Local concerts are a great use of disposable income, but what’s a music fan to do when they’ve maxed out their budget or didn’t have the extra funds to begin with? No worries—these shows are free and a sublime way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Start filling up your calendar.
State Theatre Outdoor Shows
July 8, 14, 17, 21, 22; additional dates TBA
Born of the pandemic, the free outdoor concerts in the parking lot outside this Falls Church movie house-turned-music venue feature seating and food and drink options. July performances include multi-genre cover band Jameson Green and Neil Young tribute band Danger Bird. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Alden Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park
Now thru July 31, 3 p.m.
Catch an array of artists at this outdoor concert series in McLean. Included in the weekly lineup is local retro rock project Cinema Hearts, indie soul outfit Oh He Dead, jazz/hip-hop fusion group D’Dat and more. // McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
Falls Church Concerts in the Park
Now thru Aug. 4, 7 p.m.
Hear from Latin pop/rock group Ocho de Bastos, “badass high-energy houserockin’ blues band” Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone and several other local groups each Thursday night through early August at Cherry Hill Park. Picnic dinners, blankets and chairs are encouraged. // Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Lubber Run Concert Series
Now thru Aug. 14; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 11 a.m.*
Nearly two dozen acts are slated to perform July to August at this outdoor amphitheater tucked into the woods of Lubber Run Park. Among the offerings: Afropop ensemble Elikeh, ska/rocksteady outfit The Fuss, Colombian-American fusion group DeSanguashington and several kid-centric shows. Picnics are welcome. // Lubber Run Amphitheater, 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
*Some showtimes diverge from these times. Check listings for details.
Summer Live Music Series at The Boro
Now thru Sept. 1, 5:30-8 p.m.
Dedicate a Thursday night (or several) to live local music at The Boro, where concerts are paired with a pop-up bar and other perks. The roster includes rootsy rock group Justin Trawick and the Common Good, acoustic duo November Morning and pop/R&B project JWX: The Jarreau Williams Experience. // Upper Promenade near Boro Park, 8350 Broad St., Tysons
NaLa Fridays at the Park
July 1-29, 5-8 p.m.
Enjoy live tunes and food-truck fare at this July concert series, which will be hosting Crush Funk Brass Band (“passionate young musicians that enjoy performing … a little bit of a lot of the music you like throughout the DMV”), R&B crooner Jerel Crockett and more. // Long Bridge Park, 311 6th St. S., Arlington
Rosslyn Rocks
July 7 and 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Head to Central Place for this pair of Thursday evening shows from Richmond-based country group the Morgan Lynsey Band and Nashville-bred country/Americana outfit Blair’s West Band. While you’re there, grab a drink from the cash bar and take a turn at a variety of games. // Central Place Plaza, 1800 Lynn St., Arlington
Ballston Mega Market
July 7-Nov. 3, 3-7 p.m.
Get your veggies with a side of live jams at select Ballston farmers markets this summer and fall. Once monthly, the neighborhood will welcome performing artists to accompany the spread of produce, baked goods and local wines, including rockabilly group Jumpin’ Jupiter and vintage country pros Rock-a-Sonics. // Welburn Square, 901 N. Taylor St., Arlington
Summer Concert Series at Westpost
July 9-Oct. 1, 6:30-9 p.m.
Once a month through October, grab a drink from one of the watering holes at Westpost (visitors 21 and older are permitted to walk the promenade with an alcoholic beverage in tow) and catch quality tunes from ’90s cover band Maggie Shot Burns, ever-chill Feel Free and more. Cocktail and craft beer specials will be available. // Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row), 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Sept. 10, 1-7 p.m.
The summer concert vibe doesn’t have to end just because Labor Day has come and gone. Head to Gateway Park in September for a blowout tribute to jazz traditions, featuring Afro-Cuban-funk artist Cimafunk, Harlem, N.Y.-based Mwenso & the Shakes and more. // Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington