Take in a free performance at The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage every evening at 6pm. This summer's lineup includes notable acts like Sweet Honey in the Rock, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Manhattan Transfer and many others.
See the National Mall with DC by Foot, a walking tour company that gives free, kid-friendly tours (gratuity recommended) infused with games, fun facts and trivia.
Grab your hiking boots and trek your way down the C&O Canal Towpath, which traces the Potomac from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD.
Get a taste of Little Rome with a visit to the myriad Roman Catholic institutions located in the Brookland neighborhood of DC, including the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Franciscan Monastery and Garden, Catholic University and the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.
Less than $10 will get you falafel and twice-fried fries until 4am on weekends at Amsterdam Falafelshop. They even offer a choice of wheat or white pitas, and they don't use spoons, forks or plates in an effort to reduce waste.
Take a free docent-led tour at one of DC's many museums and other cultural institutions, including the National Archives, the National Air and Space Museum, the Washington National Cathedral and many more. Before you go, make sure to check the website of each venue for specific details.
Take advantage of DC's ample green space and pick a place to picnic with friends or family. The National Arboretum, Rock Creek Park, the grounds of the Carter Barron Ampitheatre and the National Mall all offer space perfect for a powerful picnic against the backdrop of the country's capital city.
Visit Eastern Market on weekend mornings to browse the work of local artisans and sample farm-fresh produce and concoctions
The hand-written sign above the register in Ben's Chili Bowl says that loyal supporter Bill Cosby is the only customer who can eat for free. But you can still eat for cheap at this city staple, where the famous chili half smoke is just $4.95.
There is free standup comedy shows every week at Ri Ra Irish Pub in Arlington(Clarendon area) VA on Wed. nights ....& at Topaz Hotel in D.C.(Dupont Circle area) on Thursday nights. Both shows start at 8pm are free to the public. They each have a post-show joke contest called "Everybody's A Comedian" where regular audience members can come up on stage and tell their best joke--best joke by audience applause wins $25 cash....www.StandupComedyToGo.com