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.

• Millenium Stage Summer at the REACH

The Kennedy Center is kicking off an event-filled summer on Thursdays through Saturdays until October 2nd. Performances are free, open to the public, and will include films, live performances, art vendors, dance and yoga lessons, and more. Check out the full schedule of concerts and activities online.

July 8–10: Wingapo! Welcome to the Native American Dance Circle

July 15–17: ¡Viva Cultura!: A Celebration of Latinx Arts and Culture

July 22–24: Adobo Gigante

July 29–31: D.C. Legendary Musicians: From Blues to Jazz to Go-Go

August 5–7: Raga at the REACH

August 12–14: Step Afrika! at the Kennedy Center

August 19–21: Preserving Go-Go from the Old School to the New School

August 26–28: On Deck: Women Shredding through the Boundaries

September 2–4: Field Day: A Three-Day Festival for Emerging Voices

September 9–11: The John F. Kennedy Center at 50

September 16–18: National Dance Day

September 23–25: Deaf Culture and Arts Festival

September 30–October 2: The Mumbo Connection

Location: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20566

• U.S. Air Force Band’s Summer Concert Series

Enjoy weekly concerts of the USAF’s Bands on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on the Capitol West Lawn and on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. at the National Harbor. Performances are free to the public, no tickets or reservations are required. Find more info on their website.

Locations: United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20004, USA and National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745

• U.S. Marine Band at Yards Park

Catch the U.S. Marine Band playing in Yards Park while you picnic and take in the views of the Anacostia River. Admission is free and open to the public.

July 21: Marine Big Band – The Marine Big Band consists of 10-15 musicians on saxophone, trumpet and trombone, along with a rhythm section including piano, guitar, bass and drums.

August 18: Marine Band – This concert band program will feature patriotic marches, orchestral transcriptions and virtuoso solos.

Location: Yards Park, 355 Water Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

• Friday Night Concerts at Yards Park

The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 12th Season! Every Friday night at 7 p.m., head to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes’ walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. For more info visit their website.

Location: Yards Park, 355 Water Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

• DC Jazz Fest

The 2023 DC JazzFest will take place August 30th – September 3rd, with 20+ concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent. For lineups and ticket details, visit DC Jazz Fest online.

Location: The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

• Transit Pier Concerts

Summer never sounded better! Join us for free concerts on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening starting at 7:00 p.m. With R&B, Americana, Motown, Jazz, Reggae and your favorite pop covers, there is something for everyone. Grab a snack and a beverage and enjoy live music and waterfront views. See lineup and more info online.

Location: The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

Maryland

• Olney Outdoors

Return outdoors with over 25 summer programs to be held on the newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, this summer from July 7 – September 3, 2023.

From the opening weekend Applause Series performance of West Side Story to the closing concert featuring the legendary Chita Rivera, this promises to be their biggest summer ever. See what’s playing online.

Location: Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832

• Patio Stage 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 promise 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 Outdoor Concert Series

The Lake Arbor Jazz Outdoor Concert Series features some of the nation’s and the region’s finest contemporary jazz and R&B artists including Najee, Frank Mccomb, Eric Roberson, Pieces of a Dream and more. See who’s playing shows July 12- July 16.

Location: SouthePoint, 701 National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745

• Concerts in the Parks

Bring your family, blankets or lawn chairs, a picnic dinner or just a dessert, and join us for the sounds of summer. FREE park admission for concerts. See the full lineup on their website.

Location: Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403

• Summer Concert Series at the Streetery

The Bethesda Urban Partnership is happy to present their summer concert series, Concerts for Kids! Friday mornings from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and all ages concerts Friday night from 6 p.m. – 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: Bethesda Urban Partnership, 7700 Old Georgetown Road, 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 US Military Bands and National Harbor Kids Day: Feel the Beat on July 11th. For information on these concerts and more, visit National Harbor online.

Location: National Harbor, 701 National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Virginia

• Jamin’ Java Outdoor Concert Series

Jamin’ Java has been bringing communities and music together under one roof, or in the case of their concert series, sans roof, for over 20 years. There are tons of artists performing this summer, with a majority of them on their outdoor stage. See their full lineup online.

Location: 227 Maple Avenue E, Vienna, VA 22180

• Tyson’s Corner Center Summerfest

All summer long Tysons Corner Center will welcome local musicians and performers to the Plaza. Every week until August 11th, you can join in on Music & Dance Fridays. Their free summer concert series starts at 7:00 p.m. You can learn more at their website.

July 15: Keeton August 19: Delta Spur

Location: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA 22102

• Fairfax County Park Authority

The FCPA 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 the best local and regional entertainers. Visit their website for more information.

Location: 12055 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, Virginia 22035

• Wolf Trap

Visit Wolf Trap in Vienna this summer for its world-class music concerts, children’s performances and theatre. This summer includes a Disney Princess Concert, Jurassic Park in concert, Regina Spektor and more. Check out their website for tickets and information.

Location: Filene Center, 1551 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 11. See their full lineup online.

Location: Arlington Cultural Affairs, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206

• 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: Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191

 

Read more:

Best Teen Activities and Things To Do This Summer

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Movies in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia