Free concerts will be popping up all summer long at parks, town squares and outdoor venues across the Washington, D.C., area.
As much as we love the big names set to perform in D.C. this summer like Olivia Rodrigo, Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson, you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for some excellent music.
One free series celebrates go-go, the official music of D.C., on a rooftop above Gallery Place-Chinatown.
The D.C. Public Library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library will happen on Sundays in June. Performers at the free series include E.U., Black Alley, Backyard Band and Junkyard Band.
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We’ve rounded up some of the most popular summer concert series across the D.C. area. This list isn’t exhaustive – or complete! For example, we’re waiting for Fort Reno’s super popular summer concert series to announce their schedule. So, check back for updates throughout the season.
If we missed something great, email tips@nbcwashington.com to let us know!
Want more D.C. music, culture and things to do? Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter for reminders about these shows and free festivals including the Columbia Pike Blues Festival and Home Rule Music Festival.
Washington DC concerts
- Rock the Dock, Wednesdays on The Wharf from May 29 to Aug. 28
- Fridays at Fort Totten running from May 31 to Aug. 23
- Jazz in the Parks at the historic Walter Reed campus on the second Saturday of each month from June 8 to Sept. 7
- The D.C. Public Library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Gallery Place will return on Sundays in June
- Brunch & Beats at The Wharf brings music to several stages on Sundays from 3-6 p.m.
- DowntownDC Live! in Franklin Park happens 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 6 to July 25.
Maryland concerts
- Bethesda: Friday Summer Concerts at Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues, through Sept. 20
- Bowie: Summer Sunset concert series on Sundays at Allen Pond Park until Sept. 1
- Bowie: The Fairwood Community Park Performance Series happens on Sundays June 9, July 7 and Aug. 4, before capping the season with the Fairwood Music Festival on Aug. 25.
- College Park: Friday Night Live! runs between June 7 and Sept. 6
- Gaithersburg: Daytime performances for kids at the Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion on Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. The series runs June 5 to July 24
- Glen Echo Park: Glen Echo Park concerts on Thursdays from June 13 to Aug. 22
- Montgomery County: Montgomery Parks’ Summer Concert Series on Thursdays from July 11 to Aug. 15
- Prince George's County: The parks district has several series throughout the summer, including Jazz on the Lawn at the Riversdale House Museum.
- National Harbor: Salute the Sunset on Saturdays through Sept. 11
- Riverdale Park: The Summer Concert Series at Bear Square returns every Saturday.
- Silver Spring: The Sligo Summer Music Series on Fridays between June 7 and Oct. 18
Virginia concerts
- Alexandria: Fort Hunt concerts on Sundays in June, July and August
- Arlington: Lubber Run Amphitheater on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 8 to Aug. 2
- Arlington: Netherlands Carillon Concerts on select Saturdays between June 15 and Oct. 19
- Fairfax: Mosaic Live on Saturdays from June 15 to Aug. 17
- Fairfax County: The Fairfax County Park Authority will host concerts at a wide variety of venues several nights a week through August. Here's the full list.
- Herndon: Friday Night Live! is scheduled through Aug. 23
- Lorton: Mt. Vernon Nights at Workhouse Arts Center happens every other Saturday through Aug. 24
- Reston: Fab Fridays continues until Aug. 16
- Vienna: Summer on the Green starting June 7 and ending July 28
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