12 Spots for Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in Northern VA

Catch a vibe with live blues, Americana, jazz, rock and big band music at local parks, plazas and amphitheaters.

Warm weather has arrived, and with it, a free outdoor concert to suit every musical taste. Talented local artists are tuning up and preparing to take to the stage in a variety of local parks, amphitheaters and festivals. Dust off your picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and get these gigs on your calendar.

Columbia Pike Blues Festival
The Columbia Pike Blues Festival returns on June 14 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Josh Brick Graphics)

Columbia Pike Blues Festival

This 30th annual event along Arlington’s most diverse corridor returns June 14 with live blues, soul, funk and R&Bs music, plus family-friendly activities, food, drink and local vendor booths. Catch a free performance by Rick Franklin, Little Red & The Renegades, and Anthony “Swampdog” Clark. This year’s headliner capping off the day’s events is D.C.’s own Everyday Everybody, a band blending funk, soul, jazz, and afrobeats. // South Walter Reed Drive from Columbia Pike to Ninth Street, South

Falls Church Concerts in the Park

Celebrate the 33rd year of this free concert series at Cherry Hill Park on Thursdays from June 19-July 31, 7 p.m. Bring a blanket, chair and picnic to enjoy 60- to 90-minute performances by the Falls Church Concert Band on Juneteenth, Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines (July 17), and Big Tow (July 31).

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jazz@met, free concert series
The Jazz @ Met free concerts return to Met Park in National Landing through June 12. (Courtesy photo)

Jazz @ Met

This free music series in National Landing’s Metropolitan Park returns for a third year with shows on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. through June 12. Bring a blanket or chair, grab a snack from a nearby eatery (or on-site pop-up carts from Toby’s Handmade Ice Cream and Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe) and catch a vibe. The fun also includes free art activities from the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s “MoCA on the Move” program. // 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)

Live Music Fridays at Water Park

Find your groove on Fridays from 6-8:30 p.m. through June 27 at National Landing’s outdoor oasis. Each night has a theme, and if you dress the part you could win prizes such as free drinks or tickets to games. Pick up something to eat from one of the kiosks, play lawn games or just pull up a chair. Upcoming performers include Erin Harpe for Bring Your Pet Night (June 6) and Retropop (June 27). // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)

Live Music in the Plaza at Westpost

On Thursdays June 5-26, 7-9 p.m., bands, solo artists and acoustic performers will take the plaza at Arlington’s Westpost. The shows include Ocho de Bastos (June 5) and Uncle Jesse (June 26), both bringing pop hits. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)

Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Free Concert Series

A local tradition dating back to 1969, this free music series runs June 6-Aug. 1, bringing big band, blues, soul, orchestral music and cabaret performances to the beloved outdoor venue on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. See the website for the full schedule, which kicks off with You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, presented by The Arlington Players. // 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington (Arlington Forest)

Mosaic Live

On Saturdays from June 14-Aug. 16 at 6 p.m., the Mosaic District’s central park makes beautiful music. The concert series kicks off with Tara Hoot, story time with a drag queen. Other shows include Milkshake and Los Baritones (July 6) and My Chemical Bromance (Aug. 9). 2905 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)

Music at the Market

Shop fresh fruit, veggies and meat at the Rosslyn Farmers Market while listening to local performers do their thing on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. through October.  This month’s lineup includes music by Kevin Koa on June 11. // Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)

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Netherlands Carillon Concert Series

Listen to jazz, pop, and patriotic music on the lawn surrounding this 65-year-old gift to the United States. Shows run on select Sundays from June 8-Oct. 12, 3-4:30 p.m. 1400 N. Meade St., Arlington

Summer at the Row Concert Series

Back for its second summer—and two weeks longer this time—this concert series at Falls Church’s Founders Row runs Thursdays through Aug. 14, 6-8 p.m. Performers include Cash Only, a tribute to Johnny Cash (June 19) and Oasis Island Sounds (July 17). 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church

The Pack Drumline, free concert series
The Pack Drumline kicks off McLean’s Summer Concerts in the Park series June 19. (Courtesy photo)

Summer Concerts in McLean Central Park

This popular summer series, featuring live music on Thursdays at 7 p.m., kicks off on Juneteenth with The Pack Drumline. Other shows include a tribute to Elton John on June 26, another to Johnny Cash on July 3 and LOVER: An Eras Tour Experience for all the Swifties out there on July 17. The series extends through July 31. // 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean

Water Park’s Sunday Summer Concert Series

Enjoy local bands every Saturday through June 28, 6-9 p.m., at this hot spot for outdoor dining in National Landing. Grab food and drinks from Water Bar or one of the kiosks and get down to the sounds of soul, indie rock, jazz, country and Latin funk. Performers include Dana Hawkins Syndicate (June 7) and Bongo District (June 21).

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