Free concerts, free fairs, free festivals, free admissions to famous and historic sites-these are a few of the reasons why throngs of budget-minded tourists from all over the nation and the outside world head here.
In other words, you can have a capital time in the capital without much capital outlay. There will be free band concerts every night this summer. And there will be many free celebrations, including the Festival of American Folklife (June 27-July 1 and July 4-7) and the National Independence Day festivities, two of the most popular events in the United States.
The world-famous Smithsonian Institution and Washington`s majestic memorials are among the many other free attractions. Washington also is a gateway to the entire mid-Atlantic area. Mountains, beaches and quaint old towns are only a short drive away.
Among the free events this month:
Greek Spring Festival, May 18-20, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church, 4115 16th St. NW; Greek food, music, dances, games, arts and crafts.
Memorial Weekend Concerts: The National Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. May 27 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The 13th annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. May 28 in nearby Arlington, Va.
Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremonies will take place May 28 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Washington`s National Mall and at Arlington National Cemetery.
Free festivities in June:
Museum Walk Day, June 2, featuring arts and crafts collections at eight institutions and tours of historic homes in the city`s Dupont-Kalorama neighborhood.
Potomac Riverfest, June 2-3, celebrating the district`s river heritage, on the Southwest Waterfront and Washington Harbor in Georgetown.
Alexandria Waterfront Festival, June 8-10, with tall ships, ethnic foods, entertainment, fireworks.
Spirit of America Pageant, June 13-17, portraying the history of America through music and skits by the 3rd U.S. Infantry and the U.S. Army Band at the Capital Center in Largo, Md.
The Festival of American Folklife, June 27-July 1 and July 4-7, attracts more than one million visitors annually. America`s rich folk heritage is depicted through music, dances, crafts, ethnic foods and demonstrations of American skills, ranging from Appalachian fiddling to coal mining and quilting.
For more information about Washington freebies and a free Summer Calendar of Events, contact the Washington Convention & Visitors Association, 1212 New York Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005; 202-789-7000.
More Top Picks Best Document Scanners