Free DC: Valentine's Day

February 5, 5:16 PMDC Budget Travel ExaminerKatie Howell

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(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

For a traveler on a budget, there’s nothing better than free. Travelers headed to the nation’s capital -- and residents -- are lucky because of the profusion of free things to do around the city. Periodically, I’ll offer up suggestions of these free activities. Today: free Valentine’s Day activities.

We may be living in tough economic times, but that doesn’t mean Valentine’s Day has to be about tough love -- not with the sheer number of free things to do around Washington this month. So whether you’re lucky in love -- and broke -- in the District or looking for cheap activities to do during your romantic V-Day getaway to D.C., this handy guide of five free things to do for Valentine’s Day is all for you.

Romp at the zoo: Bridget Jones-esque singletons and couples alike will howl at the chance to attend the free Woo at the Zoo event at the National Zoo. This frisky, fun-filled event will feature animal experts light-heartedly discussing the critters’ mating and dating habits. Bonus: free hors d'oeuvres, roses and a Valentine’s “treat.” You and your deer one will have blast at this romp. The event will take place Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Visitor Center Auditorium. The Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW.

Chocolate indulgence: Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate. Spend Valentine’s Day weekend at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Power of Chocolate festival, learning about the history, medicinal properties and cultural influence of chocolate. Events include dancers, demonstrations and interactions with cacao growers. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, 2009, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day at the National Museum of the American Indian, which is located at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW.

Make it a movie night: Catch a flick or three. The National Gallery of Art is presenting a free viewing of “Ciné-Concert: Show Life” on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 4:30 p.m. in the East Building Concourse Auditorium. This German film is an “obliquely romantic tale of unrequited love between a waif and a knife thrower, a Madame Butterfly scenario filled with dance and cabaret.” The National Gallery is located at Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Afterward, head over to the National Geographic Society headquarters for a complimentary reception before an 8 p.m. presentation of “Departures,” a Japanese film that is a contender for this year’s Best Foreign Language Oscar. Tickets to the movie are $8, but hey, the popcorn’s free. National Geographic is located at 1600 M St. NW.

Sweetheart serenade: Perhaps your singing voice isn’t quite up to the task of serenading your sweetheart. Instead, head over to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage for free concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra on Friday, Feb. 13, and the Paschall Brothers on Valentine’s Day. Both performances are at 6 p.m., and the Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St. NW.

Lincoln love: Show some love for Abraham Lincoln by checking out the original Emancipation Proclamation on display from Feb. 12-16 at the National Archives. If you go on Feb. 14, be sure to check out the screening of “Young Mr. Lincoln” at noon in the William G. McGowan Theater. It’s free. The Archives are located at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Wallets are tight. You and your sweetie should be too! From dining deals to decorations, Examiners share tips and recommendations on how to give more love with less debt on Valentine's Day.

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