Summer 2010: Free cultural events in Washington DC and nearby areas

A list of some of the best seasonal events that are free to the public in the Washington DC metropolitan area. For a copy of my calendar of year-round free concerts, and other cultural events, send me an email.

Dumbarton House Chamber Music Concert Series - May 18 and June 15, 2715 Q St NW, rsvp@dumbartonhouse.org

Summer Twilight Concert Series at Brookside Gardens - explore this award-winning 50-acre public display garden anytime of the year, free. For a special treat, come to the Gude Garden every Tuesday evening 6:30-8pm throughout the month of June for a series of performances set in the beauty of the gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD www.brooksidegardens.org

Smithsonian Folklife festival - an international exposition of living cultural heritage annually produced outdoors on the National Mall, overlapping the 4th of July weekend. Taking place June 24-28 and July 1-5 2010, this year's themes are: México Profundo: A Deeper Mexico, Asian Pacific American Connections http://www.festival.si.edu/visitor/general.aspx

Fourth of July on the National Mall - 11:30 parade on Constitution Ave NW, 11-5 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 6:00 p.m. the U.S. Army Concert Band, 8-9:30 National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists, followed by the fireworks. Note: practice fireworks and concerts take place July 3^rd, and are a lot less crowded dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly.htm

Live military band concerts June-August: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force bands perform on alternating days throughout the summer. Various venues from the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument Sylvan Theater, to the Navy Memorial dc.about.com/od/concerts/a/militarybandcon.htm

National Philharmonic in Residence at Strathmore Hall - Free for kids age 7-17, tickets must be obtained in person at the ticket office or over the phone 301-581-5100 - 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD - www.nationalphilharmonic.org

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Lotus and Lily Festival - July 17, go early in the day before the heat or you will find the flowers closed. All year around the gardens offer beautiful landscapes. Enter at 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm

Strathmore Free Outdoor Summer Concerts - Wednesdays June-August 7pm, all music genres, bluegrass, Irish, folk music, July 22 ukelele festival, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda MD www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar.asp

Strathmore Music Hall Lawn outdoor movies series - Mid-August, Bring a blanket and enjoy the show beginning at 8:10 each evening. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Comcast. www.strathmore.org

Shakespeare Free for All -"Twelfth Night," August 19-September 5, 2010- Tickets can be obtained free of charge in-person the day of the performance at the Sidney Harman Hall Box Office, 610 F Street NW. Staff begins distributing tickets two hours prior to curtain, 2 tickets per person, www.shakespearetheatre.org