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Totally Free Things to Do on Valentine's Day in D.C., Mapped

By Michelle Goldchain
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By Michelle Goldchain

Whether single or married, you don't need a significant other to make this Valentine's Day enjoyable; you just need an awesome event to go to. Below, Curbed mapped eight no-cost activities in Washington, D.C. that will make the romantic holiday way more exciting, from a concert to a movie to slam poetry. If there were any events left off, be sure to let us know either by emailing dc@curbed.com or by leaving a comment.

If still searching for a hotel room, be sure to find some deals here or make your last-minute reservation plans here.

Still need a place to make out? Here are the best places to lock lips. Or need a spot to untie the knot? The best break up spots in Washington, D.C. can be found here.

· Last-Minute Valentine's Day Reservations: D.C. Restaurants That Will Still Take Procrastinators [Eater DC]
· Valentine's Day Hotel Deals to Watch Out for in D.C. [Curbed DC]
· The 20 Best Places to Make Out in Washington, D.C. [Curbed DC]
· The 10 Best Places to Break Up in Washington, D.C. [Curbed DC]

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Catch a Movie

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In the East Building Auditorium of the National Gallery of Art, the film, Forever, will be showcased for those looking to chill (in the literal sense) without Netflix. Culture Capital described this film as poetic, quiet, and about a train driver on the Athens who falls in love with a passenger. The film starts at 4 p.m. [Photo via Matthew G. Bisanz/Wikimedia Commons]

6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565
(202) 737-4215
(202) 737-4215

Go to a Concert

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It's not Valentine's Day without some music. At 3:30 p.m., the Cann Duo will perform at the National Gallery of Art in honor of African American History Month. Expect duo sister pianists, Kimberly and Michelle Cann, to bring the house down and make your date and or your day even better. The concert will be held in the West Building. [Photo via Gryffinder/Wikimedia Commons]

Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565
(202) 737-4215
(202) 737-4215

Get Your Dance On

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The Black Cat will host the 8th Annual Valentine's Day Rock-N-Roll Dance Party on Valentine's Day at 10 p.m. Expect the DJs to be Glenn, Max, and Handsome B. Wonderful with musical genres ranging from Doo-wop to the Blues to 50s and 60s Rock. [Photo via Awiseman/Wikimedia Commons]

1811 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-7960
(202) 667-7960

Listen to Poetry

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Don't expect "Roses are Red. Violets are blue" poems at this event. From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., over five readers will perform short readings influenced by Surrealism. The event will be located in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. [Photo via Gryffindor/Wikimedia Commons]

700 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20591
(202) 633-4674
(202) 633-4674

Listen to Classical Music

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Pianist Jenny Lin has been featured in the New York Times, the Kennedy Center, and the Museum of Modern Art. This Valentine's Day, you and your significant other will be able to give her a listen at the Smithsonian American Art Museum beside the Chinatown Metro station. The event starts at 3 p.m. [Photo via Bathlander/Wikimedia Commons]

800 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001

See Some Art

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You're in Washington, D.C., so it's pretty much required to check out an art gallery while you're here. At the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Egyptian-Lebanese artist Lara Baladi takes a look at how photography has shaped perceptions of the Middle East. Hello, conversation starter! The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. [Photo via Another Believer/Wikimedia Commons]

1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 633-1000
(202) 633-1000

Sweat It Out

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On a date, you're probably sweating a little anyway, so why not go the whole nine yards and work out while you're at it? At Dock 5, athletic trainers Chris and Alex Perrin will host what they're calling a #SweatDate from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Be sure to bring a yoga mat, water, and towel as they won't be provided. [Photo via Tom Bridge]

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Smell the Flowers

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This might not be an event, but this is a great location for some romantic vibes. Also, you can argue that what's better than a bouquet than a "living museum" that is also one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America? The U.S. Botanic Garden is also free, so there's a major plus. [Photo via Andreas Praefcke/Wikimedia Commons]

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 225-8333
(202) 225-8333

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Catch a Movie

6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565

In the East Building Auditorium of the National Gallery of Art, the film, Forever, will be showcased for those looking to chill (in the literal sense) without Netflix. Culture Capital described this film as poetic, quiet, and about a train driver on the Athens who falls in love with a passenger. The film starts at 4 p.m. [Photo via Matthew G. Bisanz/Wikimedia Commons]

6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565
(202) 737-4215
(202) 737-4215

Go to a Concert

Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565

It's not Valentine's Day without some music. At 3:30 p.m., the Cann Duo will perform at the National Gallery of Art in honor of African American History Month. Expect duo sister pianists, Kimberly and Michelle Cann, to bring the house down and make your date and or your day even better. The concert will be held in the West Building. [Photo via Gryffinder/Wikimedia Commons]

Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565
(202) 737-4215
(202) 737-4215

Get Your Dance On

1811 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

The Black Cat will host the 8th Annual Valentine's Day Rock-N-Roll Dance Party on Valentine's Day at 10 p.m. Expect the DJs to be Glenn, Max, and Handsome B. Wonderful with musical genres ranging from Doo-wop to the Blues to 50s and 60s Rock. [Photo via Awiseman/Wikimedia Commons]

1811 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-7960
(202) 667-7960

Listen to Poetry

700 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20591

Don't expect "Roses are Red. Violets are blue" poems at this event. From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., over five readers will perform short readings influenced by Surrealism. The event will be located in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. [Photo via Gryffindor/Wikimedia Commons]

700 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20591
(202) 633-4674
(202) 633-4674

Listen to Classical Music

800 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Pianist Jenny Lin has been featured in the New York Times, the Kennedy Center, and the Museum of Modern Art. This Valentine's Day, you and your significant other will be able to give her a listen at the Smithsonian American Art Museum beside the Chinatown Metro station. The event starts at 3 p.m. [Photo via Bathlander/Wikimedia Commons]

800 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001

See Some Art

1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

You're in Washington, D.C., so it's pretty much required to check out an art gallery while you're here. At the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Egyptian-Lebanese artist Lara Baladi takes a look at how photography has shaped perceptions of the Middle East. Hello, conversation starter! The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. [Photo via Another Believer/Wikimedia Commons]

1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 633-1000
(202) 633-1000

Sweat It Out

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

On a date, you're probably sweating a little anyway, so why not go the whole nine yards and work out while you're at it? At Dock 5, athletic trainers Chris and Alex Perrin will host what they're calling a #SweatDate from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Be sure to bring a yoga mat, water, and towel as they won't be provided. [Photo via Tom Bridge]

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Smell the Flowers

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

This might not be an event, but this is a great location for some romantic vibes. Also, you can argue that what's better than a bouquet than a "living museum" that is also one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America? The U.S. Botanic Garden is also free, so there's a major plus. [Photo via Andreas Praefcke/Wikimedia Commons]

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 225-8333
(202) 225-8333