During periods of government shutdown, furloughed federal employees in the Baltimore area often face significant financial uncertainty. In response, a variety of local businesses, cultural institutions, and service providers offer complimentary services, discounted rates, and free admission to support affected workers and their families. These offers typically require proof of furlough status, such as a government ID or pay stub, and may be subject to specific timeframes or location restrictions.
The following guide details available freebies and discounts across various categories, including museums, dining, fitness, grooming, entertainment, and essential services. All information is based on reports from local news sources and official announcements made during the shutdown period.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Several museums in the Baltimore region offer complimentary admission to furloughed federal employees. These institutions provide cultural enrichment and family-friendly activities at no cost during the shutdown.
- B&O Railroad Museum: Located at 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223, the museum offers one complimentary admission to furloughed federal employees upon presentation of a valid employee ID.
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum: Situated at 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, this museum provides free admission to groups of four when a valid government ID is presented in person. This offer is valid Wednesday through Sunday throughout the shutdown. Additional details are available at www.lewismuseum.org.
- The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum: Located at 701 Wilson Point Rd., Middle River, MD 21220, the museum offers free admission to furloughed government employees during the shutdown. This offer is valid Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens: Located at 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., federal workers can present a government ID to receive complimentary admission to the estate.
- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Located at 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201, the orchestra offered free tickets to federal government employees for "Turangalila-symphonie" concerts. A valid government ID was required at the Ticket Office before each performance, with two tickets available per ID.
- Baltimore Center Stage: Located at 700 N Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202, the center offered two free tickets to see the preview performance for the Tony award-winning play Fun Home.
Dining and Food Services
Local eateries have stepped up to provide free meals and special deals for furloughed workers.
- Villagio Cafe: Located at 6805 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212, the cafe offers a free lunch special to all federal employees who present a government-issued ID. The deal is valid for dine-in only, for the individual only, and was scheduled from January 17 to January 25 during weekday lunch hours.
- Homegrown Restaurant Group: Bill Blackburn of Homegrown Restaurant Group stated that the group has provided sandwiches to those in need since 2013, viewing it as a token of appreciation for the community.
Laundry Services
- Laundry City: All locations across the Baltimore area offer free washing, drying, detergent, fabric softener, Wi-Fi, and a complementary shuttle pick-up service to help federal workers. Additional details are available at www.laundrycity24.com.
Libraries
- Anne Arundel County Public Library: The library system will waive fines incurred between January 4 through the end of the government shutdown for federal government employees, contractors, and their families. Libraries will not send customers to collections during the shutdown. Customers who have already been affected should contact their local branch to have their fines waived.
Fitness and Wellness
Several fitness studios offer free classes to furloughed employees.
- Fit4Mom Howard County: Located at 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044, all furloughed moms can attend any weekday Stroller Strides class for free during January. Registration is required for the planned class, and a government ID must be presented. The individual must live or work in Howard County to receive this deal.
- Birkham Yoga Works: Located at 500 Park Avenue in Mount Vernon, furloughed employees are welcome to free noon classes Monday through Friday. Participants can take Bikram Yoga or a HIIT/Hot Pilates class every day at 12 p.m. A valid Federal ID is the only requirement.
- Solidcore: Locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Wildwood, and DC offer one complimentary off-peak class to any furloughed federal employee. To schedule a class, email [email protected], and present a government ID upon arrival.
Grooming and Personal Care
- VIP Barbershop: Located at 7556 Teague Rd. #114, Hanover, MD 21076, this barbershop offers free haircuts to the children of furloughed government employees. Parents must provide a copy of their furloughed pay stubs. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be booked by calling Jason Coney at (443) 467-5331.
- Floyd's 99 Barbershop: With multiple locations nationwide, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers half-priced haircuts and complimentary massage shampoos to furloughed government employees until the end of the government shutdown. A valid government ID must be presented to receive the discount.
After-School Activities and Childcare
- Pongos Learning Lab: Located at 2141 Priest Bridge Drive, Suite 8, Crofton, MD, the lab offers free entry into drop-in STEM clubs for kids of families affected by the government shutdown. Clubs include LEGO, Coder Kids Club, YouTube Stars/Animators, Robotics, and Gamer Club. Parents can use the FURLOUGH discount code to pre-register and show a government ID or other proof of furlough status at check-in.
- Drop-in Play: Offers free drop-in play for children over 18 months old. Starting January 18 and continuing until the shutdown ends, this offer is available every Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is strictly first-come, first-served, so those interested should arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. A waiver must be signed, and participants must be over 18. For more information, call (410) 880-0010 (Jessup) or (571) 353-1220 (Dulles).
Entertainment
- Bennett’s Curse and CreepyWoods Haunted Forest: Located in Baltimore and White Marsh, MD, Bennett’s Curse Haunted House and Creepywoods Haunted Forest offered a "Furlough Fear Deal" to federal employees affected by the government shutdown.
Work Spaces
- CAMPspace: Located at 4214 Gallatin St, Hyattsville, MD 20781, offers a free coworking space to work on passion projects or side hustles. The offer includes Wi-Fi, unlimited Mocha Box Coffee, comfy seating, and access to community members. Individuals must register beforehand using the code "GOVTFREE" and have proof of being furloughed.
Sporting Events
- Maryland Athletic Department: The department offered two complimentary general admission tickets to federal government employees for specific men’s and women’s basketball games. Tickets could be picked up by showing a government ID at the Terrapin Ticket Office, located at Gate A.
Financial and Utility Assistance
- Montgomery County: The county opened a Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center aimed at providing support to displaced federal workers. Services include assistance navigating a career change and free financial counseling.
- Utility Protections: The state has protections in place to prevent electric and gas companies from shutting off service to furloughed employees missing bills. These protections activate on the eighth day of a government shutdown.
- Federal Shutdown Loan Program: Should the shutdown continue, a program offering a $700 no-interest loan to impacted employees opens on October 6. The loan must be paid back 45 days after the shutdown ends.
Mental Health and Support Services
- The Archdiocese of Baltimore: Offers help to Marylanders looking for mental health or counseling services. These services are provided through Catholic Charities of Baltimore and other partners of the diocese. Details on how to get help are available on the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s website.
Animal Welfare
- Baltimore Humane Society: Offers aid to federal workers regarding pet food and other supplies. For questions, call 410-833-8848 ext. 212.
Conclusion
During the government shutdown, a network of businesses and organizations in the Baltimore area provides essential services and entertainment to furloughed federal employees. From free meals and laundry services to museum admissions and fitness classes, these offers aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by affected workers and their families. Eligibility generally requires proof of furlough status, and offers are often limited by time or location. Affected individuals should verify specific requirements and availability directly with the providers.