Friday Freebies – WTOP News

• On Feb. 27, come early to the grand opening of Pitango Gelato and Coffee’s new location in D.C. on 14th Street NW, starting at 5 p.m. The first 50 guests get free t-shirts and tote bags. The shop will also be handing out free shots of Hot Italian Sipping Chocolate.
• This is closing weekend for “The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art” exhibition at the National Gallery of Art. Admission is free, and events on Feb. 28 include artist and gallery talks, and musical performances featuring the didgeridoo. It’s a rare chance to hear this wind instrument played live.
• The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center’s annual Lunar New Year celebration at Westfield Montgomery Mall wraps up Feb. 28 at Macy’s Court, with events marking the Lantern Festival.
• At SONIC, Footlong Quarter Pound Coneys are buy one, get one free through March 1. You have to order through the SONIC app and be a registered user. One more thing: The deal is only good once a week.
• On Feb. 28, head to Harmony Hall Arts Center in Fort Washington for a free Black History Month family day. Kids can enjoy hands-on fun, and there will be guided tours of the center’s exhibition: “Black County, Black History: Preserving, Promoting, and Protecting Black History in Prince George’s County.”
• March 3 is free pancake day at IHOP. That means a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes is yours when you dine in at participating locations between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. While you’re there, you’re invited to support your local food banks by donating to Feeding America.

• BLACK INK, an open house celebrating Black artists, is back at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville on February 14.  Admission is free, but you need to RSVP. There will be an artist talk, hands-on demos of things like screen printing and bookmaking, and you’ll be able to explore artists’ private studios.
• On Feb. 14 at Shake Shack, buy one True Love Shake and get a second one free. They’re made by mixing strawberry puree into vanilla frozen custard, and covering it with a dark chocolate shell you can crack open. But there’s more. The whole thing gets topped with chocolate whipped cream and strawberry curls.
• You and your pet are invited to the grand opening of the new CityVet Chevy Chase location on February 14. Along with tours of the place on Wisconsin Circle, enjoy free hot cocoa, a kissing-booth style photo area, and let an artist make a caricature of you and your best bud.
• Giveaway alert! Head to a Target store on Feb. 14 between noon and 4 p.m. for Valentine-themed freebies, while supplies last.
• Valentine’s Day will be particularly cheesy at all California Tortilla locations in the D.C region.  On Feb. 14, buy an entree and you can get a free small chips and queso, or chips and salsa.  Just say “I love cheese” at the register, or use code ILUVCHEESE when you order through the app or online.

• If you have a Bank of America card, you can get into several local museums for free Feb. 7 and 8, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Rubell Museum, and the Phillips Collection.
• There are two ways to score freebies at participating Buffalo Wild Wings. First, make a $25 preorder by Feb. 7 for pickup Feb. 8. You’ll earn six free wings you can claim on a future visit through March 10. Second, if the Super Bowl goes into overtime, everyone earns six free wings that be claimed Feb. 23.
• Here’s another super deal for the Super Bowl: On Feb. 8, you can get 20 boneless wings free with any $40 online purchase for takeout or delivery at Applebee’s. Just use promo code SBWINGS26.
• At Noodles & Company, buy a catering pan and you’ll get a free dessert tray. The offer is valid through Feb. 8.
• If you’re a Popeyes rewards member, this one’s for you: Get six free wings with a $10 online purchase on Feb. 8. You can choose boneless or bone-in.
• Don’t fumble a super night out by drinking and driving home. You can get a free Lyft ride home — worth up to $15 — through the SoberRide program. Rides will be available starting Feb. 8, into the wee hours of Feb. 9.
• On Feb. 9, Starbucks Rewards members can grab a free tall brewed hot or iced coffee with the purchase of another drink of equal or greater value.
• Here’s a Monday freebie for Paris Baguette rewards members: Make a pastry purchase Feb. 9, and you’ll get a free medium hot or iced coffee.
• On Feb. 10, head to Mount Vernon Triangle’s “Together Tuesdays” event in the Bar Noir lounge area of the new restaurant Kaché. The first 50 attendees to check in during happy hour, which starts at 5 p.m., get a free drink.

