As the weather warms up and the daylight hours stretch further into the evening, you look for more activities to enjoy outdoors with your friends and family. Living in the Washington, DC area provides you access to amazing outdoor live music.
If you love music, there’s sure to be an outdoor music event on the horizon that you can’t wait to score tickets to attend. Also, with all the great transportation options in the DC area, you’re sure to find some toe-tapping music within easy traveling distance of your apartment.
Highlights of Outdoor Live Music Events in Washington, DC
- Jazz in the Garden: A popular summer tradition at the National Art Gallery featuring live jazz performances every Friday from mid-May to late August.
- Drum Circle in Malcolm X Park: A lively Sunday afternoon drum circle at Malcolm X Park, honoring cultural and historical influences with local drummers and performers.
- Gaithersburg Kids Concert Series: A free, family-friendly concert series held in Gaithersburg, offering musical performances and educational experiences for children.
- Friday Night Live! at Herndon Town Green: A weekly summer concert series in Herndon featuring diverse East Coast bands, plus food options and local beer sampling.
- Summer Concerts at Woodrow Wilson Plaza: Lunchtime concerts showcasing a variety of genres, from jazz to pop-rock, held from July to September.
- Summer Concerts at Washington Harbour: Free weekly live music concerts along the Potomac River, offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Military Band Concerts: Patriotic and unique performances by the U.S. military bands held at various locations throughout the city during the summer months.
- DC Jazz Fest: A massive jazz festival in July with over 300 artists performing at multiple venues across Washington, DC.
- Firefly Music Festival: A major summer music event in the DC area, offering multi-day performances with famous bands and festival amenities.
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival: A cultural celebration with music, dance, and workshops from around the world, held each summer on the National Mall.
- Fort Reno Free Concerts: A long-standing tradition of free concerts in July at Fort Reno Park, featuring local bands of various genres.
- Lubber Run Amphitheater Concerts: Free outdoor concerts sponsored by Arlington Arts, held on weekends throughout the summer at Lubber Run Amphitheater.
- Silver Spring Summer Concert Series: A family-friendly concert series in Silver Spring, offering local music and free raffles every Thursday evening.
- Netherlands Carillon Live Concerts: Free summer concerts at the Netherlands Carillon with beautiful views of Washington, DC, and music played on 50 bells.
Jazz in the Garden at the National Art Gallery
Each summer, starting in mid-May and ending in late August, your Friday night will be filled with the sound of jazz performed by local artists at the Jazz in the Garden at the National Art Gallery series. Whether you attend only a single concert or hit up the event weekly, this is a DC tradition that you simply must attend once.
Starting at 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each Friday, you can enjoy the sounds of jazz from African fusion and salsa to New Orleans Dixieland and go-go against the backdrop of the gorgeous National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden with its unique pieces of art.
When listening to the sounds of live jazz in the sculpture garden, please make sure not to touch the art pieces. You can’t take any drinks into the garden; however, there are alcoholic drinks, juices, water, and other drinks available at the Pavilion Café.
During the jazz series concerts, there is an outdoor grill to try new dishes, and you can also pick up a sandwich or burger inside the cafe. Just eat in the designated area to help keep the sculpture garden pristine.
Each year, the National Art Gallery publishes the list of jazz performers around May. This is a free event for the public, but you might want to bring some cash for the amazing offerings at the cafe. Plus it’s a quick hop, skip, and jump from your cozy apartment in Foggy Bottom, DC.
Drum Circle in Malcolm X Park
On Sunday afternoons, the Malcolm X Park, also known as Meridan Park, comes alive with the sounds and rhythms of drums. Locals bring out their drums of all sorts and types to take part in a drum circle, playing sounds from all types of island-influenced music.
Much of the sounds come from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic as well as protest sounds from the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s. There are a variety of origin stories for the Malcolm X Park drum circle, including:
- On the day of Malcolm X’s assassination, February 21, 1965, Baba Mgoma went to Meridan Park and played the drums to honor the fallen Civil Rights hero. The drum circle continued and became a weekly tradition.
- Another origin story sees the drum circle begin on Dupont Circle in the late 1960s. Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans led the circle. Eventually, the drum circle migrated from Dupont Circle to Malcolm X Park.
- Still, others claim the drum circle began as a way to honor Baba Mgoma, one of the greatest drummers of all time and mentor to many future drummers.
This informal gathering takes place almost every Sunday. You might catch sight of jugglers, acrobats, and artists working creatively. You can head on down to Malcolm X Park and dance when the mood strikes you or sit back and watch the fun.
Gaithersburg Kids Concert Series
If you have young kids at home, you want them to enjoy the beautiful weather and learn to appreciate music by taking them to concerts. The Gaithersburg Kids Concert Series occurs in the City Hall Concert Pavilion and can include musical, theater, and magical acts.
It’s free to attend the concert series but afterward, you can take your kids into the Gaithersburg Community Museum for “Discovery Thursdays.” For the cost of $2 admission, you and your kids can learn more about the performance that you just saw.
