Live music this summer in Washington, DC

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the (mostly) free, outdoor concerts you can find. A few summers ago we took a sporadic drive to the Mall, walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool with our then three year old and walked towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. I had no idea they performed for free and for the public on random evenings. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will help you relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Also, included are family focused shows at some favorite venues.  Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers. 

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come 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.

Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Enrich your little ones’ summer mornings with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers. From folk and jazz to the amazing sounds of the steelpan, Backyard Theater makes it easy to engage kids at every stage. We promise to keep both kids and parents entertained, so bring your family for a morning of inspiration and celebration!

LITTLE MISS ANN Thu, July 5

JOJO & THE PINECONES Thu, July 12

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS Thu, July 19

LUCKY DIAZ & THE FAMILY JAM BAND Thu, July 26

Also for kids!
ARTS ON THE HORIZON: TO THE CLOUDS Sat, July 28

Strathmore also has Free Summer Outdoor Concerts and plenty of fun for children.

Friday Night Live Concert Series
Kick off your weekend with live entertainment, great company, and fantastic food, wine and beer from the restaurants at Rockville Town Square from 6:00pm-9:00pm 
on the Dawson’s Market Stage in Rockville Town Square. Music ranges from 80’s and 90’s cover bands, funk and soul, roots rock blues and southern rock. Check website as Kids Nights are on Wednesdays.

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 18th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00pm to 8:30pm in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in).

National Memorial Day Concert at the US Capitol
Sunday, May 27, 2018, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5:00pm. PBS sponsors a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Performances range from music and dance to puppetry and storytelling—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up.

Carter Barron Ampitheatre
Poetry, music and movies will be featured all summer long. All shows are free and based by first come first served.
Closed for repairs.

Wolf Trap National Park
Sunday, May 27, 2018, 8:00 pm Summer Blast Off! “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts’ summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 pm. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached.

Rock at the Row
This summer get ready to get down at the Pentagon Row concert series. With new bands and a  new plaza it’s going to be better than ever. Thursday Nights, from 7:00pm-9:00pm, July 12 – Aug 23.

A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
This July 4th, America’s national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country’s 242nd birthday, as A Capitol Fourth welcomes back Emmy Award-nominated actor and producer John Stamos to host the festivities! Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this time-honored tradition puts viewers front and center for America’s biggest birthday party and the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.

Live military band concerts. Concerts are free and no tickets are required unless noted.