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Five Free Things to do in DC this summer 

May 28, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC65 Comments

Can you believe it’s the last few days of May? I only believe it because of the crazy humid, warm weather we’ve been having here in DC. Since summer is on the horizon, I thought I’d take this free Friday and share five fun and free things to do in DC this summer. Even if you aren’t in DC, I hope this gives you a couple ideas of fun things that may be available for you to check out in your town this summer! Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia and Mar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link.

5 Free Things to do in DC this Summer!

  1. Outdoor movies. We are so lucky that in our area we can go watch a movie outside (with kids and pets welcome!) almost any night of the week. This week I went and watched Dirty Dancing under the stars and it was awesome. Nobody puts Baby in a corner, indeed. 🙂 
  2. Outdoor concerts. Similarly, there are free concerts almost every night of the week. My favorite is on Friday evenings over in the Navy Yard area. We went two weeks ago and will be going again soon. Such fun to just sit out, with food and drinks and listen to the music as the sun sets. 
  3. Outdoor workouts. Hopefully by now you are noticing a theme…get outside!  There are a number of free workouts that you can find in the area just by searching for them. Here are links to a couple: free yoga and free bootcamp and yoga at yards park. There are also group runs, barre classes and so much more. So many opportunities to get out there!
  4. Festivals. I know, I know. Most festivals aren’t free. But there are a couple – including my favorite Truckeroo where a ton of food trucks gather selling their delicious food. I know. Not 100% free, but you don’t have to buy food – you can just go and hang out and play cornhole. 🙂 Another great free festival is the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival – if you’ve never gone, I highly recommend it. This year the theme is Peru and I’m so excited to go and learn more about an area I’ve never travelled. 
  5. POOL TIME. Need I say more? DC residents are able to swim for free in any DC public pool and that is a perfect gift in this gross weather! 

Have you done any of these fun ideas yet? What’s your favorite free thing to do in your town during the summer? 


Comments

  1. MCM Mama Runs says

    May 28, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Totally jealous of the free pool thing. It’s crazy expensive to go to the pool in Arlington. Love the other ideas though.
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Tips for surviving multi day race eventsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 28, 2015 at 11:39 pm

      Oh man, really?? That’s nuts!

      Reply
  2. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    May 28, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    I’ll be getting down with the get down on A LOT of these this summer! 🙂
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: My Summer Playlist!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 28, 2015 at 11:40 pm

      Yes!! So much fun stuff happening!

      Reply
  3. Natalie says

    May 28, 2015 at 11:40 pm

    Summer is almost officially here! I am so excited 🙂
    Love all these ideas and you are lucky to have free pool access!! Enjoy!
    Outdoor concerts are one of my favorite things about summer.
    We love to show outdoor movies in the backyard!
    Have a great weekend!
    Natalie recently posted…Why I miss runningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:14 am

      Oh that’s so cool you guys have a backyard that you can do that in. I’m jealous – large backyards are like unicorns in DC 🙂

      Reply
  4. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:10 am

    Looks like lots of fun things to do! We have free lawn movies here too but sadly I’ve never gone!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:13 am

      Oh you should. We have the best time and just bring food and drinks!

      Reply
  5. Karen - Fit in France says

    May 29, 2015 at 1:16 am

    I don’t usually take advantage of free things in the city in the summer. I find it to be way to hot and try to leave on weekends. In Paris they install a “Paris beach” along the river where they truck in tons of sand, palm trees, lounge chairs, and everything you would find on a beach. Definitely something to check out between mid July and mid August in Paris.
    Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Friday Five : what pops into my head while runningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:11 am

      Oooh the Paris beach sounds nice. That’d be a good place to end a long run!

      Reply
  6. Molly @alsoranagain says

    May 29, 2015 at 2:44 am

    I love watching movies outdoors; it reminds me of the old drive-in movies from when I was a really little kid. And “Dirty Dancing”–that’s a perfect movie to see outside!

    Thanks for hosting the link-up, Courtney! It’s good to be back. Have a great weekend; I hope you beat the heat.
    Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…5 Ways to Stay Sane when You Can’t RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:12 am

      Thanks Molly – it’s good to have you back. There is actually a place that usually does a few drive in movies each summer! We need to check it out this summer 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lara @ Uptite Mamas says

    May 29, 2015 at 5:49 am

    Love all of those awesome opportunities that you have locally!! They are all great and I hope you get to take advantage of them. The outdoor weather will escape us so fast I’m afraid. Let’s hold on to it as long as we can. Thanks for the link up!
    Lara @ Uptite Mamas recently posted…Free Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:13 am

      Thanks for stopping by – so many opportunities for fun this summer 🙂

      Reply
  8. Hollie says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:02 am

    While I don’t live in DC, I think this is great advice for anyone. I can find or do a lot of these events in Philly as well. Thanks for sharing.
    Hollie recently posted…Thursday ThoughtsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:10 am

      Thanks Hollie – lots of these things are available in many other cities 🙂

      Reply
  9. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:50 am

    I am SO excited for summer festival season here in Chicago. Literally, during the summer, there is some sort of festival that you can go to every single day from Memorial Day through Labor day (and Columbus Day, really). Chicago was made for summer!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Five Easy Pieces: Essential Summer WardrobeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 9:46 am

      Summer is awesome in Chicago 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:52 am

    I have yet to any, can you believe it? The kids are just too young right now for late movies! And they are all over the place and make me nervous in big crowds for festivals…We need to branch out more!