The series begins the first Thursday in July and runs through the end of August. It’s a great summertime activity for when the kids are out of school. The performances begin at 10:30 a.m. and end around 11:30 a.m.
Friday Night Live! at Herndon Town Green
Kick-off your weekend in style this summer with the Friday Night Live! at Herndon Town Green. Each year, this venue packs the seats with some amazing musicians that change each week.
You can check their website as summer gets closer to check out the full line up, but you might get to see The Amish Outlaws or Under the Covers. This series welcomes some of the best bands from the East Coast.
The series starts at the beginning of May and winds down at the end of August. You can expect each concert to begin at around 6:30 p.m. and end around 10:30 p.m. If there are two bands listed for a single evening, then the first band takes the stage at 6:30 and the second band begins playing around 8:00 p.m.
Don’t worry about eating before you arrive. There’s always Dominos available for a hot meal and Dairy Queen for dessert. Each week, another local restaurant offers meals on a rotating schedule. Each month, there is a beer of the month to sample and find a new favorite.
Summer Concerts at Woodrow Wilson Plaza
You may find it hard to go back to your desk after enjoying a lunchtime music event at Summer Concerts at Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Each concert brings a new musical style, including Brazilian Jazz, neo-soul, bluegrass folk, reggae rock, country, pop-rock and more.
The summer concert series begins at the end of July and runs through the end of September. Musicians take the stage from noon until 1:00 p.m. You can grab your lunch and one of the many available seats for a lunchtime serenade.
This concert series began in 2000. The event planners hoped to create a pedestrian link between the business district north of Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall.
Summer Concerts at Washington Harbour
When you attend a concert at Washington Harbour, you get stunning water views, delicious dining options, and concerts in the summertime. Washington Harbour is well-known for live entertainment throughout the year.
The Summer Concerts at Washington Harbour brings the area to life with good music from local area bands. The concerts take place on Wednesday nights in the plaza area along the Potomac River waterfront. Starting in June and ending in September, you can enjoy these free, live music concerts starting at 6:30 and ending around 8:30 p.m.
Military Band Concerts
No matter which apartment complex you live in, you’re sure to be close to one or more of the Military Band Concerts throughout the summer months. Led by the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force, the military concerts offer a lot of variety, and no concert is ever the same.
The concerts are also held at different venues around the city, including the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Navy Memorial, National Harbor, and the National Mall. With all four branches of the Armed Services participating at these concerts, there is a free concert available to attend almost every night.
You can expect to enjoy primarily patriotic songs and music. There are a few special events appearance of these military bands. These special concerts are Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
DC Jazz Fest
Spanning more than 20 DC neighborhoods for nine days in July, DC Jazz Fest is one of the most exciting outdoor concert events in the city during the warmer months. Typically, more than 300 artists perform at 40 different venues around the capital.
There are concerts throughout the day and into the evening, so you can find one on your schedule. Vendors provide merchandise for sale for the festival and others offer food to keep you going.
Firefly Music Festival
In the greater DC area, Firefly Music Festival at the Woodlands is one of the exciting music events of the summer. It generally runs for four days in the middle of June with dozens of bands competing for time on the stage.
There have been some popular musical groups in the past, including Panic! at the Disco. Concession stands set up throughout the concert area to provide meals and water to keep you hydrated.
You can choose from among the three levels of tickets. These levels include general admission, VIP pass, and Super VIP passes. You can even rent a suite for up to 10 people with amenities that will make you feel like a star.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Held on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is so much more than a live music concert. It’s held for a few days towards the end of June and a few days in the first part of July. It’s a celebration of people and cultures from around the world.
You can learn cultural dances from around the world while enjoying live music from various global regions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take part in a craft workshop and watch a cooking demonstration. Most evenings end with a concert.
This festival began in 1967, and over the years has seen performers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries from around the world. The goal is to bring other cultures to you and help preserve them.
Fort Reno
For more than 50 years, Fort Reno has offered free music concerts during the month of July. The musicians and bands aren’t limited to a single music genre but they are locals from within the beltway.
The concerts are held on Monday and Thursday nights throughout the month. You want to grab a seat at Fort Reno Park early and enjoy a picnic meal while waiting for the band to take the stage at 7:00 pm and finishing up around 9:30 pm.
Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Concert Series
During the summer months, Arlington Arts and the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation sponsor concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater for free. Concerts commence each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
The types of music are varied so you can check the schedule and highlight your favorites. You can bring a blanket and settle on the grassy hill or settle on one of the stone benches in the theater.
Silver Spring Summer Concert Series
On Veterans Plaza, by the Silver Spring Civic Building, you can catch a variety of different musical acts throughout the summer months. The concerts start in late June and run until the end of the summer.
The concerts are held every Thursday evening. This is a family event so bring your kids with you. They can enjoy getting their face painted while you dance to your favorite songs played by local bands and singers.
