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
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).
Live Music Fridays at Water Park
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)
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. Performers include Alison Crockett (May 22) and Son Cubano Subterráneo (June 5). // 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
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. Â This month’s lineup includes music by David Thong (May 21) and Mackenzie Ryan (May 28). // Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Music by the Metro
Arlington jazz and world music group Veronneau closes out the Clarendon Alliance’s free spring concert series on May 22 (rain date May 29) at 6 p.m. // Clarendon Metro Park, 3140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
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 The Montaines (May 24), Dana Hawkins Syndicate (June 7) and Bongo District (June 21).