Free in DC 2009
I love finding free things to do around DC so I'm posting some free things that are going to be happening this summer.
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- If you're new to DC and haven't done all the free touristy stuff that's going on all year round, check out this website.
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- Twilight Tattoo: For the next 3 Wednesdays at 7:15 at Ft. McNair (including today) the Army is putting on a cool ceremony that includes soldiers dressed in uniforms from the Revolutionary War up to today. Albert went a few years ago and loved it. We'll definitely be going eith June 24 or July 1 (we haven't decided yet). It's free and open to the public. Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Experience a glimpse into American history through performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team. Performances provide a fast-paced journey through Army history, from Revolutionary times to your Army's involvement in current military operations. The Soldiers in Twilight Tattoo represent all those serving around the world in defense of freedom. These performances are free and open to the public. Bleacher seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Sunsets with a Soundtrack: Every Friday until August 14 the U. S. Army band will be playing on the West Steps of the Capitol at 8 PM. There is also a Overture 1812 Concert at the Sylvan Theatre on Tuesday, August 18 at 8 PM.
- Duke Ellington Jazz Festival 2009: You have to pay for most of the performances included in this festival, but they are going to have a slew of concerts on the National Mall this Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14. The 2009 Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, that is celebrating the music of New Orleans, will feature TWO, FREE, all-day, all-star jazz celebrations and a very special, free sunset concert on the grounds of the National Mall. These magnificent concerts attract thousands of people who come to enjoy a wide variety of performances by nationally and internationally renowned musicians. Below is our full line up of the headline artists.
- 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Festivities are June 24-June 28 and July 1-5, 2009 starting at 11 AM. I've been every year since 2004 and always have a good time, although there are tons of tourists and the 4th of July is always crazy. The three themes for this year are: "Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture," "Las Americas: Music in Latino Culture," and "Wales Cymru." I heard the Welsh are making a stone wall on the Mall.
-- Fun in Del Ray --
- Del Ray Music Festival: At the Mt Vernon Recreation Center Fields in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 from 10 am to 10 pm. Festival will include music, food, games. A variety of music will be featured including jazz, blues, swing, folk, country, Celtic, and rock - with many musicians from the neighborhood! Food by neighborhood restaurants!
- First Thursday in Del Ray: Every first Thurday of the month this summer (July 2, August 6, & September 3) from 6-9 PM on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, VA. This monthly friendly street festival include music, exhibitions by local organizations and businesses open late with special activities.
-- 4th of July Celebrations --
- A Capitol Fouth: Arguably the best fireworks display in the country, the celebrations on the Mall are always fun. There are the Folklife Festivities during the day and music and fireworks at night. There is a big concert on the Capitol Hill steps that starts at 8 PM, but you must be there much earlier to get a seat. On July 3, the NSO puts on "A Capitol Fourth" Dress Rehearsal (at 7:30 p.m.) on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Check out the website to find out all the fun activities going on in DC.
- Fredericksburg Heritage Festival: I haven't ever checked this out, but I'm thinking that it migth be a fun alternative to the crowds on the Mall this 4th of July. A traditional Fourth of July celebration throughout the region a runner's race, parade, craft show, antique auto show, and live entertainment. A trolley ride to George Washington's Boyhood Home adds kid friendly activities and colonial charm to the day which is crowned with a fireworks display. A real home-town festival with activities for all ages the Heritage Festival is a Fredericksburg icon.
- There is also the Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg at George Washington’s Boyhood Home for $2 that looks pretty fun if you tire of the free festival.
- If you live in Fredericksburg there are tons of free stuff to do on their website.
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- Hip Hop Theatre Festival 2009: Festivities fun from July 6-12, 2009 in various areas in DC. Check out the website for the schedule. The Hip Hop Theatre Festival is an annual week-long festival usually held in July in Washington, DC, featuring national and international artists. Enjoy a variety of performances of both new and established hip hop music. All events are free and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.
- USA & Alexandria Birthday Celebration: On July 11 from 4-10 PM at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., along the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton and Madison Streets in Alexandria, VA. Concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. Evening culminates in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Concert at 6 p.m. with fireworks at dark (approximately 9:30).
- 6th annual Asian Festival: Held at 11452 Baron Cameron Avenue - Lake Newport Tennis Facility in Reston, VA on August 1-2, 10 AM-10 PM. Combining my two loves, Asians and tennis! After the fun we had at the Asian festival in DC, we will definitely be going to this one. Twenty-five well-known Asian restaurants will feature authentic specialty dishes from their countries and regions. A multi-cultural marketplace will feature unique items imported from various regions of Asia. The Asian Festival will have three different stages highlighting “non-stop” performances, fashion shows, Asian martial arts demonstrations, music, and even an Asian Idol contest, where anyone can sing any song in any language for a chance to win $1,000.
- Friendship Firehouse Festival: On August 1 from 9 AM - 2 PM in Old Town Alexandria (100 block of South Alfred Street in front of the Friendship Firehouse, Alexandria, VA 22314) The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association holds its annual Firehouse Festival each year on the first Saturday in August. The popular family event features antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, and live music.Food and beverages are available. Children will receive free fire helmets, meet a real Dalmatian, and are treated to a supervised visit inside the City's fire trucks. For more information, call 703.838.3891.
- Carlyle Housewarming: On August 1 from noon to 4 PM at a beautiful museum/house in Old Town Alexandria (121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria). The day that John Carlyle moved his family into this beautiful new home, his wife Sarah gave birth. During this annual open house, learn about Colonial midwifery and medicine.
- Tavern Day at Gadsby’s Tavern: On August 1 from 1 PM - 5 PM in Old Town Alexandria (134 North Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314). Want to learn to dance like George Washington? Ever heard of a learned pig? Tours led by costumed guides, period music and light refreshments.
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- Arlington County Fair: Will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 South Second Street . Arlington, VA 22204) from August 19th through August 23rd, 2009. Thursday from 5-10 PM, Friday & Saturday from 10 AM-10 PM and Sunday from 11 AM - 10 PM. The Arlington County Fair is a summer family event complete with carnival rides, live animal shows, musical entertainment, arts and craft exhibits, and a variety of international foods. Special highlights of the Arlington County Fair include pony rides, goat races, and a petting zoo. Local crafters will display items such as needlework & apparel, dolls, photography, creative writing, flowers arrangements and ceramics.
- Alexandria Cambodian Community Day Festival: On Sunday, August 23 from 10 AM to 6 PM at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria, VA. The City of Alexandria's Annual Cambodian Community Day Festival displays traditional Cambodian arts, crafts, paintings and souvenirs, and Cambodian food. The festival features traditional cultural dance troops from the Cambodia Buddhist Society Cultural Group in Maryland and the Cambodian American Heritage, Inc. in Washington, DC; the Phleng Mohori Ensemble; and a variety of instrumentalists, soloists and performing arts groups. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine.
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