Community Corner

Government Shutdown Freebies, Deals For Federal Workers In DMV

A slew of restaurants, bars, cafes, and gyms across the region are promoting specials for federal workers during the government shutdown.

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WASHINGTON, DC — Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been trying to make ends meet since parts of the government shut down on Dec. 22. Since no deal has been reached to reopen the government, Washington, D.C., area businesses are taking matters into their own hands.

While these businesses can't force the government to spring into action, they can at least offer deals to federal workers that will make their shutdown experience more bearable.

A slew of restaurants, bars, cafes, and gyms across the region are promoting specials for federal workers during the shutdown. Patch has rounded up a list below:

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Where to Go

IMP Concerts
IMP Concerts is having a BOGO sale for furloughed federal workers until Monday, Jan. 14, or when the government reopens (whichever comes first). The special applies to tickets for eligible 9:30 Club, The Anthem, Lincoln Theatre, and 9:30 Presents at U Street Music Hall shows through Friday, Feb. 8 (while supplies last). The offer is valid online using the password 930Freebie and is limited to two paid tickets per customer.

Newseum
The Newseum is offering free admission to federal employees during the shutdown. Just show a valid government ID at the admission desk.

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GW Basketball
The George Washington University is giving away free men and women's basketball tickets to federal employees with a government ID. Those interested can also call 202-994-GWTIX.

Capitol Riverfront
The first 20 furloughed federal workers with a government ID at Skate with Slapshot on Sunday, Jan. 13 will gain free entry. All government employees will also receive free skate rentals.

Woodrow Wilson House
Show your federal ID or badge to get free admission to the Woodrow Wilson House. Offer is valid Tuesdays through Sundays during the shutdown.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Ashburn and Woodbridge, Virginia are offering federal employees free movie tickets Mondays through Thursdays in January. Remember to present your federal ID at the box office.

GMU Basketball Games
George Mason University is giving away free men and women's basketball tickets to federal workers with a government ID. Employees are limited to two complimentary tickets per contest. For more information, call the George Mason University ticket office at 703-993-3270.

Lincoln's Cottage
Get free admission to Lincoln's Cottage during the shutdown. Make sure to call ahead and bring you government ID to the home.

Alexandria Historic Sites
Alexandria is offering a Key to the City museum pass to both local and federal government workers. Sites included in the pass are: the Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria's History Museum at the Lyceum, Carlyle House Historic Park, Freedom House Museum, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, George Washington Masonic National Memorial Observation Deck, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

The pass also has a 40 percent discount coupon for George Washington's Mount Vernon. Click here to learn more.

Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks' ice rinks, tennis centers, driving range, and permits office will be offering federal government employees discounts. They are:

  • 50 percent off skating admission at at Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena
    • Furloughed federal workers' family members (limited to three) can also skate for free
  • 50 percent off a bucket of balls at the South Germantown Driving Range
  • 50 percent off a Spot Time court fee at Wheaton Indoor Tennis and Pauline Betz Addie Tennis
  • 25 percent discount on permits and rentals while employees are furloughed

Where to Eat and Drink

Sweetgreen
From Friday, Jan. 11 to Sunday, Jan. 13, a government ID will get you a free signature salad from Sweetgreen. This offer is valid from 6 to 8 p.m.

&Pizza
From 6 to 8 p.m., show a valid government ID and get free pizza. Limited to one per person.

Little Havana
A government ID is your ticket to half-price drinks.

Gregory's Coffee
All four D.C. locations are giving away free 12-ounce coffee drinks to federal employees with a government ID.

Bacchus Wine Cellar
Score 20 percent off cases of wine, plus 15 percent off three to six bottles, and 10 percent off liquor.

Carmine's
During the shutdown, Carmine's is extending its Happy Hour Menu all day at the bar and offering its "Hard Times" cocktail for $6. Show your federal ID for free sliders from 2 to 4 p.m.

Pizzeria Paradiso
Present a valid federal ID or business card at Pizzeria Paradiso and get two appetizers and any 12-inch pizza for $30.

Taco Bamba
With a government ID, get a complimentary traditional taco at Taco Bamba's Chinatown location.

Baked by Yael
Baked by Yael, a bakery across from the National Zoo, is giving away free coffee to affected employees during the shutdown, while supplies last.

Sequoia
Discounts are equivalent to the years customers have been employed by the federal government. For instance, 20 years working for the federal government gets you a 20 percent discount. All federal employees will receive a minimum of 10 percent off their bill. The special is valid weekdays during the shutdown.

Ri Ra Georgetown
Government employees with a valid ID get a free Shepherd's Pie during lunch or dinner.

Punch Bowl Social
Arlington's Punch Bowl Social is offering a 25 percent discount on all food, drinks, and games during the shutdown. Remember to present a government ID before you order.

José Andrés' Restaurants: Oyamel, Zaytinya, America Eats Tavern, Beefsteak, Jaleo
Federal workers and their families can head over to any one of José Andrés' restaurants and get a free sandwich. Offer is valid between 2 and 5 p.m.

Capitol Lounge
A government ID is your ticket to a $5 drink at the Capitol Lounge. Drinks include: "Mexico Will Pay For This," "Stephen Miller's Hair Affair," and "Nothing Really Mattis."

District Doughnut
Get a free cup of Compass Coffee with any purchase.

Orney Beer Company
Get 25 percent off a meal for you and a guest every day until the government reopens. Just present your federal ID when you order.

Where to Sweat

Balance Gym
Furloughed workers can get a free workout at any Balance Gym location on weekdays between 1 and 4 p.m. Don't forget your government ID.

Bar Method
Bar Method is offering two weeks of classes for $39. The special exclusively applies to new clients and members who haven't visited Bar Method in six months. Use promo code "SHUTDOWN" at checkout.

In addition, the D.C. studio is having an open house on Saturday, Jan. 12. There will be free classes for new clients at 8, 10:30, and 11:45 a.m. Click here to learn more.

Crunch
You can also take advantage of Crunch's one-day free trial.

CYCLED!
Head over to CYCLED! in Takoma Park, D.C. or Silver Spring, Maryland for a free class. Visit CYCLEDstudios.com and use promo code SweatItOut@CYCLED! to register.

VIDA Fitness
As long as there's a government shutdown, furloughed federal employees can sign up for a free workout or class of their choice.

Image via Shutterstock

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