Free and Easy Events

Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com.

Monday
'Stanley Mouse: Grateful Life' at Govinda Gallery
Painter Stanley Mouse is best known for the iconic concert posters and album covers he created for the Grateful Dead -- think combinations of skulls and roses -- but he also worked with many other artists of the era, from Big Brother and the Holding Company to the Steve Miller Band. Vintage paintings and new works hang in this show at Georgetown's Govinda Gallery. Mouse himself will attend the April 13 opening celebration.

Tuesday
American College Theater Festival Concert Readings
The Kennedy Center's annual festival spotlighting outstanding theater from colleges across the country is back. Tonight, there will be a free concert reading of "Dead in the Kitchen" by Jaime Cruz from the University of Wyoming. Mauricio Salgado, Alex Oberheide and Marita Andrade will do the honors.

Wednesday
'The Rise and Fall of Annie Hall'
Theater J hosts back-to-back pay-what-you-can previews of this world premiere comedy tonight and Thursday. The play follows a man who will stop at nothing -- including alienating his family -- in a quest to secure the rights for Woody Allen's famous movie.

Thursday
Take Five: Three-Day JAM Fest
For Jazz Appreciation Month, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is hosting all sorts of live performances including tonight's concert featuring Bemcha in the Kogod Courtyard. The Latin jazz group blends salsa, mambo and tango, among other musical styles to create a unique, energetic performance. Bring a few bucks if you feel like grabbing a drink or some food, which will be for sale in the courtyard as well.

Friday
'Art Into Life, Life Into Art'
The Edison Gallery is celebrating the career of artist Lou Kaplan -- a fixture in the local arts scene -- with a 25-year survey, including works of abstract expressionism, figurative art and prints. The new exhibition kicks off with an opening reception tonight from 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday
Benjy Ferree
As part of Record Store Day, the local favorite will give a free acoustic performance at Som Records. Som is also the only place in D.C. to find the Domino Records sampler with exclusive tracks by Ferree, Franz Ferdinand, Junior Boys and more.

Sunday
Earth Day on the National Mall
Celebrate Earth Day a few days early with this festival on the National Mall. There will be speakers, activities and live music all devoted to eco-friendly living.

Monday
Living Lincoln Series
Lincoln's birthday may have come and gone but the bicentennial celebration continues at Ford's Theater with free weekly performances and discussions dedicated to the 16th president. This week, a panel of scholars led by Howard University's Dr. Edna Medford discusses race and emancipation in the age of Lincoln.

-- Stephanie