Free Comic Book Day is May 2 — Here's what you need to know

FCBD is an annual promotional effort by the North American comic book industry to attract new readers to independent comic book stores, with over 2,000 participating stores giving away millions of comic books each year. The tradition dates back to 2002, when it was timed to coincide with the opening weekend of the original "Spider-Man" film — and it's been a beloved fixture of the pop culture calendar ever since.

The rules are simple: head to a participating store, grab your free comics (quantities and per-person limits vary by shop), and browse while you're there. Many locations host special events with sales, celebrity guests and costume contests. Some stores go above and beyond with creator signings, cosplay prizes and door giveaways for the first fans in line.

Use the official Store Locator at freecomicbookday.com to find a shop near you. For DMV-area fans, here are a few confirmed participating locations to check out:

  • Third Eye Comics: 4744 Cherry Hill Road, College Park, MD
  • Fantom Comics: 2010 P St NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC
  • Big Planet Comics: 426 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; 7939 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD; 1524 U St., NW Floor 1, Washington, DC
  • The Amazing Comic Shop: 10647 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA
  • Confirm hours and any special events directly with your chosen shop before heading out — and get there early. Free comics go fast.

Travel the world without leaving DC: Around the World Embassy Tour returns May 2

You don't need a passport or a plane ticket to experience dozens of countries in a single day. The Around the World Embassy Tour is back on May 2, running from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it's one of the most unique and beloved free events the District has to offer.

Pick up a free souvenir passport to collect stamps at each embassy you visit. Passports will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at three information booth locations: Dupont Circle, 1 Dupont Circle NW; the UDC Student Center, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW; and the Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th St NW. Maps will be available at the same spots.

Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion and music of different countries. This year's tour features an impressive lineup of 33 participating embassies. Each embassy opens its doors to showcase the best of its country's heritage — whether that's a traditional dish, a live performance, a craft demonstration or a hands-on cultural activity.

Admission is free and reservations are not required, though they are recommended to stay updated on the latest event info. You can RSVP via Eventbrite to receive alerts. Street parking is available but can be difficult near many embassy locations, so the Dupont Circle and Van Ness/UDC Metrorail stations are the best bets.

The Events DC App will also be available to enhance your experience, offering embassy information and augmented reality features that highlight national landmarks associated with each participating country — plus automatic virtual stamps as you visit each stop.

Egg Hunts Galore

  • April 1-5. Hop into spring at this family-friendly Easter egg hunt running the weekend of April 4-5, plus weekdays through April 3. Kids ages 1-3 and 4-6 hunt in separate age groups, then turn in their eggs for a goodie bag so every child goes home happy regardless of how many eggs they find. Hunts run throughout the day with multiple time slots available. The petting farm, rides and play areas are also open for the full farm experience. The farm is also open Easter Monday, April 6, though egg hunts will not be held that day.
  • Location: Clark's Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD

"Beauty and the Beast"

  • April 1-5. Disney's beloved musical brings the romance, grandeur and magic of the classic tale to the stage with spectacular new sets, dazzling costumes and favorite songs like "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast." Recommended for ages 6 and up.
  • Location: The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC

90-Minute Weekday Recess at Funbox Bowie

  • April 1-3, 6-10, and 13. This relaxed weekday play session offers 90 minutes of inflatable fun with flexible start times every 15 minutes. Families, homeschool groups and learning pods can enjoy an inclusive environment, with the first session of each day designed to be sensory-friendly.
  • Location: Funbox Bowie, 3861 Evergreen Parkway, Bowie, MD

Hershey Super Sweet Adventure

  • April 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30. This interactive, family-friendly experience invites kids and parents into a whimsical candy-themed world filled with hands-on games, active play, multi-sensory activities and sweet surprises inspired by Hershey favorites like Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and more.
  • Location: Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA

Cinderella

  • April 2-4, 6, 9-12 and 16-19. The Puppet Co.'s adaptation of this classic fairy tale brings Cinderella's journey to the royal ball to life with 15 handmade rod puppets, magical transformations and a hopeful rags-to-riches story. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
  • Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD

Easter Egg Hunts at Green Meadows Petting Farm

  • April 2-5. Children 12 and under can enjoy age-grouped Easter egg hunts throughout the day, meet the Easter Bunny and have fun with hayrides, animal feedings, pig races and more at the petting farm.
  • Location: Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville, MD

Storytime

  • April 3, 10, 17 and 24. Families can drop in for a free museum storytime with a fresh story, a stroll through the museum, hands-on postal play and activities that explore how mail connects people, places and big ideas.
  • Location: National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E., Washington, DC

"The Wizard of Oz"

  • April 3-4. This original adaptation of the classic tale brings Dorothy's journey to life with high-energy dance, catchy music, clever dialogue, special effects and creative costuming.
  • Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 West Patrick St., Frederick, MD

Black Barn Alpacas' Easter Egg-stravaganza

  • April 3-4. Families can celebrate the season with hand-feeding alpacas, an untimed Easter egg hunt with prizes, photos with the Easter Bunny, fleece Easter egg crafts, lawn games and a jumbo farm slide.
  • Location: Black Barn Alpacas, 2401 Bollinger Mill Road, Finksburg, MD

"Dog Man The Musical" at Capital One Hall

  • April 3-4. Based on Dav Pilkey's bestselling series, this hilarious and heartfelt musical follows Dog Man as he fights crime, faces off against Petey the cat and tries to save the city in a family adventure full of action and laughs. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
  • Location: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA

Easter Extravaganza

  • April 4. This free family celebration features live music, Easter egg hunts, a puppet performance, games, prizes and more.
  • Location: Timonium Presbyterian Church, 303 W Timonium Road, Timonium, MD

Petalpalooza

  • April 4. Celebrate spring along the Anacostia River at Petalpalooza, a full day of music, art and family-friendly activities as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The event features multiple outdoor stages with live performances, interactive art installations, hands-on activities for kids and roaming entertainers throughout the waterfront. The evening concludes with the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks show set to music beginning at 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Capital Riverfront, Navy Yard Metro (West Entrance at Half Street SE), Washington, DC

Anime, Video Game, and K-Pop meet Jazz!

  • April 4. This free concert features jazz arrangements of favorite anime, video game and K-pop music, with selections inspired by Pokémon, Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and more.
  • Location: Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St Germain Drive, Centreville, VA

Good Morning, Good Night

  • April 4, 11-12 and 18-19. This gentle, multi-sensory show invites very young children to discover the beauty of daytime and nighttime as they help Winnie and August wake the birds, bake fresh clouds, release fireflies and shine the stars.
  • Location: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD

KIDOOO Install Day

  • April 4-5. Young artists ages 5-16 are invited to bring one original framed artwork to be exhibited at Maryland Art Place as part of this youth version of Out of Order. The free first-come, first-served installation day gives kids a chance to showcase their work in a major arts venue.
  • Location: Maryland Art Place, 218 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD

Springfield Town Center Blossom Festival 2026

  • April 11. This free family festival features spring activities, live music, entertainment, kid-friendly fun and dozens of exhibitors outdoors.
  • Location: Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®

  • April 11. One of DC's biggest annual spectacles, this parade fills Constitution Avenue with giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, celebrity performers and festive spring energy.
  • Location: Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th Streets, Washington, DC

Stamp Out Waste!

  • April 11. Families can celebrate Earth Month with creative and educational activities focused on sustainability and reducing waste. Activities include writing eco-themed postcards, creating art from reclaimed materials and participating in story times at noon and 2 p.m. Smithsonian educators are also on hand throughout the day.
  • Location: National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC

"Aesop's Fables"

  • April 25-26. "Aesop's Fables" is a lively theatrical adventure that brings classic stories to life through humor and imagination. A troupe of traveling storytellers retells beloved tales including "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and "The Lion and the Mouse." Each story shares lessons about patience, honesty and kindness, creating a fun and meaningful experience for young audiences.
  • Location: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD