WASHINGTON – The federal government shutdown is here, and that means some places around town are offering freebies. Most of these deals are reserved for government workers only, but some are open to everyone:
- Z-Burger locations in Arlington, Columbia Heights, Southwest and Tenleytown will offer free burgers for furloughed federal government and D.C. government workers every day of the shutdown from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and then again from 5-7 p.m. Just show your government ID.
- D.C. Reynolds Bar on Georgia Avenue is offering Buy One Get One Free drinks between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day of the government shutdown. This is good for everyone. Not just government workers. They are at 3628 Georgia Ave NW.
- The National Geographic Museum will be open with free admission for all on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
- Furloughed federal workers who buy a hoagie or salad at any Taylor Gourmet location will get “A 10% discount, career counseling & a cookie.”
- Some of Jose Andres’ restaurants will offer a free sandwich for furloughed workers when they show a government ID from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. everyday until the shutdown is over. The restaurants include Jaleo locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia; Zaytinya in D.C. and Oyamel in D.C.
- The National Zoo may be closed, but the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is open Tuesday and is free for all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday is free burrito day at California Tortilla’s location at 1470 Northpoint Village Ctr. in Reston, Va. Anyone can stop by for a free burrito from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sophie ‘s Cuban DC will give you three free empanadas with any purchase when you show a government ID on Thursday, Oct. 3.
- Sixth and I Historic Synogogue will transform into “Shutdown Central” for the duration of the shutdown. It will offer free food, coffee and wifi to not just federal workers, but everyone. They’re planning some fun stuff such as a “The West Wing” marathon, and games of “Political Ping Pong”.
- If you’re a federal government employee, show your ID at Mockingbird Hill for a free glass of sherry each day as long as the shutdown lasts.
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts will stay open as usual and offer free admission to federal employees who show ID.
- D.C. Reynolds will offer buy one get one free drinks for everyone from 11 a.m. To 9 p.m. every day the federal government is shut down.
- The Philips Collection will be open and offering free admission for everyone to their permanent collection from Tuesday through Friday.
- Potomac Pilates will offer two free classes to furloughed federal employees. Here’s how to claim: Create an account at PotomacPilates.net, then email Catherine@PotomacPilates.net and let her know your government job title and department. They will then verify your account and add the classes, allowing you to schedule them.
- On Tuesday, The Daily Dish in Silver Spring will give all government workers a free cup of regular coffee, no purchase necessary.
- Beltway Plaza Mall in Greenbelt will give furloughed workers a free lunch and a free movie. Now through Oct. 31, bring your furlough notice to the box office to get coupons for a free lunch, fruit or cookie at participating mall restaurants, as well as a free movie coupon good at the Academy 8 Theaters. Restrictions apply.
- Fibre Space in Old Town Alexandria will offer free “intro to knitting” classes (normally $75) for government workers or contractors with ID. The classes will take place from 1-5 p.m. on every workday that the federal government is closed. Bring your own needles and yarn, or buy some at the session.
- Kangaroo Boxing Club will offer $3 screwdrivers from 12-5 p.m., and your first one will be free with your federal ID.
- All furloughed government employees (except members of Congress) can get one free pulled pork sandwich per day of the shutdown at Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant in Alexandria. Show your government ID.
- Federal employees affected by the shutdown: Get a free cupcake from Cupcake Boulevard from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday when you show your federal government ID.
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