Trying to save money now that the holidays are over? We have you covered with our list of the top free winter events in Washington DC, Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and beyond!
Free Winter Events in Baltimore
Lunar New Year Celebration at The Walters Art Museum Feb 10
Experience a free day of indoor fun at The Walters Art Museum in the Mount Vernon area of Baltimore on Saturday February 10th from 11 am to 4 pm. The Walters goes all out for Lunar New Year with live performances, hands-on art activities, a scavenger hunt, and more. Registration for The Walters Art Museum Lunar New Year Celebration is requested, but not required.
Special needs families can take advantage of the sensory break areas that provide less stimulating areas. An American Sign Language Interpreter is also available upon request for those with a hearing impairment.
The Walters Art Museum is free year-round and offers lots of programs to take advantage of. There is a Family Art Center that allows kids to create their own masterpiece. On weekends, there are guided drop-in art activities in the Family Art Center. Check out our post to find out more about visiting The Walters Art Museum with kids.
Free Events at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum Thru Jan
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, located in Catonsville, offers several special free educational events during the wintertime. Note that registration is required for all events. Email bannekermuseum-rp@baltimorecountymd.gov to register.
- Sunday, January 7 11-12 pm: First weekend hike and journaling with a guided walk through Benjamin Banneker’s Farmstead and trails.
- Saturday, January 13 2-3 pm: History Talk centered on the Revolutionary War. Talk takes place inside the inside the 19th Century Bannaky House.
- Sunday, January 14 1-2 pm: Puzzles and Storytime with staff.
- Saturday, January 20: Cooking in the Cabin with the Foodways 1790 culinary historians as they prepare typical colonial recipes using an authentic hearth and cookware.
Free Range Family Hour at Center for MD Agriculture + Farm Park Recurring
The Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park, located in Cockeysville Maryland, offers an educational session on select dates. A farmer will lead a meet and greet with an animal and help you explore the park. Each session will feature a different animal. Sessions will be held on January 27, February 4, February 17, and April 20 from 1 to 2 pm,
Additional weekend programs will be $5 per session and include topics such as animal care, maple making, craft sessions, and more. Find out more and register on their Facebook page.
The Merchant of Venice (Annotated) Jan 25
The Jewish Museum of Maryland is presenting The Merchant of Venice (annotated) or In Sooth I Know Not Why I Am So Sad at 2640 Space. This theatre dybbuk production will blend physical theatre with poetry and music. This event is free, but registration is suggested via the link above.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Baltimore March 10
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Baltimore has delighted spectators for over 65 years. This popular parade will be held on Sunday March 10th at 2 pm. The Baltimore St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at the Washington Monument. It proceeds down Charles and Pratt Street towards the Inner Harbor and ends at Market Place.
Free Winter Events in Washington DC
Lunar New Year at National Museum of Asian Art Feb 3
Head to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art for a full day of fun to celebrate the Lunar New Year! On Saturday February 3rd, events will include live performances, cooking demonstrations, guided tours of exhibits, and more. Can’t make it in person? Request a virtual tour of the National Museum of Asian Art collections here!
Meditation + Mindfulness Virtual Series Feb 9-20
Improve your well-being this New Year with the National Museum of Asian Art’s free Meditation and Mindfulness sessions! These free 30-minute virtual sessions will help you find inner peace. All sessions are held on Fridays at 12 pm and led by DC-based meditation teachers.
Spark! Lab at American History Museum On-Going
Spark! Lab is open from 11 am to 4 pm on select dates throughout winter and spring at the American History Museum. Geared towards children ages six to twelve, this exciting lab encourages kids to build, imagine, explore, and experiment with STEM-based materials that encourage creativity. Kids six and under should check out Wonderplace. Wonderplace is a history-themed learning space that is open on select dates as well.
Women of the Freer Gallery of Art Tour Mar 1-31
In honor of Women’s History Month, the National Museum of Asian Art will conduct free docent-led tours to share the stories of the women in their collection. Tours will be conducted every day in March from 12 to 1 pm.