You can bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy during the concert or take advantage of one of the local restaurant’s take away options. Each evening, there is a free raffle for a variety of items, so you might be a lucky winner.
Netherlands Carillon Live Concerts
If you enjoy stunning views with your music events, then you must attend one of the Netherlands Carillon Live Concerts. Throughout the summer months, you can visit the Netherland Carillon to enjoy one of its free concerts and soak in the amazing views of the nation’s capital city.
The music is played on the carillon’s 50 bells, whether its jazz, pop, or patriotic music. This is your chance to relax on a blanket and enjoy a truly unique musical event.
Conclusion
One of the best things about living in the nation’s capital city is access to a variety of entertainment and amusements. In the summer months, an outdoor concert is a recipe for an amazing evening. We take pride in the floor plans and locations we have available in the DC area. Contact us today to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Live Music in Washington, DC
What is Jazz in the Garden?
Jazz in the Garden is a popular summer event held at the National Art Gallery’s Sculpture Garden. Every Friday evening from mid-May to late August, local jazz artists perform various styles, including African fusion, salsa, New Orleans Dixieland, and go-go. It’s a free event that starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m.
What is the Drum Circle in Malcolm X Park?
The Drum Circle in Malcolm X Park is an informal gathering where locals gather to play drums every Sunday afternoon. The event is known for its island-inspired rhythms and connections to the Civil Rights movement. The tradition started in the 1960s and continues today, offering a unique experience with music, dancing, and other artistic performances.
What is the Gaithersburg Kids Concert Series?
The Gaithersburg Kids Concert Series is a free event that takes place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Gaithersburg. The series, which runs from July through August, features musical and theatrical performances for children. Afterward, families can attend “Discovery Thursdays” at the Gaithersburg Community Museum for educational fun.
What is Friday Night Live! at Herndon Town Green?
Friday Night Live! at Herndon Town Green is a summer concert series featuring local and regional bands. The concerts take place every Friday from May through August and offer a fun start to the weekend. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and local performances from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green.
What are the Summer Concerts at Woodrow Wilson Plaza?
The Summer Concerts at Woodrow Wilson Plaza are free lunchtime concerts held from the end of July through September. The concerts feature various musical genres, including Brazilian Jazz, neo-soul, and pop-rock, and are performed from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the heart of Washington, DC.
What are the Summer Concerts at Washington Harbour?
The Summer Concerts at Washington Harbour offer live music in the beautiful setting of the Potomac River waterfront. The free concerts take place every Wednesday night from June through September, starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending around 8:30 p.m. It’s a great way to enjoy music and stunning views of the waterfront.
What are the Military Band Concerts?
The Military Band Concerts are free performances held throughout the summer by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force bands. These concerts are held at various venues around Washington, DC, including the U.S. Capitol, National Mall, and National Harbor. The concerts often feature patriotic music and special events like Memorial Day and the 4th of July.
What is the DC Jazz Fest?
The DC Jazz Fest is a major jazz festival held every July, spanning more than 20 neighborhoods in Washington, DC. The festival features over 300 artists performing at 40 venues across the city. The event offers concerts throughout the day and into the evening, and vendors sell food and merchandise at various locations.
What is the Firefly Music Festival?
The Firefly Music Festival is a four-day event held each June in the greater DC area at the Woodlands. The festival features dozens of popular bands performing across multiple stages. Attendees can choose from general admission, VIP, or Super VIP passes, and enjoy food, drinks, and other amenities throughout the event.
What is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival?
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held on the National Mall, is a celebration of global cultures through music, dance, and crafts. The festival typically takes place in late June to early July and includes performances, workshops, and cooking demonstrations. It’s a great opportunity to explore cultural traditions and enjoy live music from around the world.
What are the Fort Reno Free Concerts?
The Fort Reno Free Concerts are held every Monday and Thursday night throughout July at Fort Reno Park. These free concerts feature local bands across various music genres. Attendees can enjoy a picnic while listening to live music from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during these summer concerts.
What is the Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Concert Series?
The Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Concert Series offers free concerts every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening during the summer. The series, sponsored by Arlington Arts and the Parks Department, features a variety of music genres, and attendees can enjoy the performances from either grassy hills or stone benches in the amphitheater.
What is the Silver Spring Summer Concert Series?
The Silver Spring Summer Concert Series is a free event held every Thursday evening throughout the summer in Veterans Plaza. The concerts feature local musicians and are family-friendly, with activities like face painting for kids. Attendees can bring a picnic or purchase food from local restaurants while enjoying the music and the free raffle.
What are the Netherlands Carillon Live Concerts?
The Netherlands Carillon Live Concerts are free summer concerts held at the Netherlands Carillon, offering a unique musical experience with views of Washington, DC. The concerts feature music played on the carillon’s 50 bells, including jazz, pop, and patriotic tunes. It’s a great way to relax with music and enjoy stunning views of the city.
