Friday Freebies – WTOP News

• Thousands of theaters nationwide are hosting “Date Night @ The Movies” on Aug. 22, and offering buy one, get one free treats at the concession stand. Among local theaters taking part: Angelika at Mosaic.
• Four-piece chicken tenders are buy one, get one free at Wingstop Aug. 18 to 24. Use promo code “BOGOTENDERS” when you order on the website or app.
• Aug. 22 is your last chance of the season to enjoy the free Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks in D.C. Seating is first come, first served.
• “Opera in the Outfield” returns to Nationals Park Aug. 23. That means you can catch a free screening of Washington National Opera’s Porgy and Bess.
• Burger King is serving up buy one, get one free Whoppers through Aug. 24. You must be a Royal Perks loyalty member, and activate the deal in the “offers” tab before placing your order online.
• Harry Potter fans! Get a free original glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme on Aug. 23 by showing support for your favorite Hogwarts house.
• Interested in Nats tickets for next season? Buy a Nationals’ Premier Plan for 2026, and you’ll get free tickets to September home games while supplies last. Offer ends Sept. 1.

• Buy a chicken sandwich or chicken sandwich combo and get a second sandwich free at participating Wingstop locations, through Aug. 17. Just use code BOGOSAMMY when you order online for carryout or delivery.
• Petco is throwing a party to celebrate its 60th birthday. On Aug. 16 between 2 and 4 p.m., be one of the first 60 customers at each store and you’ll get a free reusable tote with toys and treats for your kitty or pooch.
• Yankee Candle is reinventing itself, with new longer-burning wax and updated packaging. On Aug. 16, Fragrance Family Rewards members are invited to stop by a participating Yankee Candle store to get a free candle of their choice, no purchase needed.
• Buffalo & Bergen is showing off its tomatoes, which come from fresh from its Maryland farm. You can get a free heirloom tomato to take home when you buy any sandwich, starting Aug. 18 at any of the restaurant’s three D.C. locations. The offer is available while supplies last, during the restaurant’s “Tomato Week.”
• Carvel is swirling up a bunch of deals around National Soft Serve Day. For instance, buy $25 in gift cards between Aug. 18 and 31 and you’ll get a free small soft serve. If that’s not enough ice cream for you, on Aug. 20 soft serve sundaes are buy one get one free in Carvel stores.

• Get free medium fries every day in August at Arby’s when you place a $10 order online and pick it up in-store. You have to be an Arby’s Rewards member, or become one, to get the deal.
• Put on some Crocs and walk those feet to Krispy Kreme on Aug. 9 to get a free original glazed doughnut.
• Aug. 10-16 is Maryland Tax-Free Week! That means you won’t pay sales tax on clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less. The first $40 of the cost of backpacks and bookbags are tax-free as well.
• Instacart is offering a different yummy freebie every day from Aug. 11-17, aimed at kids heading back to class. They range from fruit snacks to cheese chunks to protein shakes. No minimum purchase is required, but to get your goodies delivered, you need to spend at least $10.
• Hey pickleballers! If you’re interested in taking part in this year’s free National Mall of Pickleball events, sign up now to get timely notifications about how to join the fun. The event will run from Sept. 19-21.

• Friday through Sunday is Virginia’s sales tax holiday for back to school and hurricane preparedness. You can buy things like school supplies, clothes and shoes, and portable generators and chainsaws without paying sales tax. Check the list of what qualifies before you shop.
• Enjoy free ice cream and a live DJ at Events DC’s Community Cooldown ice cream socials! The next one is Friday at the Everyday Sundae ice cream shop in Northwest.
• Want to ride a mechanical shark? You can Saturday at the free Shark Bites and Brews event on Transit Pier at the Wharf in D.C. There will also be live music, games and a doughnut eating contest.
• Five new galleries are open at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Admission is free.
• Monday is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and DoubleTree by Hilton is giving away free cookies that day! You don’t have to be a hotel guest to stop in and get one.
• Become a Rita’s Italian Ice loyalty member, and get a free small ice, custard or gelati after your first purchase.
• All National Parks are free to enter on Monday, to celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.