• Jan. 30 is National Croissant Day! La Madeleine is giving away free regular croissants with any purchase. Burger King and Paris Baguette are offering freebies too.
• Lidl is also giving away free croissants in its stores on Jan. 30. Use code FREECROISSANT in the MyLidl app to get yours.
• Tubi is a free streaming service with 4-6 minutes of ads per hour. In February it’s adding new, original content, along with a whole bunch of movie favorites.
• QDOBA has a heavenly deal for 2026. On the day of each month’s full moon, you can get queso and chips for free when you buy a full-sized entree. You have to be a QDOBA Rewards member to take advantage. Upcoming full moons include Feb. 1, March 3 and April 1.
• Do you enjoy traveling with your pet? The pet-friendly hotel chain Staypineapple has an offer for you. Book a stay in February, and your pet earns free hotel stays all year. The standard pet fee of $29.95 a night will be waived. Staypineapple has locations in places like New York City, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco.
• At Victoria’s Secret, some beauty gift sets are buy one, get one free through Feb. 16. Many are packaged especially for Valentine’s Day giving.

In addition to tracking a mighty January storm, WTOP is tracking weather-related freebies and deals for Sunday and Monday (Jan. 25 and 26) and beyond.

We’re posting them here, if you’d like to venture out on foot to a neighborhood favorite (local leaders are urging you NOT to drive during the storm).

• American Ice Co. in Northwest D.C. has declared Sunday “Sleet Day.” Specials include glasses of Narragansett and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer for $4.99 each, and hot spiked apple cider for $11.99.
• Bluejacket Brewery in D.C.’s Navy Yard is open Sunday, offering $10 liters of lagers. It’s serving up half-priced wings, and a $10 grilled cheese and tomato soup combo.
• On Sunday, Brass Rabbit Pub in Arlington, Virginia, is open and offering free Jell-O shots while you watch the NFL conference championship games.
• The Duke’s Grocery locations in D.C.’s Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom and Woodley Park are open Sunday. They’re pouring four different drinks for $8 each, including boozy hot chocolate and an espresso martini.
• All-day happy hour is happening Sunday at El Tamarindo in Northwest D.C. You can also order $49 Storm Day Survival Kits for pickup or delivery. They’re loaded with six pupusas or tamales, two sides and a 32 oz. Agua Fresca. You can add on some margaritas for an extra charge.
• The Midlands Beer Garden in Northwest D.C. will be open Monday with happy hour specials from 1-5 p.m.
• The Muni in Northwest D.C. is throwing a snow party on Monday, starting at 1 p.m. It has golf simulators, virtual putting greens and interactive darts — and all games are 50% off. It’s also offering $3 hot dogs, $5 drafts and more.
• The Roost food hall in Southeast D.C. is open Sunday, offering free hot cocoa, activities for kids and $5 and $10 drink specials for adults.
• Winter storm specials can be found at Union Pub in Northeast D.C. on Sunday and Monday. Enjoy $1 off rail drinks and beers, and $5 Fireball Apple shots.
• Whitlow’s is offering “snow day drink specials” all day Sunday at its D.C. locations on U Street and The Wharf. A $9 Frostbite Fighter is made with Rumple Minze, Irish cream, hot cocoa and amaretto whipped cream. Also, $10 gets you a glass of Capit-Ale Golden IPA and a shot of Rittenhouse rye.

• Jan. 23 and 30 are “Fully Loaded Fridays” at participating Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. That means Giant Loaded Bakers are buy one, get one free. They’re baked potatoes packed with pit-smoked meats and classic Dickey’s sides.
• Fresh Baguette opens a new location in Germantown on Jan. 28. At the 8 a.m. ribbon cutting, everyone gets a free baguette while supplies last. Plus, the first 20 people in line get free croissants for a year. That’s a lot of butter!
• A lunchtime-only pop-up called Taco Taco kicks off Jan. 28 at Cranes, a Spanish-Japanese fusion restaurant in D.C. During opening week, you can get a pretty amazing deal. Tacos will be buy one, get two free while supplies last!
• On National Croissant Day, Jan. 30, Burger King is giving Royal Perks members a free Croissan’wich with a $3 purchase.

