Washington, D.C. Home to the U.S. Capitol, the world’s most recognizable building. The city where 43 presidents have laid their heads to rest. Birthplace of Marvin Gaye and the favorite of politically-hungry undergrads. It’s the setting for “Murphy Brown,” “The West Wing” and “Get Smart.” We’ve got the Exorcist stairs, the Nationals and the Sweet Potomac. And though this is a city that sleeps, isn’t all that windy and has significantly more devils than angels, D.C.’s got one thing on those other major U.S. metropolises: a whole lot of free — and fabulous — stuff. THE GUIDE set out to spend a day in our fair city without spending a single cent. That’s right — a whole day of fun that comes at no cost, save some of your dignity. So leave your wallet at home — all you’ll need are some sturdy walking shoes (or a MetroCard for the less pedestrian amongst us) and an open mind. No Smithsonian museums involved — we promise. Breakfast No one said free came easy — breakfast is going to take a little planning. Luckily it’s as easy as stealing from students … who serve students. Hang out in Sellinger through the wee hours of the night and Uncommon Grounds is guaranteed to set out the baked goods that weren’t sold that day. At best, some pastries, pain au chocolat and the rare Sinn-a-muffin will practically fall into your lap around 1:45 a.m. At worst, a stale everything bagel will come your way. But, beggars can’t be choosers — bring a Ziploc bag to preserve freshness for the next day. Price of Breakfast: $0 Total cost: 2 hours of sleep With a wholesome breakfast checked off the list, it’s time to start the day. No “free in D.C.” list is complete without a stop at the museum. This one’s a far cry from anything you’ll find on the Mall: the Black Fashion Museum. Nestled in a residential area just off the U Street corridor, the BFM was founded by Lois Alexander-Lane as a repository for period and contemporary apparel designed by people of the African diaspora. The colorful fabrics and varied styles of its holdings are a testament to the lineage they represent — dresses from Elizabeth Keckley, a formerly enslaved dress designer to Mary Todd Lincoln, and Ann Low, who designed Jackie Bouvier’s (later Jackie-O) wedding gown. The building itself speaks to its own rich history. Thought to have been a part of the Underground Railroad during the early 19th century, the row house later became the Soujourner Truth Home for Women and Girls. What’s more, the Black Fashion Museum is part of the African American Heritage Trail, which offers over 200 sites throughout the District dedicated to preserving African American culture. Most of them free. Price of admission: $0 (donations are suggested) Total cost: Three bites of humble pie as you duck past the donation box There’s no such thing as a free lunch ... Unless you take advantage of your congressional representative and the taxes you thought were going to education and road construction. If you schedule your free day far enough in advance, you can request a luncheon with your local representative. They’ll typically take you to the Congressional dining room, a few steps above the grab-n-go lunch at Leo’s. Come prepared to talk about your hometown and the weather, and chalk the uncomfortable silences up to a recreational hazard. Free isn’t always interesting, either. Price of lunch: $0 Total cost: 30 minutes of awkward conversation The most important meal of the day: check. Culture and history: check. D.C.-centric lunch conversation: check. Now, let’s have some fun with our free-dom. Head up to Adams Morgan for some modern art like you’ve never seen it before. After Baltimore resident Brandon Hill heard about a man dragging a woman by her hair in the name of art, he decided to one-up the exhibit. So he created a group that makes art by break-dancing across a canvas after soaking their hands and feet with paint. Four men paint in epic 10-hour stints, sometimes choreographed, other times freestyle. But, if you’re going to take advantage of this oh-so-free opportunity, you better hop on it — performances are only open to the public from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. until Sept. 3 at the D.C. Arts Center Gallery at 2438 18th St. NW. Price of admission: $0 Total cost: The Tide you’ll have to buy later to remove the splattering If you haven’t had enough of the fun-for-free yet, make sure your free day is a Friday. That way, you can take advantage of Jazz in the Garden, a free, outdoor music concert held in D.C.’s playground, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Running until Sept. 15, the event promises good music from an eclectic collection of D.C.’s finest artists. The reflecting pool and fountain set the mood; the venue’s blind eye to those who believe in BYOB keeps the fun flowing. The garden stays open an extra hour, so the good times keep on rolling. Wait until the picnickers next to you have taken in the vibe — and the wine — and explain to them your mission. Hopefully, they’ll understand your plight and share enough crackers to make a dinner. Price of Jazz: $0 Total cost: A little shameless flirting