September in the DC area is the sweet spot. The heat finally starts to break and the calendar fills with festivals, museum programs and outdoor movie nights that cost nothing to attend.
We pulled together the best free options across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia this month, from a toddler meetup in Bethesda to a chili festival in Woodbridge to the DC State Fair.
Everything below is free to attend, though a few ask you to register in advance. Dates and times can shift, so confirm with the organizer before you load the car.
Free things to do in the D.C. area in September 2026
Dancing on the Square
Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24. The City of Fairfax closes out its outdoor dance season with free workshops at 6:30 p.m. followed by open dancing at 7:30 p.m. No experience needed and no partner required, which makes it an easy first outing for kids who are curious but not committed. All ages welcome.
Location: Old Town Square, 10415 North St., Fairfax, VA
Global Rhythms
Sept. 5. A free showcase of music, dance and storytelling traditions from around the world, running noon to 6 p.m. on the grounds at Glen Echo Park. It overlaps with the Labor Day Art Show in the Spanish Ballroom, so families can move between the two without getting back in the car. Parking at the park is free.
Location: 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
DC State Fair
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Sept. 6. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the fair celebrates the District’s agricultural, culinary and artistic talent with contests, demonstrations, local vendors and entertainment. There is a dedicated Kids and Games Zone and spectators can watch neighbors compete over everything from pies to pickles. Free to attend.
Location: Anthem Row, 800 K St. NW, Washington, DC
Play Date at NMNH
Sept. 8 and Sept. 22. The Natural History Museum runs its monthly drop-in program for young children twice this month, starting at 10:30 a.m. each time. Volcanic Explorations lands on Sept. 8 and Dive into the Deep Sea follows on Sept. 22. Museum admission is free and no registration is required, which makes either date a reliable weekday morning option when the walls start closing in.
Location: National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC
Movies Under the Moon
Sept. 11. The City of Fairfax wraps its summer movie series with a free screening on the second Friday of the month. The film starts around 8 p.m., or once it is dark enough for the inflatable screen. Bring blankets, chairs and your own snacks.
Location: 3901 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
Stonebridge Fall Fest and Chili Cook-Off
Sept. 12. Prince William County’s fall festival takes over the streets of the town center starting at 11 a.m., with more than 150 food and non-food vendors, live music on multiple stages, food trucks and community exhibitors. Families can sample chili and vote for a favorite. Free to attend, and the vendor mix usually includes local fire and rescue, which is a reliable win with younger children.
Location: Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, VA
Community Meetups: Toddler Tuesdays at Pink Moon
Sept. 15. A free monthly meetup for parents in the toddler stage, held the third Tuesday of every month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the playrooms at Pink Moon. No agenda and no pressure, just other adults in the same phase of life while the little ones play. Open to the community.
Location: 7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, MD
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Movie Nights in the Park at Color Burst Park
Fridays, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25. Free outdoor movies in the Merriweather District, with lawn games, a dance party, music and free popcorn from 6 p.m. and the film starting at 7:15 p.m. September brings “Super Mario Galaxy” on the 18th and “Masters of the Universe” on the 25th. Worth noting that the Sept. 25 film is rated PG-13, so the first Friday is the better bet for younger children. The series continues into October with “Toy Story 5” and the live-action “Moana.” Bring a chair or blanket.
Location: Color Burst Park, 6221 Mango Tree Road, Columbia, MD
Butterfly Walk
Sept. 12 and 19. Experts from the Howard County Bird Club lead a guided walk through the Mt. Pleasant trails and gardens at 10:30 a.m., teaching butterfly identification along the way. The native plant and pollinator gardens are in full bloom this time of year. Free, though registration is required.
Location: 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, MD
Riversdale History Community Day
Sept. 19. Celebrate America 250 and uncover the history in your own backyard at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum’s free Community Day. Hosted by M-NCPPC, this event invites you to explore local stories, meet community partners and experience the people and places that make Prince George’s County’s history so unique — plus you can get your Pastport to History stamped (pgparks.com/250). Pack a picnic, bring your people and enjoy free activities for all ages, including tours of the historic mansion, strolls through the gardens, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, hearth cooking demos using 19th-century techniques, hands-on art activities, and more.
Location: Riversdale Historic Site and Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD. Park and check in at the Visitor Center on 48th Avenue.
Family Fun: Chuseok
Sept. 19. The National Museum of Asian Art marks the Korean harvest festival starting at 11 a.m. with a scavenger hunt through the Peacock Room and Korean art gallery, courtyard story time featuring Korean folk and fairy tales, and pattern puzzles using objects from the hands-on collection. Museum admission is free and no reservation is required.
Location: t, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Teddy Bear Clinic
Sept. 19. Starting at 9:30 a.m., kids bring a favorite stuffed friend to the National Museum of Health and Medicine for crafts and activities about the body, physical fitness and healthy habits. Built for children in prekindergarten through second grade. Museum admission is free.
Location: 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD
Do any of these require registration?
Which are best for toddlers and preschoolers?
What is happening the last weekend of September?
For more free and low-cost options across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, browse the Washington Parent events calendar, updated daily.
François Hentschel is a guest author and editorial intern at Washington Parent, covering free family events across D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
