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DC's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Enjoy a free concert on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
Enjoy a free concert on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
5/12/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Free concerts outdoors are a summertime staple for many families, and they're back in full swing all across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. These free concerts and music festivals welcome families with kids of all ages, and some are even geared specifically towards children. They span all genres of music—from pop and rock to blues and jazz—and take place in gardens, parks, plazas, and even on the waterfront.

Here are 25+ free concerts and music festivals for DC families this summer. Grab some chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic, and get ready to enjoy some live music in the fresh air.

For more fresh-air fun this summer, check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids, which includes our lists of free outdoor movies near DC and 50 free things to do with kids in summer.

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Hear live music from a variety of genres at Jazz in the Garden. Photo courtesy of the National Gallery of Art
Hear live music from a variety of genres at Jazz in the Garden. Photo courtesy of the National Gallery of Art

Free Concerts and Music Festivals in DC

NoMa Nights

NoMa
2nd Tuesday of the month, May 9 - September 1, 2023
Bring the whole family and enjoy live acoustic performances plus yard games like cornhole, Jenga, and giant Connect 4 at NoMa Bid's and District Fray's monthly Tuesday concert series. READ MORE

Jazz in the Garden

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Fridays, May 19 - August 4, 2023
Every Friday evening from late May through early August, the National Gallery of Art's outdoor Sculpture Garden comes alive with musical performances ranging from jazz to Afro-Cuban and bluegrass. READ MORE

Rock the Dock Concert Series

District Wharf
Wednesdays, June 7 - August 30, 2023
District Wharf hosts free concerts on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening from June through August. Genres include pop, R&B, jazz, country, and more. READ MORE

Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series

Yards Park
Fridays, June 16 - August 4, 2023
Every Friday night this summer, enjoy fantastic bands, food and beverages, and a great river view. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this a perfect event for adults and kids. READ MORE

Fort Reno Concert Series

Tenleytown
Mondays & Thursdays, July - August 2023
Fort Reno's DC Summer Concert Series is back this summer. Kids can enjoy the open space of Fort Reno to run and play in while parents listen to local punk and indie rock bands. READ MORE
The Tides and Tunes Summer Concert Series takes place on Thursday evenings. Photo courtesy of the Annapolis Maritime Museum
The Tides and Tunes Summer Concert Series takes place on Thursday evenings. Photo courtesy of the Annapolis Maritime Museum

Free Concerts and Music Festivals in Maryland

Lakefront Live

Gaithersburg
Fridays, May 5 - September 1, 2023
Enjoy free live music from local bands every Friday night through September on the Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Adults can visit the beer garden tent to purchase food and drinks. READ MORE

Bethesda Summer Concert Series

Bethesda
Fridays, May 19 - September 15, 2023 (except in August)
The Streetery in Bethesda hosts free concerts from a wide variety of musical genres every Friday evening from 6-8pm. READ MORE

Salute the Sunset Concert Series

National Harbor
Saturdays, May 20 - September 16, 2023 (except July 8 & 29 and September 9)
On most Saturday evenings throughout the summer, enjoy a free US military band concert at National Harbor. Ensembles from a variety of United States military bands perform on the plaza starting at 7pm. READ MORE

Stars & Stripes Military Concerts at Spirit Park

National Harbor
Wednesdays, May 24 - September 6, 2023 (except June 7 & July 12)
Ensembles from a variety of United States military bands give free performances at National Harbor's Spirit Park on most Wednesdays this summer starting at 7pm. READ MORE

Summer Music Series at the Shops at Wisconsin Place

Chevy Chase
Thursdays, June 1-29, 2023
The Shops at Wisconsin Place host a summer music series every Thursday in June. Light refreshments are available, while supplies last.   READ MORE

Summer Twilight Concert Series

Wheaton
Tuesdays, June 6-27, 2023
On Tuesdays in June, Brookside Garden opens its gardens for free in the evening for a series of performances. Families can bring picnics and blankets and enjoy a twilight concert. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Children’s Summer Concert Series

Gaithersburg
Wednesdays, June 7 - August 2, 2023 (except July 5)
The Children’s Summer Concert Series returns on most Wednesdays in June, July, and August with a variety of fun performances from music to magic. READ MORE

Tides and Tunes Summer Concert Series

Annapolis
Thursdays, June 15 - August 17, 2023
Enjoy free concerts on Thursday evenings at 7pm at the Annapolis Maritime Museum's waterfront McNasby campus. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Bring blankets or chairs. READ MORE

Live from the Lawn

North Bethesda
Wednesdays, July 5 - August 16, 2023
Live from the Lawn is a free outdoor concert series presented by Strathmore on Wednesday evenings this summer. Don't forget to pack a picnic. READ MORE

Cool Concerts for Kids

North Bethesda
Thursdays, July 13 - August 3, 2023
This companion series to Live from the Lawn is geared towards younger audiences, inviting them to engage and interact with music. READ MORE
Rock out at Vienna's Summer on the Green Concert Series. Photo courtesy of the event
Rock out at Vienna's Summer on the Green Concert Series. Photo courtesy of the event

Free Concerts and Music Festivals in Northern Virginia

Friday Night Live!