    Reply
  11. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Great ideas Courtney! In Philly we do have some free events along the Delaware River during the summer, and I can’t wait for Shakespeare in the Park! And there are a few free movie screenings I need to check out!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Healthy Food Blogs You Should FollowMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Alanna @ Madeleines & Marathons says

    May 29, 2015 at 7:00 am

    Great list! I’m so jealous of the free pool use! I like taking my daughter to the playground and letting her run around. Now that it’s warm, she just wants to be outside all of the time. After that long winter, I don’t blame her one bit!

    Reply
  13. thesimplepeach says

    May 29, 2015 at 7:05 am

    The Mr. and I will be visiting DC for a weekend in August this summer! We can’t wait. We plan to hit the Smithsonian and see the Jefferson/Lincoln memorials. It’s so humid in Atl already too 🙁

    Reply
  14. Coco says

    May 29, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Going to the Folklife Festival was a summer tradition when I was a child. I haven’t made it there in a while – thanks for the reminder.
    Coco recently posted…Five Things I’m Loving For SummerMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Jenn - a traveling Wife says

    May 29, 2015 at 7:49 am

    I just moved to Maryland and am eager to get over to DC. Is it strange that I have never, ever been to DC?!
    Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…When Doody CallsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Come on over!

      Reply
  16. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    May 29, 2015 at 7:53 am

    I think it’s great that we have so many free classes and activities around here I def need to take more advantage of them.
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Cassey Ho’s “Hot Body Year Round” Book ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    May 29, 2015 at 7:56 am

    I’d love the food truck thing! They have something like that in Chicago too!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions for MayMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Karien @ Running the Race says

    May 29, 2015 at 8:06 am

    LOVE all your suggestions! We don’t have any outdoor movies in our part of the world, but it sure sounds like something fun to do with the family in summer!
    Karien @ Running the Race recently posted…Five ways to benefit from load sheddingMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Jen says

    May 29, 2015 at 8:30 am

    All of these sound awesome! I’m hoping to make a trip back to DC at some point this summer to do some more exploring. I was there for the Nike Half last April and didn’t get nearly enough time to check things out. I love that there are so many outdoor options for you!
    Jen recently posted…Friday Five 5/29: Five Things We Loved at the Buffalo Marathon and HalfMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Lesley says

    May 29, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I wish I could do more things outside in Texas, but the weather is just brutal in the summer. In order to get to the pool, I have to be outside. I prefer to be inside with the AC because it’s just so much cooler.
    Lesley recently posted…Fort Ross VineyardMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    May 29, 2015 at 8:51 am

    This is fantastic! I’m going to bookmark this list — I’m especially excited for some outdoor movies! So jealous that you got to watch ‘Dirty Dancing’ the other night!

    Reply
  22. Salt says

    May 29, 2015 at 9:33 am

    I am so excited to bring Betty down to DC this summer for some of these things. We have pretty much done everything in Baltimore to death and we need a change of scenery!
    Salt recently posted…5 Reasons I’m Cheating on my Running Shoes. Just a little bit. {The Friday Five}My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 10:12 am

      yes! you definitely should – let me know!!

      Reply
  23. Lauren says

    May 29, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Great post! I really want to check out that Folklike festival if I’m around. I feel like the summer is great because there is so much free outdoor stuff going on in the cities!

    Reply
  24. Helly on the run says

    May 29, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Again, you guys live in such a neat place with so much to do. It gets so ridiculously hot here that it’s crazy to be out for too long lol!
    Helly on the run recently posted…5 Reasons Spectating is an Awesome SportMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Jennifer Lefforge says

    May 29, 2015 at 11:18 am

    I beginning to think it’s never going to stop raining in Dallas so we can get to some of our summer fun! Definitely going to find some free things to do in our area – DC seems like a great place to be, especially in the summer. Makes me want to visit!
    Jennifer Lefforge recently posted…5 Reasons Why You Should RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      Oh my goodness – I hope you all get a break in the weather!!