• Whitlow’s on U Street is throwing a free-to-get-in Christmas in July bash on July 25. In addition to holiday-themed drink specials and dance music, they’ll have a photo-worthy Christmas tree, a visit by Santa and a prize for the best holiday outfit.
• The second annual DMV Made Festival hits the National Mall on July 26, and admission is free. Enjoy live performances of music, poetry and storytelling, a wellness zone, a youth stage and more.
• On July 26 and 27 is the annual Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Nearly 30 farms are taking part, and admission is free.
• Order a free, personalized “first day of school” sign for your child at Staples, and pick it up in-store. The offer is good now through Sept. 13. Staples is also offering new freebies every week, while supplies last, through Aug. 16.
• Yee Haw! There’s no charge to get into the Great Country Throwdown on July 26 at the Clarendon Ballroom. There will be live country music, a line dancing class, mechanical bull rides and more Nashville-style fun.
• Prince George’s County is holding its first-ever Martial Arts Day on July 26 in Fort Washington. The free event will host live demonstrations, raffles and giveaways, vendors and more.
• On National Chicken Finger Day — July 27 — order one “Box Combo” meal at Raising Cane’s, and get a free chicken finger (yes — just one).
• Need more chicken? On National Chicken Wing Day, July 29, buy a 10-piece order of wings and you’ll get a second order for free at the Greene Turtle locations around the D.C. area.

• KFC wants to prove to you it has the best fried chicken out there. So, for a limited time, it’s offering a free 8-piece tenders or Chicken Bucket with a $15 digital order.
• It’s National Ice Cream Week at Dairy Queen until Sunday. Until then, you can get a free Dilly Bar when you place an order of $1 or more on the app.
• Escape the heat and enjoy indoor games at the D.C. History Center in the District’s Northwest. Every Thursday through Sunday from 1-2 p.m., stop by to play games such as hopscotch, Connect 4 and giant Jenga. The Games are set up outside the exhibit “Class Action.” Admission is free.
• For National Hot Dog Day, Dog Haus has a buy one, get one free deal July 17-31. Just get the Haus Rewards App to let the (free) dogs out.
• At McClintock Distilling’s 6th Annual Pig Roast in Frederick on Saturday, enjoy free live music all day and a free pork sandwich when you make a purchase.
• Every Sunday in July at Shake Shack, get a free Chicken Shack with a $10 purchase when you order online or on the app.
• Dolcezza Gelato is celebrating its 21st birthday, and National Ice Cream Day, with a giveaway Sunday. From 12-4 p.m., stop by any D.C.-area location for a free small scoop of Chocotorta. No purchase is necessary.
• On Sunday, National Ice Cream Day, you can get a free mini cup of Dippin’ Dots during special hours at participating locations.
• Have a pooch? If you’re also a Petco Rewards member, bring your fuzzy friend to a participating store for free dog-friendly ice cream on Sunday.
• Royal Perks members: Get a free soft serve at Burger King on Sunday, when you spend at least $1.
• Check out a local adventurer’s free online guide to every D.C. neighborhood! WTOP’s Matt Kaufax got the details.

• July 11 (7/11) is Free Slurpee Day! Stop by participating 7-Eleven or Speedway locations to get a free small Slurpee. If you’re a loyalty member, it gets better: You can get a coupon good for a second free Slurpee to use anytime in July.
• National French fry Day is also on Friday, July 11. Crunch into a free large order of fries at Checkers or Rally’s when you show a receipt for fries you recently bought at a competitor.
• Catch a free screening of “The Wild Robot” on July 11 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as the “Moonlight Movies at the Mansion” series kicks off at Kentlands Mansion.
• Alexandria is celebrating the city’s birthday and America’s birthday on July 12, with an evening of free fun at Oronoco Bay Park. There will be birthday cupcakes, live music, a poetry reading by the city’s poet laureate and fireworks to cap it all off.
• Trade gently used clothes and accessories for “new-to-you” styles on July 12 at the National Press Club’s Press Refresh Clothing Swap.
• Arby’s Rewards members can buy an Angus Cheesesteak, and get any size fries for free on your next visit. You have to order online, and pick up in-store to get the deal.
• Phoenix Theatres offer free summer movies every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There are two area locations: Marlow Cinemas 6 in Temple Hills, Maryland, and the Columbia Snowden 14 in Columbia, Maryland.
• For National Hot Dog Day, Dog Haus is offering a free Haus Dog on Wednesday, July 16, and a buy one, get one free deal from July 17 until July 31. Just get the Haus Rewards App to let the (free) dogs out.

• DoorDash is offering food delivery deals Thursday through Wednesday for DashPass members. For instance, spend $20 or more at McDonald’s and get a free 10 piece McNuggets meal or a Big Mac meal. On National Fried Chicken Day — Sunday — members can claim buy one get one free 6-piece wings from Popeye’s.
• Wear red, white and blue to a participating Krispy Kreme on Friday to get a free Original Glazed doughnut. You don’t have to buy anything to get the freebie.
• We have a big list of celebrations happening around the D.C. region to mark America’s birthday, and many are free!
• The SoberRide program is offering free Lyft rides home in the D.C. area to drivers who down too many drinks on Independence Day. A limited number will be available between 4 p.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Sunday.
• Friday through July 11, buy one admission and get one free to a participating Chuck E. Cheese Adventure Zone with a coupon.
• Bank of America customers can enjoy free admission to several museums in the D.C. region Saturday and Sunday. They include the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Phillips Collection and the Maryland Science Center.

