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Friday Freebies: Popsicles, hairstyles and summer fun

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

WTOP is relaunching “Friday Freebies,” bringing you the top freebies you can get in the D.C. region, every week.

We’ll run them down every Friday morning on air at 103.5 FM and here on WTOP.com.

Know of a freebie you’d like featured in WTOP’s Friday Freebies roundup? Let us know!

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Another week down, let’s give your wallet a break with this latest edition of Friday Freebies. From food to events, here are some things to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Free summer fun at Western Market

Western Market in Foggy Bottom is hosting a summer event this weekend. The event runs Saturday and Sunday and features shopping, food, music and other activities, along with chances to win prizes and giveaways.

Free popsicles and more at the popsicle festival

Cool off Sunday at the Popsicle Festival in Northwest D.C. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and features free popsicles, food, crafts, games and a moon bounce. Families can also pick up free school supplies and backpacks, plus free haircuts and braiding while supplies last.

Free hairstyles and backpacks at a back-to-school bash

Getting ready for the new school year? A free Back 2 School Bash is happening Sunday in Southeast D.C. from noon to 5 p.m. Families can get free hairstyles, including haircuts and braiding, along with free stuffed backpacks while supplies last. The event also includes games, crafts, face painting, a moon bounce, food, raffles and giveaways.

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Things to do in the DC area: ‘Yokai Parade,’ National Book Festival … and more!

In the United States, there are tales of cryptids like Bigfoot or the Mothman. Japanese folklore tells stories of yokai: supernatural monsters that range from shape-shifters to tricksters to comical creatures that have influenced popular culture. A new traveling exhibition celebrates yokai at the Japan Information & Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan Organized by The Japan Foundation, "Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan," is arranged in four chapters, exploring picture scrolls, woodblock prints, games, sculptures and other mediums. A video also details the history and influence of yokai. "We see from at the beginning of the exhibition, yokai were something truly to be feared," Gabrielle Headly, the center's exhibition coordinator, said. "But then you also see how they have very cartoon-like illustrative properties, or how they're very friendly."
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