      Reply
  26. Eb @ Running on E says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    Great list. I totally misread the prompt as ‘free response’ instead of free things to do. Oh well! 🙂
    Eb @ Running on E recently posted…Fuelin’ Up Friday: SnacksMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 1:59 pm

      It is free response / topic! You were right – this was just what I chose to write about 🙂

      Reply
  27. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    May 29, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Courtney, the schedule for our summer outdoor movie series has just been released and I’m so excited! Hoping we can go to a few of them! Thanks so much for another awesome Friday Five; hope you have a super weekend, friend!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Friday FavoritesMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    May 29, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    I’m so happy summer is here! I’m heading up to Annapolis to run ZOOMA tomorrow. Will you be there?
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Great Tips For Masters From A Runner And CoachMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 29, 2015 at 1:59 pm

      I’m not doing zooma this year – it’s fun (I’ve done it the past two years), though! Cynthia will be there – enjoy!!

      Reply
  29. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    May 29, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    I love how much free stuff there is to do in DC, especially in the summer! I need to take more advantage of the number of concerts that our city has each year.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Potpourri v. 2My Profile

    Reply
  30. Jen@Jpabstfitness says

    May 29, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    It has been stupid humid here too, I want to live in a pool or a lake and all will be good in the world 🙂
    Jen@Jpabstfitness recently posted…Tough Love {with myself}My Profile

    Reply
  31. Christy says

    May 29, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    Great list! I love the concerts at Yard’s Park! I’ve still never been to Truckeroo but I really want to!

    Reply
  32. Kathy @thepandapost says

    May 29, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    Any workouts that are free are fine by me 😉 Thanks for the link! I’ll be checking it out!
    Kathy @thepandapost recently posted…5 Things FridayMy Profile

    Reply
  33. ChaitalI says

    May 29, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    i love all the fun Summer things in this area! The smithsonian folklife festival is one of my favorite summer thing to do. And there’s a new summer concert series starting near my house so I’m definitely going to check that out 🙂
    ChaitalI recently posted…Semper Fi 5kMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:40 am

      Oh how convenient 🙂 happy weekend!

      Reply
  34. HoHo Runs says

    May 29, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    It would be awesome to live in a place like DC with so many things to do – and FREE too. What I remember most about our last visit was how cold it was. We stayed inside the FREE Smithsonian that whole trip. Brrrr.
    HoHo Runs recently posted…Five Runfessions (May 2015 Edition)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:40 am

      Lol. Yes. It gets very cold and very hot. With a few beautiful days in between 🙂

      Reply
  35. Lindsey says

    May 29, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    Great post! DC is a fun place to live 🙂
    Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Thoughts on Joining a Training GroupMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:40 am

      We are really blessed to live here!

      Reply
  36. Amy @ Running on Faith and Coffee says

    May 30, 2015 at 12:20 am

    What great opportunities for fun in DC!!
    Amy @ Running on Faith and Coffee recently posted…5 Reason to Travel for RacesMy Profile

    Reply
  37. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    May 30, 2015 at 7:32 am

    In San Diego they also offer free movies in the park. I am really excited to check these out once we move in to our house and get settled in. Love SD summers!!
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Things I Am Loving LatelyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:39 am

      Oh I bet SD has beautiful weather!!

      Reply
  38. Jennifer says

    May 30, 2015 at 7:40 am

    Fun! I have something similarly drafted up for yoga hhehe. So about #5, I think for some of my long runs this summer I am going to head down to HP and park, run and then go to the pool afterwards!
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Things I’m Looking Forward to in JuneMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:39 am

      Ooh. I’d do that with you!!!!

      Reply
  39. Victoria @ Ice Packs and Races says

    May 31, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    NoMa Summer Screen is my jam! What a great place to enjoy summer on a weekday. I am definitely adding the Smithsonian Festival to my calendar, however! I hadn’t heard of that before 🙂
    Victoria @ Ice Packs and Races recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things I’ve Learned as a New RunnerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 31, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      did you go see dirty dancing last week? such fun!

      Reply
      • Victoria @ Ice Packs and Races says

        June 1, 2015 at 9:16 am

        I actually didn’t know it had started yet! I can’t make it this week either, but I will definitely be at the next one! Union Market also has a great drive-in style one too.
        Victoria @ Ice Packs and Races recently posted…Weekend Wrap-Up: Sideline Cheering, Wine, and RetailMy Profile

        Reply
        • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

          June 1, 2015 at 9:18 am

          yeah union market is on my list! i won’t be at this week’s either. but hope to see you at an outdoor event soon 🙂

          Reply
          • victoria @ Ice Packs and Races says

            June 1, 2015 at 9:29 am

            Same here! 🙂
            victoria @ Ice Packs and Races recently posted…Weekend Wrap-Up: Sideline Cheering, Wine, and RetailMy Profile

  40. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    May 31, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    Dirty Dancing under the stars sounds amazing.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Garmin Forerunner 220 ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 31, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      it was fantastic!

      Reply
  41. Sara says

    June 1, 2015 at 11:29 am

    Outdoor workouts are my jam in the summer. As is the pool! I need to start taking the little one downtown in Bmore more often to experience some of the fun things our town has to offer. There is usually something going on somewhere.
    Sara recently posted…Tales from Another Mother Runner Book PartyMy Profile

    Reply

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