• IHOP is offering free, all-you-can-eat pancakes (served two at a time) when you buy certain breakfast combos. Fill up while you can, because the deal is only good for a limited time at participating restaurants.
• Get a free Chicken Shack or Chicken Shack Lettuce Wrap with a $10 order at Shake Shack every Sunday through June 28. Place your order at an in-store kiosk or on the app, and use code “CHICKENSUNDAY” at checkout.
• Williams Sonoma is offering cooking and baking classes at its stores on Jan. 18 and 25. They’re free, but you need to reserve a spot in advance. One is called “The Art of the Tart.”
• On National Popcorn Day, Jan. 19, dress up like your favorite movie star to get a free large popcorn at Regal Theatres. Just be prepared to tell the person at the concession stand who you’re dressed as!
• Hungry Howie’s has brought back its limited-edition garlic ranch flavored pizza crust. The option is available for free on any pie you buy, now through March 31, or while supplies last.
• Jan. 22 is Guest Appreciation Day at Chicken Salad Chick. That means you can stop by and get a free scoop of Classic Carol chicken salad, no purchase necessary, while supplies last. If you order online or through the restaurant chain’s app, you’ll get a free scoop with every meal you buy.
• Buy two boxes of Club Extra Buttery crackers in a single transaction, and you can claim a promo code good for a free Fandango at Home movie rental.

WTOP’s Friday Freebies are coming to you early this week in honor of the New Year ahead.

• If you’re a Dunkin’ Rewards member, use code PRODUNKTIVITY in the app on Dec. 29 — while supplies last — to get a free, any size hot or iced coffee.
• If you have kids who want to ring in 2026 without the staying up really really late part, Noon Yards Eve is for you! The free celebration at the Yards in D.C. runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 31 and includes carnival games, train rides, bounce houses and a “sparkling” balloon drop at noon.
• Frederick, Maryland, welcomes the new year on Dec. 31 with a free “key drop” on Carroll Creek. A big key covered with lights will descend from the William O. Lee Memorial Bridge at midnight!
• Through Jan. 1, My Sheetz Rewards customers can enjoy a free self-serve coffee through the Sheetz app. Just check the OFFERZ tab.
• Doughnut lovers, consider a trip to Hagerstown for the Krumpe’s Doughnut Drop at Meritus Park on Dec. 31. The fun starts at 5 p.m. with live music, a kids’ zone and more. A giant doughnut will be dropped just before 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks finale. Admission is free, and free doughnuts will be handed out to the first 5,000 people. Everyone gets free coffee and hot chocolate too!
• Avoid drinking and driving by taking advantage of a free ride home from Lyft, worth up to $15. Limited quantities are available nightly through the SoberRide program, until 4 a.m. Jan. 1.

• Dec. 19 is the last day to book a roomette on Amtrak and bring a companion for free. It’s a private sleeper cabin with two seats that transform into upper and lower beds and it comes with free meals. The deal is good for travel in 2026 between Jan. 4 and March 31.
• Dec. 20 is “Extra Sweater Day” at Chipotle. Wear a festive or “over-the-top” sweater and buy an entree to get a second entree free.
• There’s nothing like a live performance of Christmas carols to lift your spirits. You can catch one every night now through Dec. 23 at the Willard Hotel near the White House. The free performances in the hotel’s lobby — which are a longtime tradition — run from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 to 8 p.m.
• Want to add some winter-themed books to your Kindle or other e-reader? Indie Author Collective is offering some for free, and others for just 99-cents through Dec.  20.
• This year’s holiday display at the U.S. Botanic Garden has been invaded by dinosaurs! In addition to festive holiday decor, you’ll see model trains snaking through displays of ancient beasts made from plants! Admission is free. The outdoor display and conservatory are open daily through Jan. 4, except on Dec. 25.
• California Tortilla will give you a coupon that’s good for a free burrito or bowl, for every $25 in physical gift cards you buy at one of the chain’s locations. The offer is good through Dec. 31, and the coupons are valid in January of next year.
• All through December, visit the National Christmas Tree and see the “America Celebrates” display that surrounds it. It features ornaments made by students from every state, territory and D.C. There’s no charge to visit the display.

