DC is an expensive city, and we’re all just a bunch of college students trying to survive in it. Everyone needs a distraction from life every now and then, and entertainment is a great way to do that. Unfortunately, entertainment also tends to be the most expensive thing in the city. Here are some great ways to get cheap (or free!) entertainment in DC:
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Every night at 6PM, the Millennium Stage in the Kennedy Center offers a free performance. These performances range from storytelling to chamber music to one acts. They happen every day of the year and are always free. Check out the Kennedy Center’s events calendar here.
The Strathmore
The Strathmore offers a cheaper alternative to concerts, performances, and shows. Located at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station, it is also extremely accessible. They sometimes offer student discounts for many shows, which can be given by presenting a student ID at the box office.
Smithsonian Lectures
For a little bit of a nerdier night, the Smithsonian Institution will offer free lectures and performances every now and then. They are always super interesting, and I cannot recommend them more.
AMC A-List
If you love movies and would like to see them frequently, you should definitely consider joining AMC’s A-List. For about $20 a month, you can see up to three movies a week. AMC theaters are all around DC, including ones at Cleveland Park, Friendship Heights, and Georgetown. Some movie tickets in Georgetown are $20 by themselves, which makes this a really good deal (especially since there are so many good movies coming out soon)!
Landmark Theatres
If you’re a little bit more indie and aren’t that much of a moviegoer, Landmark Theatres offers student discounts at their theaters when purchasing from their box office (and not from their ticket machines).
Pay What You Can
A few theaters in DC offer Pay What You Can prices on select shows. The Round House Theatre in Bethesda will offer two PWYC shows per production. The same is true of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre. If you’re more into comedy and improv, the Washington Improv Theater’s shows are free or PWYC for every non-ticketed event.
If All Else Fails, Just Go Monumenting
Cheap and easy–one of the perks of living in DC!