Washington, D.C. has a reputation for being an expensive place to live and visit. This can be especially challenging when you have more free time in the summer, and you’re living on a budget.

As D.C. floods with college students from across the country here to intern, and many universities keep kids around to work; finding cheap, fun activities can seem difficult at times.

But D.C. hosts a lot of free and interesting events throughout the summer in many parts of the District. Plus, D.C.’s location is perfect for exploring DMV area and beyond on a budget.

Outdoor Film Screenings

Every week, there are a multitude of outdoor film screenings throughout the District. You can find a variety of films in practically every D.C. neighborhood at some point during the week. These screenings are free and some even have live music and entertainment before the sun sets for the night. Find a full list of the screenings here.

Jazz in the Garden

Every Friday evening from 5 to 8:30, you can find free, live music in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You get to hear some talented artists perform a variety of music and you can even pack your own picnic! For a full list of dates and artists, check out the National Gallery of Art’s calendar.

Free Flows and Meditation

WithLoveDC has organized several free, or donation-based, yoga events throughout D.C. Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., head to a Pop Up Flow in DuPont, or at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, find some Pop Up Yoga in the U.S. Botanical Gardens. There are plenty of opportunities for free fitness in D.C., but WithLoveDC provides some of the best and most convenient. Check out their schedule here.

Festival Fun (Free Music and Food!)

From June 29 to July 4 and from July 7 to July 10, find live music, crafts and cooking demos on the National Mall at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This year the festival celebrates California music and Basque culture! Information here.

For free tastings of sauces and barbecue, check out the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle from June 25 to the 26^th. The event has free tastings and cooking demos with pit masters from all 50 states! Learn more here.

These are just a few of the free events you can find around D.C., but there are plenty of opportunities to find free entertainment all through the summer!