• Burger King is offering freebies with purchase every day, all the way through Christmas Eve. They’re all available through the fast food chain’s app. The deal for Dec. 12 is a free Hershey’s sundae pie with a $5 purchase.
• If you’re a Disney+ member, Dec. 12 is the last day to take advantage of some holiday perks. They include a free footlong from Subway, $20 back when you buy a $100 Nordstrom gift card, up to 30% off performances of Disney on Broadway’s Aladdin and more.
• Reserve a time slot to take your pet to a nearby PetSmart for a free photo with Santa Dec. 13 or 14.
• Dine in at Cracker Barrel anytime between now through Dec. 24, and you’ll get a free toy worth up to $5 when you buy a kid’s meal.
• The Solomons Christmas Walk and Lighted Boat Parade are set for Dec. 13. The festivities include free live performances, free hot chocolate, free face painting and more.
• On Dec. 13 from 4 p.m. to close, buy a burrito at Chipotle, and get a free entree.
• The Eastport Yacht Club’s annual Lights Parade of boats along Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek, is set for Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.
• Potbelly Perks members, this one’s for you. On Dec. 16, buy a big or original sandwich or wrap, and you’ll get an original sandwich or wrap free.
• Dec. 18 is the last Midnight Madness event of the holiday season in downtown Annapolis, where you can take advantage of free parking, street entertainment and in-store treats.
• Hulu is offering seasonal perks for subscribers, dropping weekly. For example, KFC Rewards Members who make a $5 online KFC purchase through Dec. 21, get a free classic chicken sandwich.

• Some handbags and wallets are buy one, get one free online at Montana West, for a limited time.
• Shake Shack has freebies with purchase every week in December, starting with a free Big Shack Burger when you make a $10 purchase through Dec. 7.
• Dec. 6 is the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, and the city’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights!
• Chipotle is serving up buy one, get one free offers during the first three Saturdays in December, that change each week. For instance on Dec. 6 after 4 p.m., buy a three-taco entree and you’ll get another entree free. Chipotle Rewards members will also see offers such as free chips or free guac added to their wallets throughout the month.
• The Wharf’s Holiday Boat Parade and Party in D.C. on Dec. 6 includes live music and fireworks.
• The American Red Cross is handing out free Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks while supplies last, if you give blood by Dec. 7.
• Subway’s Sub Club is back! Join the loyalty program, and you’ll earn a free footlong after every three footlongs or six 6-inch subs you buy.

• Alexandria calls Black Friday “Plaid Friday” to honor its Scottish heritage, and on Nov. 28 many of its independent shops are offering discounts, deals and freebies. Parking at the city’s meters is free that day, too!
• At Lowe’s on Black Friday, the first 50 MyLowe’s Rewards members in each store get a free bucket of products, and a chance to win a free appliance.
• Nov. 28 is “Frosty Friday” in Downtown Frederick, with free parking around town, goodie bag giveaways for early visitors to local shops, live holiday music and more.
• On Nov. 28, the first 100 shoppers at each Target store get a free swag bag full of goodies. Some bags have an extra treat inside worth $99 or more.
• In Merrifield on Nov. 28, Santa will ride through Mosaic District on a fire truck to greet onlookers. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by a tree lighting at 7 p.m.
• Buy a pack of Washington Nationals tickets for three games in 2026 and enjoy 40% off. Plus, you’ll get a free District Blueprint City Connect beanie. The offer is good through Dec. 1.
• Starting Nov. 28, LEGO has free gifts with purchase on several items, while supplies last. One is a free Star Trek Type-15 Shuttlepod, with purchase of a Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D.
• Reston Town Center’s annual holiday parade happens Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. along Market Street. The fun continues later in the day with a tree lighting at 6 p.m.
• In Annapolis, enjoy 2 hours of free parking at metered spaces between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Also, the city’s annual Grand Illumination tree lighting ceremony is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 30 near the Market House.
• CityCenterDC lights its holiday tree Nov. 29. The fun runs from 5-7 p.m. with live music, balloon artists, holiday treats and more.
• On Dec. 2, Winter Wonderland at Founders Row in Falls Church, Virginia, will feature live performances, free hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn, and Santa will ride in on a fire truck.
• Register in advance for the Library of Congress’ free Holiday Celebration on Dec. 4. There will be live music, pop-up talks and a holiday tree will be lit in the Great Hall.

