Table of Contents
Acknowledgments viii
Introduction: Land of the Free ix
Section 1 Entertainment in D.C.
Theater: Free Speech 2
Volunteer Ushering 3
Always Free 19
Drama Deals: Discount Tickets 22
Music: Of Free I Sing 24
Rock/Pop/Folk/Alternative 25
Jazz/Blues/Hip-Hop/World 29
Classical/Standards/Cabaret 32
Military Bands 37
Summer Concerts 39
Film: Cheap Shots 44
Year-round Screenings 45
Better Than the Book: Movies at Public Libraries 55
Summer Screenings 56
Comedy: Cheap Jokes 59
Dance: Free Expression 63
Section 2 Living in D.C.
Food: On the House 72
Happy Hours & Buffets 73
Free Samples: A Sampling 79
Wine & Beer Tastings: Cheap Drunk 85
Hair & Spa Services: Freestyle 95
Hair Salons 96
Low Priced/High Style 99
Beauty & Esthetics Schools 100
Massage School Student Clinics 103
Children's Events and Activities: Free to Be You and Me 107
Destination Playgrounds 108
Story Times 109
Family Films 114
Arts, Crafts, & Performances 116
Fun with Science & History 121
Zoo 125
Health Insurance 126
Education: Cents-less Smarts 128
Food & Drink 129
Arts 133
Foreign Language 137
Meditation 138
Talking Heads: Politics, Policy, Prose, and Poetry 139
Odds & Ends 144
Health & Medical: Live Free or Die 145
Whatever Ails You: Clinical Studies 147
Safety First: Free Condoms 148
Fitness & Fun: Cheap Thrills 150
Park It Here! Parks Offering a Variety of Activities 151
Recreation Centers & Pools 152
Chi for Free: Yoga, Tai Chi, & Qigong Classes 155
Sporting Events 158
Group Bike Rides & Runs 161
Furniture & Household Goods: One Man's Trash166
A Little Give & Take: Dumpster Diving Minus the Dumpster and the Diving 168
Thrift Stores 171
Section 3 Exploring D.C.
Walking Tours: The Freedom Trail 174
Government Buildings 175
Nature Walks, Historic Homes & Sites, & Other Tours 182
Getting around D.C: Freeways 189
Getting Out of Town 193
Gardens & Gardening: Dirt Cheap 195
Gardening 198
Museums: Free to See 201
Appendices
Appendix A Romance: Sweet Nothings 229
Appendix B Public Libraries: Free Access 233
Appendix C Municipal Recreation Centers & Pools 237
Index 246
About the Author 252
