Expert Opinion: CAPITALizing on a Public Interest Budget this Summer in DC
By Jamie Bence and Lauren Forbes
Welcome to DC, summer interns! Make the most of your summer in the District by seeing all that the nation’s capital has to offer and attending events geared towards you. You won’t have to break the bank either, as some of the most fun and interesting things to do are free! Here are a few of our favorite things, followed by a list of resources to help you find 
additional activities.
The National Zoo: The Zoo currently has a record number of lion cubs, a pregnant panda and baby apes. Admission is free, and if you go early, you can avoid the crowds.
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden: In the summer, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is a great place to spend a couple of hours. In the summer you can enjoy Jazz in the Park on Friday afternoons after 5 PM.
Monuments in the Dark: When the sun is out in Washington, so are the tourists — especially at the monuments. That is why it is best to see them at night. Not only will you avoid the crowds, you will also get to enjoy the beautiful lighting.
Outdoor movies for free: One of the more well-know is Screen on the Green. Every Monday night starting in mid-July, there are free movies on the National Mall (an outside area of land in the middle of the district). Bring a blanket, some snacks and a friend to enjoy an outdoor movie… for free!
Walk Up the Exorcist Stairs: If you haven’t seen The Exorcist, firstly, go see it. Georgetown alumnus William Peter Blatty wrote the 1973 thriller and he included the dark stairs in one of the most chilling scenes of his movies. On the brighter side, Georgetown athletes use the stairs to train.
More Resources
- Washington Post’s Intern Guide covers everything from Happy Hour to theater tickets on the cheap.
- NPR provides another great list of things to do, geared toward interns.
- For information about happenings on the Hill, sign up for The People’s List by sending a message to geoffrey.browning@gmail.com.