• Walgreens has buy one, get one free holiday candy right now. We’re talking seasonal goodies from Dove, Hershey’s and M & M’s.
• On Nov. 22 look for floats, marching bands and inflatable turkeys on the streets of Silver Spring, Maryland, during the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. It steps off at 10 a.m.
• Love Häagen-Dazs? Get the rewards app and sign up to get a free cup or cone. You’ll also be all set to earn points toward more freebies at their shops.
• Buy a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for $65, and get a free $40 Digital Costco Shop Card. It’s a Groupon deal available until Dec. 21.
• Here’s a freebie for “Friendsgiving”: Sign up to get a coupon for a free drink on Nov. 25 at any Capital One Cafe.
• Take part in any “turkey trot” run this Thanksgiving while dressed up as a QDOBA burrito, and you’ll be rewarded with a free burrito. You’ll also have a chance to win free burritos for a year. You must be a QDOBA rewards member (it’s free to join), and post a photo of yourself in costume to Instagram on Nov. 27 or 28. Check out all the requirements before you make that post.
• Chicken sandwiches are buy one, get one free Nov. 27-30 at 7-Eleven’s Raise the Roost locations. There are two sites in the D.C. area in Manassas and Purcellville.

• Through Nov. 16, MyPanera members can get a free bakery treat when they place a minimum order for delivery. There are also daily deals for members through that date.
• Uniqlo’s grand reopening at Tysons Corner Center includes freebies each day, Nov. 14-19. They include free goodie bags and free breakfast for early shoppers, as well as free Japanese Taiko drum performances.
• Corner Bakery has a yummy offer for National Bundt Cake Day. Buy one Baby Bundt or Bundt Bite and you’ll get one free at participating shops on Nov. 15, while supplies last.
• National Harbor’s 60-foot-tall holiday tree has been lit, and there are nightly light and sound shows every half hour from sunset until 9 p.m. now through Dec. 27. On Saturday nights, there are fireworks shows, too!
• The first 100 people in line for the grand opening of a new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant on Elden St. in Herndon get freebies on Nov. 18, followed by giveaways with purchase for early visitors Nov. 19-22.
• Wizards fans can get free food through the Chick-fil-A app. During home games, when an opposing player misses two free throws in a row in the fourth quarter, you win a free sandwich. You have until the day after the game to claim the offer, and five days to redeem it.
• Bass Pro Shops are once again offering free photos with Santa through Christmas Eve. Reserving a spot in advance is recommended.

• Buy six mini doughnuts at Ice Cream Jubilee’s Georgetown location, and you’ll get six more free. The deal is good through Sunday.
• Make any purchase through the SONIC App, and you’ll get a free any size Coca-Cola. You can customize your free drink with as many flavor add-ins (there are 11) as you want.
• Cracker Barrel wants to fill your table for Thanksgiving. Preorder a Heat and Serve Feast or Dinner by Sunday for pick up Nov. 22-30, and you’ll get a free pair of mini salt and pepper shakers.
• Saturday and Sunday, get a free slice of Andy’s Pizza with purchase of a pint of beer at the new Atlas Bridge District Brewery and Tap Room in Southeast D.C.
• Williams Sonoma stores are hosting free Thanksgiving cooking classes this Sunday and Nov 16. Just find your local store and sign up.
• National Park Service sites that normally charge admission will be free to enter on Veterans Day, Tuesday. Beware: Some sites are closed because of the federal government shutdown.
• A whole bunch of restaurants and retailers are offering freebies for Veterans Day. On Tuesday, Applebee’s is serving up free meals for veterans and active duty military.
• At Bob Evans, veterans and active duty members of the military can choose a free entrée from a list of 10 on Tuesday.
• California Pizza Kitchen is thanking veterans and active military for their service with a free entrée and beverage from a special menu.
• On Tuesday, Chili’s will be handing out free meals to veterans and active duty members of the military.
• Dave and Buster’s Veterans Day offer is a little different. It’s serving up free entrées to veterans, along with free $10 Power Cards to use for games.
• Active duty and retired members of the military can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam at Denny’s between 5 a.m. and noon on Tuesday.
• Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night runs from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday. Anyone who has served in the U.S. military can come in for a free dinner.
• Veterans can get a free meal worth up to $15 at The Greene Turtle on Veterans Day.
• Mission BBQ is giving out free sandwiches to veterans on Tuesday.
• Veterans and active duty military members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries at Red Robin on Veterans Day.
• At Sheetz locations in the Mid-Atlantic, active duty military and veterans can get a free half turkey sub and regular fountain drink on Tuesday, along with a free $9 car wash at locations that have them.
• Veterans, military members and military spouses can get a free tall brewed coffee at Starbucks.
• One more thing: As long as the government shutdown continues, WTOP will continue to update our separate list of freebies and deals for federal workers.

• If your Halloween party involves a little too much alcohol, you can get a free Lyft ride home through the SoberRide program. Rides will be available starting at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and continuing until 4 a.m. the next morning.
• Donning a Halloween costume will get you a bunch of perks on Oct. 31. At Krispy Kreme, you can pick up a free Original Glazed or Classic Ring doughnut for free.
• Kids in costume can grab a free cookie of their choice at participating Corner Bakery shops on Halloween. The only rule is, they have to be accompanied by an adult.
• On Oct. 31, the first 50 guests in costume to visit a Thompson Restaurants location get a scratch-off card for a chance to win things like a free appetizer or even a $50 gift card. Those restaurants include Big Buns, Makers Union, Milk & Honey, The Ridley, Social House and Wiseguy Pizza.
• Show up in an avocado costume at participating Smoothie King locations on Oct. 31, to get a free Avocado Toast.
• Kids in costume get free admission to the National Radio & Television Museum in Bowie from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. There will be Halloween fun, including spooky radio shows to listen to.
• Insomnia Cookies will give you a free Classic Cookie with any purchase if you show up in costume Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
• Oct. 31 at Qdoba, “BOOGO” is back. Rewards members can get a free entrée with purchase of an entrée and a drink. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
• Dress your dog or cat in a costume Oct. 31, and bring them to a participating Petco for a free treat from the treat bar.
• Kids eat free at participating Green Turtle locations on Halloween.
• At Paris Baguette, rewards members get a free pastry with the purchase of a drink on Oct. 31.
• 7-Eleven and Speedway rewards members who buy a whole pizza will get another one free on Oct. 31. The offer is also good through 7NOW Delivery.
• On Halloween, get a free kid’s meal at Outback Steakhouse with purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in or order online with code SPOOKYFREE.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill is offering buy one, get one free entrées Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at participating locations.
• “Boo-tacular” is back at Chuck E. Cheese through Nov. 2. At participating locations, kids can enjoy free candy, 500 free e-tickets if they come in costume and more.
• During Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Fan Fest, buy a bowl or food to get a free 24 oz. smoothie from Nov. 3-9. You must be a Tropic Rewards member and order through the app.
• One more thing: As long as the government shutdown continues, WTOP will continue to update our separate list of freebies and deals for federal workers.

• Wear a costume to a participating Krispy Kreme shop on Saturday or on Halloween, and you’ll get a free Original Glazed or Classic Ring doughnut, no purchase necessary.
• The Silver Spring Zombie Walk returns Saturday. Because of construction, this year’s walk starts with a gathering and dance party at All Set Restaurant. Then, “undead” after-parties will be held at various spots downtown.
• On Sunday, the Del Ray Halloween Parade takes over Mount Vernon Avenue. There will be contests for costumed pets and people with strollers.
• “Harbor Halloween” at National Harbor is Sunday. Kids and dogs in costume get a free ride on The Capital Wheel when an adult buys a ticket. The fun will also include trick-or-treating at participating shops and restaurants, a “Pet Pawrade” and costume contest, and a free screening of “Hocus Pocus” on the Plaza.
• A must-see event is returning to the Dupont Circle neighborhood for a 38th year. The 17th Street High Heel Race is set for Tuesday. The fun begins with a parade of costumed drag queens at 6:30 p.m., followed by the race itself at 9 p.m.
• Furloughed federal workers, WTOP continues to have your back! Check out our updated list of freebies and deals to help you through the government shutdown.

• Lime, the company that offers e-scooter and e-bike rentals in D.C., wants to give you some freebies! Lime’s “More Store,” described as a corner store on a bike, will be giving away free snacks, rides and Lime merch on Friday. Look for it around Dupont Circle between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Get more information on Lime’s Instagram page.
• Taco Bell Rewards members: Place an order on the Taco Bell app, use Venmo to pay, and you’ll be rewarded with a free Cantina Chicken Soft Taco you can claim on a future order. The offer is good for orders placed through Dec. 31.
• Get your kids in the mood for spooky season at the Yards in D.C. with a free outdoor screening of Disney’s “Halloweentown” on Friday.
• Kids Eat Free Weekends are back at Potbelly for a limited time. After 3 p.m. on Fridays, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays, buy any entrée and you’ll get a free Kids Combo meal for those 12 and under.
• Sassy Woof in Sterling is throwing a free “Dog Trunk or Treat” event on Saturday. You’re invited to dress up your pup in costume, and bring them over for treats, toys and photo ops. Free trick or treat bags will be handed out to the first 200 visitors.
• Saturday is Centreville Day at Historic Centreville Park. The event will include a “trick or treat trail,” a parade, a ghost tour and vendors. Admission, parking, entertainment and children’s rides are all free!
• Buy three Chex products all at once by Dec. 31 and send in your receipt to get a free Chex X PEANUTS Holiday Tin.
• Early heads up: PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa happens Oct. 22. Starting at 4:15 p.m., free pumpkins will be given away (one per person) while they last! There will also be live entertainment, a petting zoo, a costume parade, a free movie screening and more.
• If you’re a furloughed federal worker, we continue to update our list of freebies and discounts being offered to you during the government shutdown.

• Cheese dip lovers: Chili’s wants you to try its newly updated version. From Oct. 7-21, My Chili’s rewards members can enjoy a free order of Southwestern Queso and chips.
• A band that churned out hits in the late 90s and early ’00s — Smash Mouth — performs for free at Reston Town Center on Oct. 11, during Rocktoberfest at the Pavilion.
• At Shake Shack, buy one SmokeShack burger and get one free through Oct. 11. Use code SPOOKY in the app, at in-store kiosks, or at shakeshack.com.
• Clarksburg Premium Outlets is throwing a Fall Festival on Oct. 11, with music, face and pumpkin painting, exclusive shopping offers and more. Also, kids are invited to trick-or-treat at many stores.
• Interested in IV vitamin and hydration therapy? The DRIPBaR opens its newest location Oct. 11 in Georgetown. Book a visit before Oct. 11 to get 50% off your first IV drip and a free B12 shot.
• Dress your pup in costume for the “Howl-O-Ween Bar(k) Crawl” at The Yards in D.C. on Oct. 15. In addition to doggie-themed eats and drinks that will be available for purchase, participating restaurants will give away “pup perks” for dogs while supplies last. The freebies will range from doggie treats to toys and bandannas.
• If you’re a furloughed federal worker, we have a running list of freebies and discounts especially for you.

