Millennium Stage at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy all the gold-leaf glam of the Kennedy Center without paying for pricey opera tickets with this popular events series. Every day an interesting performance takes the stage. The bookings are an eclectic mix which includes pop, classical, jazz, and international music, dance, and theatre.
Where: 2700 F Street NW; 202-467-4600.
When: Daily at 6 P.M.

Shakespeare Theatre Free for All
Shakespeare Theatre Company — which just won a "Best Regional Theatre" TONY award, by the way — has built a D.C. summer tradition around its Free For All series, now in its 26th year. This year's play is All's Well That Ends Well - and the performances have come indoors to the luxe (air conditioned, mosquito-free) Sidney Harman Hall.
Where: 610 F Street NW; 202-547-1122.
When: August 23 - September 5; Showtimes vary.

Woolly Mammoth Pay-What-You-Can Nights
So, this one probably shouldn't be "free," exactly, but it is still a great chance for those pinching their pennies to see some of the most-buzzed-about theater in Washington. Woolly specializes in new, often edgy and provocative work, not to be missed. The PWYC performances are the first two of every show the troupe puts on, (usually a Monday and Tuesday night) — so you get the added benefit of being one of the first to know about the hottest new play, too.
Where: 641 D Street NW; 202-393-3939.
When: Nights vary, check website for schedule.


Photo: Courtesy of The Kennedy Center