you don’t want to miss. Join the Washington National Opera at Nationals Park for a free screening of Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ as the sun sets. Come early for some pre-opera fun and enjoy sitting on the lush field for an unforgettable viewing experience.&nbsp; 25) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/turning-the-page-back-to-school-festival-washington-1002773">Turning the Page Back to School Festival</a> When: Sat. 8/23 Where: Takoma Cost: Free Info: Head to this pop-up used book festival. You’ll find used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyls for $7 or less. Plus, proceeds support a local nonprofit that helps public school families with literacy development and other programming.&nbsp; 26) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ukraine-s-independence-day-washington-1022633">Ukraine’s Independence Day</a> When: Sun. 8/24 Where: President’s Park Cost: Free Info: Honor Ukraine’s independence with a day celebration full of Ukrainian music, heritage, and culture. Listen to speakers, enjoy live music, explore Ukrainian poetry and dance, and march with neighbors to remember those who have lost their lives throughout the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp; 27) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/tudor-tuesday-washington-1022580">Tudor Tuesday</a> When: Tue. 8/26 Where: Georgetown Cost: $0-5 Info: Explore the grounds of the Tudor Mansion. Take a tour of this historical home’s various rooms and venture out through its stunning gardens. You can bring a picnic, make some art, and enjoy a pleasant summer evening with a gorgeous view. 28) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dc-jazzfest-downtown-washington-1022629">DC JazzFest Downtown</a> When: Thu. 8/28 Where: Downtown Cost: Free Info: Dance all night to live jazz featuring talented local musicians. Come early for free prizes, merchandise, and ticket contests to see JazzFest at the Wharf. There will be a whole evening of art, culture, and community connection. 29) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/cleveland-park-night-market-washington-1019346">Cleveland Park Night Market</a> When: Thu. 8/28 Where: Cleveland Park Cost: Free Info: Connect with local businesses and enjoy an after-hours shopping experience featuring talented artisans and makers. Find a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one while walking down the street of Connecticut Ave. NW during this outdoor market. 30) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/21st-annual-dc-jazzfest-2025-washington-1022581">21st Annual DC JazzFest</a> When: Sat. 8/30 - Sun. 8/31 Where: The Wharf Cost: $0+ Info: One of DC’s most beloved jazz festivals is back for its 21st season. Head to the Wharf to listen to over 20 concerts featuring talented jazz musicians. You’ll need to purchase a ticket to stand or sit near the stage, but listening right next to the pier from the promenade is free.&nbsp;&nbsp; WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA EVENTS 31) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2025-around-the-world-cultural-food-festival-alexandria-1022635">2025 Around the World Cultural Food Festival</a> When: Sat. 8/23 Where: Alexandria, VA Cost: Free Info: Experience the world at this one-of-a-kind food festival in the DMV. There will be two beer gardens, plenty of food vendors, cultural performances, and so much more. Connect with neighbors, learn about the histories and cultures of different communities, and enjoy a day full of eating and family-friendly fun.&nbsp; 32) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/african-heritage-festival-laurel-1022634">5th Annual African Heritage Festival</a> When: Sat. 8/23 Where: Laurel, MD Cost: Free Info: Celebrate the different cultures of Africa and the African diaspora at the African Heritage Festival. Dance to Afrobeats and live music, shop from over 70 vendors, grab a bite from the Afro-Caribbean food market, and so much more.

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32 Things to do in Washington D.C. for $15 or Less: August 2025

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