Plato is credited with saying “music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” The time has come to experience the power of music floating through the warm summer air once again with our ultimate guide to outdoor concerts in DMV.
D.C.
- Live! Concert Series on the Plaza
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, enjoy hot entertainment from July through September on Wilson Plaza. There will be free lunchtime performances featuring talented area entertainers. Stay tuned on their website for the performance schedule. There is plenty of outdoor seating, so take the Metro, grab lunch and spend the afternoon grooving.
Location: Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20004
- Jazz in the Garden
Enjoy a variety of musical performances including jazz, Latin fusion, zydeco and more in the Sculpture Garden on Fridays through August 9 (except July 5). Registration will be through a lottery that will take place the week before each concert. Sign up for their weekly newsletter for lottery reminders and visit the website for more details!
Location: National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden, 7th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20408
- U.S. Marine Band Friday Evening Parades
At these ceremonial dress parades Friday evenings through August, witness an awe-inspiring display of military precision and excellence, including musical performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and an impressively choreographed rifle drill executed by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Following the ceremony, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Marines involved in the parade, as well as take photos with the Marine Barracks bulldog mascot, Chesty XVI!
Location: Marine Barracks Washington, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, D.C. 20390
- Adams Morgan Day Festival
On September 8th, this family-friendly celebration features music, art and activities by neighborhood businesses, artists and service organizations for all ages.
Melodies at Kalorama: Live music hosted by DJ Qhill will resound from the stage at Moonlight DC as you sit back, relax, and take in the smooth tunes by local performers. There will also be a Soulful House Session hosted by DJ Divine with a special tribute to DJ Sam “The Man” Burns, who was instrumental in incorporating House music in the Adams Morgan area.
Location: Moonlight DC, 2327 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
- DC Jazz Fest
The 2024 DC JazzFest celebrates its 20th anniversary on August 30th through September 1st, with 30+ performers at both The Wharf and The Anthem. For lineups and ticket details, visit DC Jazz Fest online.
Location: The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024 | The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
- Rock The Dock
All summer long, come to The Wharf on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for free concerts on Transit Pier presented by Pacifico. With R&B, jazz, reggae, go-go, country and your favorite pop covers, there is something for everyone. See the lineup and more info online.
Location: The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Maryland
- Olney Outdoors
Back for another great summer of music, laughter, friends and fun, this year kicks things off with Broadway star Norm Lewis (July 25), to celebrate Olney Theatre’s 86th Birthday. That’s followed by six weeks of area tribute bands, cabarets, comics and drag queens. Plus of course some special events just for kids. Check out the full schedule online.
Location: Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, Md. 20832
- Summer at Strathmore
Bring your favorite goodies for free Live from the Lawn concerts on Wednesdays and Cool Concerts for Kids on Thursdays. All Live from the Lawn shows are family-friendly, but Cool Concerts for Kids promises to offer soul-stirring tunes for people of all ages while creating fun ways for younger audiences to interact with the music. RSVP today!
Location: 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md. 20852
- Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
The Lake Arbor Jazz Festival features national and regional contemporary jazz and R&B artists. This will be a five-day spectacular music event that you won’t want to miss. See who’s playing shows July 17- July 21.
Location: Multiple locations in Mitchellville, Md.
- Summer Concert Series at the Streetery
The Bethesda Urban Partnership is happy to present their summer concert series, Concerts for Kids! Friday mornings, 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. and all-ages concerts Friday night 6-8 p.m. on the corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues. Grab a table and food from any of the local restaurants and enjoy the music. See the full lineup on their website.
Location: Norfolk Avenue Streetery, corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues, Bethesda, Md. 20814
- Summer Concerts at National Harbor
Dozens of music concerts and outdoor events will take place at National Harbor this summer including Salute the Sunset featuring various U.S. Military Bands every Saturday and National Harbor Kids Day every Tuesday. For information on these concerts and more, visit National Harbor online.
Location: National Harbor, 701 National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill, Md. 20745
- Summer Twilight Concert Series
Each Tuesday evening in June, enjoy a series of musical performances set in the beauty of the Gardens! Bring your friends and family, and don’t forget your chairs, blankets and picnics. Food trucks will also be available for your dining pleasure. See both the performer and food truck lineup here.
Location: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Md. 20902
- House Music on the Lawn with DJ Divine
Picture the sun setting on June 8th in a blaze of colors, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees and the sound of music filling the air. It’s the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer soirée!
Location: BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, Md. 20874
- The Concert Pavilion
The Concert Pavilion in Gaithersburg is home to dozens of free outdoor performances and programming each summer! Featuring Wednesday Children’s Summer Concert Series and Thursday Evenings in Olde Towne. Don’t miss out!
Location: Concert Pavilion, 31 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877
- Rockville Town Square
Get hype for their summer concert series on Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.! Check out the full lineup on their events page, featuring over a dozen bands all summer that would love your support.
Location: Rockville Town Square, 200 East Middle Ln., Rockville, Md. 20850
- Lakefront Live Summer Concerts
Take in the sounds with your favorite local bands live on the Boardwalk Stage (Guapo’s), Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. through August. You can enjoy the concerts while dining and cocktailing alfresco at the many restaurant patios! Bringing your own tables is not permitted.
Location: Rio, 9841 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, Md. 20878
- Glen Echo Park Summer Concerts
Enjoy free rain-or-shine outdoor concerts on Thursdays this summer at Glen Echo with free parking and room for dancing! See the full lineup on their website.
Location: Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. 20812
- Bowie Summer Sunset Concert Series
Sundays at 6 p.m. City of Bowie offers performances from big band to hip-hop/funk, from Latin pop to Army Band patriotic music, from church gospel to classic rock. See the lineup on their website. Free. Most concerts are two hours.
Location: Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Drive, Bowie, Md. 20716
Virginia
- Concerts in the Park
Hosted by the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and the Recreation and Parks Department; bring a blanket or folding chairs and a picnic dinner and enjoy the concerts! From July through August, you can see the lineup on their website.
Location: Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, Va. 22046
- Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series
The Fairfax County Park Authority presents its Summer Entertainment Series with a summer-long lineup of family-friendly shows, concerts and movies held across its local parks. Bring a picnic dinner, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy local and regional entertainers. Visit their website for more information.
Location: 17 locations. See performer-specific information on their website.
- Wolf Trap
Visit Wolf Trap this summer for its world-class music concerts, children’s performances and theatre. This summer includes Meki’s Tamure Arts Group (June 21st), Danny Weinkauf & his Red Pants Band (July 6th), KIDZ BOP LIVE (August 10th) and much more. Check out their website for tickets and information.
Location: Trap Road, Vienna, Va. 22182
- Lubber Run Summer Concert Series
The Lubber Run Summer Concert Series features free performances from a variety of genres including big band, blues, soul and orchestral music, as well as cabaret, to the Lubber Run Amphitheater. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. through August 2nd. See their full lineup online.
Location: North Columbus St. & 2nd St. North (two blocks north of Rt. 50), Arlington, Va. 22203
- Summer Concert Series
Reston Community Center is hosting several free summer concerts for families including Summerbration Fab Fridays, Family Fun Entertainment Series and the Take a Break Concert Series. All performances and activities are free and open to the public. See their website for more info.
Location: Various locations around Reston, Va.