Mardi Gras at The Wharf Feb 10
Spend the afternoon at The Wharf DC. Mardi Gras festivities include a parade on Wharf Street at 3:30 pm with floats, stilt walkers, and the Mardi Gras king and queen followed by live music from several brass bands. Food and drinks including New Orleans famous hurricanes will be available for purchase. Wrap up the fun with a free fireworks display over the Potomac River at 6:30 pm!
Ireland at The Wharf Mar 16
On March 16th, head to The Wharf in Washington DC. Enjoy free festivities on the District Pier including live bands and bagpipers. Plus, lots of Guinness beer, whiskey and food vendors on-site.
Free Winter Events in Northern Virginia
Captain America & Wonder Woman Host Kids and Family Festival – Tysons Feb 18
Captain America and Wonder Woman will make your kids day at Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten! The event will feature live music, face painting, and crafts. Plus, Shipgarten has two moon bounces, playgrounds, outdoor games, and more! It is also dog-friendly! Admission is free, but we recommend reserving a spot using the link above.
George Washington Birthday Parade – Alexandria Feb 19
Celebrate President’s Day in Alexandria! The annual George Washington Birthday Parade will run from 1 to 3 pm along Fairfax and Royal Streets. Afterwards, warm up inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center and browse the art exhibits.
Free Admission at Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon Feb 19
Another way to celebrate President’s Day is at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Admission will be free all day on February 19th. A limited number of tickets will be distributed upon arrival, so it is best to arrive early. Mount Vernon is open from 8 am until 5 pm.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Alexandria Mar 2
The Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 12:15 pm on Saturday March 2nd at Alfred and King Street. It will feature traditional Irish dancers and bands, community groups, and other entertainment. The parade route will run several blocks along King Street before concluding at the corner of Lee Street. A Classic Car Show will also be held in conjunction with the parade starting at 9 am on the 100 block of N. Pitt Street between Cameron and King Streets.
Other Free Winter Events Near the DMV
Children’s Book Fair at Howard County Welcome Center Jan 20
Howard County Welcome Center will host a free Children’s Book Fair in historic Ellicott City from 10 am to 1 pm on January 20th. Representatives from Howard County Historical Society’s Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum and The Third will highlight local childrens authors and oversee a craft activity. Plus, grab a goody bag dontated by Blossoms of Hope while supplies last.
In addition, starting on January 20th, Ellicott City Partnership representatives will be handing out $10 OEC Bucks in front of the Welcome Center until they run out. This money can be used to shop anywhere in Old Ellicott City through February 10. As part of this effort, they are collecting donations of coats, hats and gloves for Luminus.
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice – Frederick Thru Mar 4
Missing those holiday lights? Well, you’re in luck because you can enjoy Sailing Through the Winter Solstice through March 4th in downtown Frederick! Twenty-eight boats are stationed in Carroll Creek and they are fun to see day and night! The best part is that all the boats support local non-profit organizations. After you see the boats, you can vote for your favorite Frederick Winter Solstice Boat by donating funds to your favorite design! Last year, this effort raised more than $102,000 for charity.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Annapolis
If you love St. Patrick’s Day, you can’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Annapolis. This 2.5-hour parade will be held Sunday March 17th starting at 1 pm. The parade kicks off at Amos Garrett Boulevard and makes its way around downtown Annapolis’ main streets.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Gaithersburg
On March 16th, head to The Rio in Gaithersburg for their St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade starts at 10 am at Rio Boulevard and Grand Corner Avenue. It will include Celtic dancers, Irish bands, school groups, equestrian units, community organizations, kids’ characters and more.
Irish Festival – Westminster
Downtown Westminster goes green on Saturday March 11th. The street festival kicks off with a Celtic Canter 5k and Leprechaun Chase fun run. Family-friendly events will follow with arts and crafts, vendors, food, a beer garden, and live music. Adults can enjoy a pub crawl starting at 12 pm. Free trolley rides will also be offered from 12 until 5 pm.
Live Music at The Common Kitchen – Clarksville
Come out to The Common Kitchen in Clarksville every Friday night from 5 to 7:30 pm to enjoy live music. The Common Kitchen is home to nine different international food vendors. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also available for purchase at Trifecto.
