Free and Easy

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.

Sunday
'The Gaucho' at the National Gallery of Art
Silent-screen stars Douglas Fairbanks and Lupe Velez team up for a swashbuckling Argentine adventure. Pianist Ben Model accompanies the film, freshly restored to its 1927 glory.

Monday
Afro Bop Alliance at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
The award for best Latin jazz recording at the Latin Grammys went to Annapolis's own Afro Bop Alliance, a seven-member band that fuses familiar jazz forms with Brazilian and Afro-Cuban musical styles and infectious percussion.

Tuesday
Cartoon Afternoons at the Lincoln Theatre
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Lincoln Theatre's animated matinees, which mix classic Looney Tunes cartoons and the more recent "Happily Ever After," an HBO series of updated fairy tales voiced by Will Smith, Eartha Kitt and Marc Anthony.

Wednesday
Chincoteague Wild Pony Swim at Assateague Island
Here's an excuse to call in sick: Hundreds of wild ponies swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island during this annual festival. Once in Chincoteague, foals are auctioned off to benefit the local volunteer fire department. The day includes a carnival with games and live entertainment. (The actual time of the swim depends on tides, but it usually takes place by noon.)

Thursday
'Mingering Mike: Prints and New Work at Hemphill Fine Arts
Mingering Mike is one of D.C.'s outsider art heroes: a man who designed dozens of fake rock and soul records with intricate sleeves, labels and credits that track his shining '60s and '70s "career." If you've never experienced Mike's cardboard dreams, this is a good place to start; also on exhibit is Judy Pfaff's latest series of elaborate prints.

Friday
'E.T.' at Gateway Park
Steven Spielberg's moving story about an alien stranded on Earth became one of the most loved films of the '80s -- and the highest-grossing movie of the decade. The screening begins at dusk, and there are games and prizes for early arrivals.

Saturday
Kids at DC9
The DJs behind DC9's monthly Kids night are known for spinning electro jams and Baltimore club hits at the Nouveau Riche and $weat$hop events, but tonight they toss those MP3s aside for hip-hop classics, party anthems and the latest radio bangers. Admission -- and Olde English malt liquor -- is free before 10 p.m.

-- Fritz