Herndon
Fridays, May 5 - August 25, 2023
This free outdoor concert series on Herndon's Town Green features the most popular local acts from up and down the East Coast. Most of the bands play rock and roll covers from classic to modern rock. READ MORE

Fairfax City Rock the Block

Fairfax
Every 4th Friday, May 26 - October 27, 2023
Head to Old Town Square for live music, a beer garden, food vendors, and more. Make sure to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. READ MORE

Mount Vernon Nights - Grist Mill Park

Alexandria
Fridays, June 2 - August 25, 2023
This series of free concerts at Grist Mill Park features a variety of musical performances reflecting Fairfax County’s diversity, culture, and community spirit. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket. READ MORE

Summer on the Green Concert Series

Vienna
Fridays, June 2 - September 15, 2023 (except September 1 & 8)
Also on Wednesday, June 21 & Sunday, July 23
The Town of Vienna hosts a special concert series every Friday evening at 6:30pm. Bring chairs or blankets and pack a picnic. READ MORE

Mount Vernon Nights - Workhouse Arts Center

Lorton
Saturdays, June 3 - August 26, 2023 (except July 1 & 8 and August 5)
This series of free concerts at the Workhouse Arts Center features a variety of musical performances reflecting Fairfax County’s diversity, culture, and community spirit. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket. READ MORE

Summer JAMS on the Town Green

Leesburg
Saturdays, June 3 - August 26, 2023 (except July 1 & August 12)
Downtown Leesburg’s popular, laid-back summer concert series is held almost every Saturday from June through August. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Picnics are encouraged! READ MORE

Lubber Run Summer Concert Series

Arlington
Fridays - Sundays, June 9 - August 11, 2023
The Lubber Run Summer Concert Series features free performances from a variety of genres including big band, blues, soul, and orchestral music. Concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings are for all, while Sunday mornings feature children's performers.  READ MORE

Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series - Burke Lake Park

Fairfax Station
Saturdays, June 17 - August 19, 2023
As part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series, a different children's entertainer performs for free every Saturday morning at the Burke Lake Park amphitheater. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians. READ MORE

Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Chantilly
Saturdays, June 17 - August 5, 2023 (except July 22 & 29)
A different children's entertainer performs for free on select Saturday mornings at the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park amphitheater as part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians. READ MORE

Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series - Mason District Park

Annandale
Saturdays, June 17 - August 5, 2023 (except July 15, 22, & 29)
As part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series, a different children's entertainer performs for free on select Saturday mornings at the Mason District Park amphitheater. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians. READ MORE

Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series - Wakefield Park

Annandale
Saturdays, June 17 - August 19, 2023
A different children's entertainer performs for free on select Saturday mornings at Wakefield Park as part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians. READ MORE

Summer on the Plaza Concert Series

Tysons Corner
Every 3rd Saturday, June 17 - August 19, 2023
Enjoy free music on the Tysons Corner Plaza. The entertainment ranges from live acoustic performances from a variety of genres to a DJ playing popular hits. READ MORE

Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series - Frying Pan Farm Park

Herndon
Wednesdays, June 21 - July 19, 2023
As part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series, a different children's entertainer performs for free on select Wednesday mornings at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center Pavilion. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians. READ MORE

Concerts in the Park at Cherry Hill Park

Falls Church
Thursdays, June 22 - August 3, 2023
Bring a blanket and a picnic to Cherry Hill Park's free Thursday-evening concert series, featuring local musicians of various genres. READ MORE

Providence Presents: Mosaic Live!

Fairfax
Saturdays, June 24 - August 19, 2023
Enjoy free, family-friendly concerts on Saturday evenings in the Mosaic District, ranging from rockabilly to Peruvian music to jazz. READ MORE

Providence Presents: Nottoway Nights

Vienna
Thursdays, July 6 - August 24, 2023
Families can enjoy free concerts on Thursday evenings at Nottoway Park in Vienna, ranging from rockabilly to Peruvian music to jazz. READ MORE

Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series - Trinity Centre

Centreville
Saturdays, August 5-29, 2023
As part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series, a different children's entertainer performs for free on select Saturday mornings at Trinity Centre. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Annapolis Maritime Museum
Burke Lake Park Amphitheater