Posted at 12:00 AM ET, 09/20/2009

Free and Easy Events

By Fritz Hahn

Heath Ledger is the Joker in "The Dark Knight," the finest Batman film and the final outdoor movie in Crystal City this summer. (Reuters)

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
'Since Darwin: The Evolution of Evolution' at the Natural History Museum
In honor of Darwin's 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking "On the Origin of Species," a new exhibit examines the way his theory of evolution has helped unify biological sciences.

Monday
'The Dark Knight' at Crystal Screen Summer Film Series
Crystal City's outdoor movies wrap up for the season with a screening of Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance.

Tuesday
Sonic Circuits Festival Opening Night at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
The first night of this annual festival devoted to all forms of experimental electronic music features performances by multi-instrumentalist Elliot Sharp, singer Thomas Buckner, composer Annea Lockwood, BLK w/BEAR + VJ Poppins, and the improv duo Never Work.

Wednesday
'The Johnstown Flood' at the National Archives
Watch and discuss Charles Guggenheim's Oscar-winning documentary about the 1889 catastrophe that killed more than 2,000 people.

Thursday
NEA Heritage Fellowship Awards at Strathmore
The National Endowment for the Arts' Heritage Awards honor folk musicians, artists and dancers from across the country. A number of this year's winners will perform at this free concert. Six tickets can be reserved per household.

Friday
Chuck Brown at Live! on Woodrow Wilson Plaza
The Godfather of Go-Go performs at an after-work concert to wind up the season's longest outdoor music series.

Saturday
National Book Festival on the National Mall
The ninth annual festival hosts readings, discussions and book-signings with dozens of authors, including Judy Blume, John Grisham, Ken Burns, George Pelecanos, Sue Monk Kidd, John Irving, Paula Deen and James Patterson.

-- Fritz