11 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.

Twilight Tattoo

The Army’s Twilight Tattoo, a live military pageant and historical show performed by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and featuring the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” has several shows lined up this summer. The next one is July 16, 7-8 p.m. at Summerall Field. Before the show, meet soldiers, visit booths and pick up some military swag. 247 Sheridan Ave., Arlington (Fort Myer)

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 and Big Tow on July 31.

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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 Retropop (June 27). // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)

Live Music in the Plaza at Westpost

On Thursdays through 26, 7-9 p.m., bands, solo artists and acoustic performers will take the plaza at Arlington’s Westpost. The shows include Uncle Jesse (June 26), featuring 1990s and Y2K 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 through 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 through 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)

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 through Oct. 12, 3-4:30 p.m. 1400 N. Meade St., Arlington

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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 Bongo District (June 21).

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