• Prince George’s County is hosting free Summer Movie Nights, with extra goodies! On June 27, head to Tanglewood Community Park in Clinton, Maryland, to watch “Shark Tale.” There will be activities for kids before the movie starts, and free popcorn and Rita’s Italian Ice while supplies last.
• Get a free order of garlic bread when you download the Nando’s PERi-PERi app or join the PERi-Perks rewards program.
• For the first time, several roads on Capitol Hill will close to traffic, allowing pedestrians to enjoy a DC Open Streets party! The free event happens June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., along North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue SE.
• It’s Heritage Days Weekend in Maryland’s Montgomery County on June 28 and 29. The free festival features special tours, programs and events going on at more than 30 sites countrywide.
• If iced coffee and fancy fingernails are your thing, Keurig and Chillhouse have an offer for you. Buy the new K-Brew + Chill iced coffee brewer and get a free set of press-on nails with ice blue tips, while supplies last.
• This year’s free Alexandria Pride celebration takes place June 28 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Market Square. Check out live music, dancing, a drag story hour and more than 60 exhibitors.
• June 28 is SummerFest in Gaithersburg, at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The free fun includes live music, games, face painting and more. The day closes with a fireworks and a post-display party.
• This year’s free Smithsonian Folklife Festival runs July 2-7 on the National Mall. This year’s theme is “Youth and the Future of Culture.”
• Be sure and register early for “Sundeck Summer Reads” at The Yards, with four events coming in July. 150 free books will be given away at each one!
• In case you haven’t heard, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives away free books to kids! Registered kids get a free, age appropriate book mailed to them each month from birth to age 5. Check the website to see if the program is available where you live.

• In celebration of Juneteenth, the original Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 are on display at the National Archives June 19-22. Admission is free. Timed tickets are available, but not required.
• Bethesda’s Summer Concert Series kicks off June 20. It will bring free, live outdoor concerts to the corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues on Fridays through Sept. 19.
• June 20 is the longest day of the year, and cities and counties in Virginia are celebrating the summer solstice with free “Play All Day” events for kids and families. Fairfax County, for example, is offering free admission to, or use of certain facilities, as well as a puzzle hunt.
• See a live, outdoor Shakespeare performance for free on June 20, when “Shakespeare in the Parks: The Comedy of Errors” comes to National Harbor.
• National Smoothy Day is June 21, and at Tropical Smoothy Café, Tropic Members can get a free 24 oz. smoothy when they buy a bowl or food.
• Also on June 21, Smoothy King is offering buy one get one free 20 oz. smoothies to new and existing Smoothy King Healthy Rewards members.
• Free live music — on multiple stages! It’s coming June 21 at the Fete de la Musique in Georgetown, hosted by the Embassy of France.
• Kids eat free on Mondays at Outback Steakhouse with purchase of an adult entrée, now through Sept. 1.

• Every Friday in June, Amazon Prime members can get 20 cents off per gallon of gas at participating BP and Amoco stations. Just link your account to the earnify app, and use it to find a participating location.
• Do you have tattoos that look like the art on the side of a Chipotle bag? Show ’em off at any Chipotle restaurant Friday between 3 and 4 p.m. to get a free menu item when you buy an entrée. Not just permanent tattoos, but temporary and drawn-on ones qualify you for the deal as well.
• Saturday is the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration in D.C. Both are free, but you’re encouraged to register in advance.
• The Collection in Chevy Chase is hosting a free Popsicle Party on Saturday to celebrate the start of summer. In addition to cold treats, there will be a moon bounce, face painting, a craft corner and more.
• Admission is free to the City of Alexandria’s annual Jazz Fest, Saturday at Waterfront Park. Enjoy musical performances, as well as poets reading their work.
• The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival runs from Saturday to June 19 in Montgomery County, and many events are free. Some require you to register ahead of time.
• On Sunday, Dads get free admission to LEGO Discovery Center in D.C. for Father’s Day. Also, up to three family members can get in for half price.
• Boundary Stone in D.C.’s Bloomingdale neighborhood is treating Dads to a free can of Busch Light with purchase of an entrée on Sunday.
• On Sunday, buy Dad a meal at The Greene Turtle and get a free shareable.
• There’s a free Father’s Day Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten in McLean on Sunday, with live music, face painting, moon bounces and more.
• Both All Purpose locations (in Northwest and Southeast D.C.) are offering Dads a free AP Pils on Sunday, with purchase of an entrée.
• Chipotle is launching its new Adobe Ranch dip on Tuesday, and rewards members can try it for free that day.
• On Wednesday, CiNoMatic’s free outdoor movie is “Barbie” in Alethia Tanner Park in Northeast D.C.