• On Oct. 3, Corner Bakery is celebrating World Smile Day with a big batch of giveaways. Every customer gets a free cup of coffee with any purchase and a free Funfetti Bundt Bite. Show up early and the rewards get bigger. The first 20 guests at each location get a free Smiley Mug and free coffee for a year, no purchase necessary.
• Every Friday is “Free Fries Friday” at McDonald’s all year long. Get free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more in the McDonald’s app.
• Art on the Avenue in Alexandria returns for a 30th year on Oct. 4. The street festival in the Del Ray neighborhood features artists, music, food and kids’ activities.
• Wear a football jersey or shirt, or bring a ticket stub from an October football game to Cracker Barrel, and you’ll get a free side of pancakes when you buy an entrée and dine in. The offer is available through Oct. 31.
• Oktoberfest at the Wharf in D.C. happens Oct. 4, and includes the always popular Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, a stein hoisting contest, a polka-dancing lesson and more.
• On Oct. 4 and 5, Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free admission to The Phillips Collection and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Both remain open during the government shutdown.
• Attention federal workers: WTOP is keeping a constantly updated list of freebies and deals available just for you, during the government shutdown.

• Get a free coffee when you buy a breakfast sandwich at a participating 7-Eleven, through Oct. 28.
• Catch special free performances by the Washington Ballet at CityCenterDC on Sept. 26 and 27, as part of the company’s citywide Dance For All initiative.
• If you’re an Ikea Family member, enjoy a free breakfast plate on Sept. 27. The company is offering 40 weeks of deals, giveaways and events to mark 40 years since it opened its first U.S. store.
• Fiesta D.C. returns Sept. 27 and 28 with a festival along Pennsylvania Avenue, and a Sunday parade along Constitution Avenue.
• Admission is free to all National Parks on Sept. 27, in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
• The Clarendon Day free street festival takes place Sept. 27. There will be live music, kids activities and more than 150 exhibitors.
• The National Coffee Day fun starts days EARLY at Paris Baguette. Rewards members can get a free medium hot or iced brewed coffee with any purchase Sept. 27-29.
• Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day; Dunkin Rewards members are invited to pick up a free medium hot or iced coffee, when they make any purchase through the app.
• Krispy Kreme’s National Coffee Day deal is especially generous. Visitors to participating shops on Sept. 29 will get a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of their choice. You don’t have to buy a thing!
• Sheetz is honoring National Coffee Day from Sept. 29-Oct. 1. That’s when customers can get any size self-serve coffee free, with any purchase.
• At Shipley Do-Nuts, loyalty members get a free doughnut (its new Cold Brew flavor, or Original Glazed) with the purchase of any coffee at participating locations on Sept. 29.
• Even Smoothie King has a National Coffee Day offer. Visit before 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 29, prove you’re a member of Dunkin or Starbucks rewards, and you’ll get a free 20 ounce smoothie. The flavors being given away are Coffee High Protein Almond Mocha and Pumpkin Coffee High Protein.

• Sept. 19 is “Talk Like a Pirate Day!” At Long John Silver’s, talk like a pirate to get a free piece of fish or chicken, or dress like a pirate to get a free two piece basket of fish or chicken.
• For the first time, the entire U.S. Constitution is on display at the National Archives Museum through Oct. 1. The museum will be open longer than usual on Sept. 20 & Sept. 21 to accommodate more visitors. If you’re considering checking it out, you’re encouraged to reserve timed entry tickets in advance.
• Looking for an adventure, on foot? Events DC WalkingTown continues through Sept. 20, and there’s still time to register in advance for a free walking tour.
• Sept. 20 is National Queso Day, and everyone gets a free cup of queso at participating Moe’s Southwest Grill. You don’t have to buy anything to get yours.
• National Mall of Pickleball happens Sept. 19 to Sept. 21. Missed your chance to sign up in advance? There are online waitlists, and there will be opportunities to show up on the day of, to play.
• Kids can get behind the wheel of snow plows, fire trucks, police cruisers and more at Alexandria’s free “Tons of Trucks” event on Sept. 20. It starts with a “sensory friendly” hour from 10-11 a.m.
• Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is offering buy one, get one free treats every Wednesday through Oct. 15. The deal is for rewards members only, and available through the Rita’s app.