June 6 is National Doughnut Day, and that means a “hole” lot of freebies:

• At Krispy Kreme, get a free doughnut of your choice — no purchase necessary.
• Duck Donuts will spend the day giving away free cinnamon sugar donuts.
• Dunkin‘ will give you a free doughnut when you buy any drink.
• At Shipley Do-Nuts, get a free glazed doughnut with any purchase every Friday in June, while supplies last.
• June 5 -6, kids can enjoy free fishing at the Tidal Basin in D.C.! They’ll get help from pro fishing instructors, and all equipment is provided.
• Free Frazil Fridays are back, all during June. Get a small Frazil drink for free at participating locations where they’re sold.
• Free fishing days in Virginia are June 6-8, and special events are planned in several locations, including Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station.
• June 6-7 is Pride on the Pier at The Wharf in D.C., which includes a Friday boat parade, and a Saturday fireworks show.
• June 7 is the first of three free fishing days in Maryland this year.
• The Marlboro Day Parade and Festival take place June 7 in downtown Upper Marlboro. The parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by the festival at 11 a.m.
• June 7 is the WorldPride Parade down Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, NW. It steps off at 2 p.m.
• The Free WorldPride street festival and concerts June 7 and June 8 will feature headliners Cynthia Erivo on Saturday, and Doechii on Sunday. The performances will take place at the Capitol Concert Stage, and admission is free.
• The annual Upperville Colt and Horse Show wraps up this weekend in Fauquier County, and on June 8, the show welcomes the annual Horse & Horsepower Invitational Car Show. Admission and parking are free.
• Herndon is turning up the volume on a new, free summer concert series on Tuesdays in June, July and August. Head to Town Hall Square for live music from local artists and lawn games.
• Free Sunset Concerts are returning to Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. On June 11, you’ll hear the Baltimore a cappella group Part Harmony.

• June 1 is a free community day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Admission is free.
• Through the annual BOOK IT! program, kids can earn a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut in June, July and August by reaching the reading goals their parents set each month. This year, for the first time, the program has its own app.
• Street Fest returns to D.C.’s Union Market District from May 29 to June 8, with the Art Gallery Walk, free movies on the Plaza, a free community concert and more.
• On May 30, catch a free outdoor movie screening of “The Bourne Identity” on the REACH Video Wall at the Kennedy Center.
• Enjoy free roller-skating and skateboarding during Wheels in Wheaton, which is happening May 31. Rentals are free, too!
• “Sound Scene” is an interactive sound and multisensory arts festival taking place May 31 and June 1 at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Admission is free, but you’re encouraged to register in advance.
• Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park is June 1, with free tickets while supplies last for carousel rides and the park’s aquarium.
• Target is hosting “Hello Summer Saturdays” in June with free giveaways for Target Circle members.

• If you’re a nurse or teacher, show your employee ID at Potbelly between May 5 and 11 to get a free cookie or fountain drink when you buy an entrée.
• May 7-11, Starbucks Rewards members can add cold foam to any drink, at no extra charge.
• Chicken Salad Chick is celebrating Mother’s Day with an early bird (pun intended) freebie. On May 9, buy one Large Quick Chick, and you’ll get one free.
• Back for 2025: The Kids Bowl Free program. Kids can bowl two free games per day, every day this summer, at participating bowling centers.
• This year’s EU Open House happens May 10 in D.C., with a bunch of embassies welcoming visitors inside for free. Special events at each will include things such as performances, games and tastings.
• All moms who book a visit to Swingers D.C. on Mother’s Day — May 11 — get a complimentary glass of Champagne.
• In honor of Mother’s Day, moms and “mother figures” are invited to try one free class at F45 Training in May.
• Armed Forces Week at Mission BBQ is May 12-17. Free sandwiches will be given out to active duty service members on their designated day. For instance, members of the Army on May 12. Then on Armed Forces Day — May 17 — all active duty military and veterans are invited to enjoy a free sandwich between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• The National Archives is placing some special artifacts tied to George Washington and Benjamin Franklin on display ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The new exhibit series is called “Opening the Vault.” Admission is free.

• California Tortilla is offering days of deals for Cinco De Mayo from now through Monday, May 5. On Sunday, get free taquitos when you buy an entrée. On Monday, make a purchase to get a coupon for a free taco.
• Use promo code “CINCO25” on the Chipotle app to get free chips and queso blanco from May 3-5.
• Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, and nearly 40 comic books are being given away at shops nationwide. Plug in your ZIP code to find a shop near you.
• The annual Running of the Chihuahuas returns to the Wharf in D.C. on May 3, and it’s free to watch the doggies dash.
• Free Lyft rides home are being offered in the D.C. region for Cinco de Mayo from 4 p.m. on Monday through 4 a.m. Tuesday.
• Many D.C.-area Greene Turtle locations are offering free meals worth up to $15 to nurses and teachers on Tuesday, including the Brandywine location. The offer celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week.
• Sign up to see the U.S. Air Force Rock Band “Max Impact” perform with 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chubby Checker on May 10 at the Miracle Theatre in D.C. It’s a free show, but you’ll need to register in advance to secure a ticket.

• Georgetown gets a French accent, as the annual French Market takes over part of Wisconsin Avenue from Friday to Sunday. Look for live music, mimes, patio games, face painting and all sorts of sidewalk sales and deals at shops and restaurants.
• Saturday is National Pretzel Day! Participating Auntie Anne’s will be giving away free pretzels with an offer you can redeem through its app between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Just choose your flavor: Original or Cinnamon Sugar.
• Montgomery County’s 10th annual Greenfest happens Saturday in Wheaton, and admission is free. Enjoy all sorts of exhibitors, vendors and kids’ activities.
• Jazz lovers, don’t miss this free event: Jazz in the Woods is a full day of music, performed outdoors. It’s happening Saturday at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia.
• For 2026, Walt Disney World is now offering free dining for kids age 3-9. You can get the deal when you buy a travel package that includes a stay at a Disney Resorts hotel, and a dining plan for each person in your family.

• Angelika Film Center is offering buy-one-get-one-free tickets to 20th anniversary screenings of “Pride & Prejudice” from April 18-24. Tickets are first come, first served at the box office at the center’s locations in D.C. and Fairfax, Virginia.
• Get free hummus from Little Sesame, after pledging to walk, run or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April.
• Want to be popular? Check out a free “Wicked” movie screening and sing-along at the Arlington Courthouse Library on April 19, with free popcorn and drinks. Just bring a blanket or pillow to sit on. It’s recommended that you sign up in advance.
• Now that Tax Day is over, relax with a free Hydromassage at Planet Fitness through April 19. You don’t have to be a Planet Fitness member to take advantage.
• All national parks are free to enter on April 19 to kick off National Park Week.
• In celebration of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, wear a hockey jersey to any Chipotle on April 21 after 3 p.m. to get a free entrée when you buy one. Not valid for mobile, online or delivery orders.

• For a limited time, get one free half sandwich or salad with a $5 minimum purchase at Panera Bread. Just enter code “FREEHALFENTREE” at checkout.
• Celebrate Easter with a picture with the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shops. The photo appointment and a 4×6 print are free, with options to purchase additional prints and digital copies. Photo appointments are available at select times starting Saturday.
• Several businesses are offering deals on Tax Day, April 15, including Potbelly. Buy one sandwich online, in-app or in-store and get another one for free.
• Krispy Kreme’s Tax Day deal offers taxpayers who purchase a regular-priced dozen donuts another dozen original glazed donuts for just the price of the sales tax.
• Get rid of all those tax documents at Office Depot, which is offering up to 5 lbs. of free in-store shredding until April 26. Find the coupon online.

• This weekend is a great time to check out the small town charm of Leonardtown, in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. On April 4-6 bring a basket to hunt for plastic eggs hidden throughout town. The hunt starts at noon each day. Most eggs contain things like small toys, but some will earn you prizes like gift cards.
• Acoustics & Ales is an outdoor happy hour series in Montgomery County, Maryland. The April 4 version features a free dueling pianos performance and multiple vendors selling alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, as well as food.
• April 5 is Petalpalooza, a daylong, family-friendly party at D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront. Look for yard games, doughnut samples, performances on multiple stages, a fireworks finale and much more.
• Bank of America customers can get free admission April 5 and 6 to several museums in the D.C. region, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts and The Phillips Collection.
• April 8 is Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s. Participating shops will give away free scoops between noon and 8 p.m.

More things to do in the D.C. area: