Summer is a vibe. Grab a picnic blanket and lawn chair and head outside for some live music—there’s a concert to suit every musical taste. Tune up your calendar to make room for these gigs.
Twilight Tattoo
The Army’s Twilight Tattoo is a live military pageant and historical revue 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.” Locals will find several performances at Arlington’s Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall this summer, starting with the next one on June 3, 7 p.m. The shows continue on June 10 and 17 before taking a break until July 15. The last one is July 22. Be sure to register for base access online before heading out. 26 Joint Base Myer, 1555 Southgate Road, Arlington
Jazz @ Met
Catch the final two performances of this musical series presented by the DC Jazz Festival and National Landing BID at Metropolitan Park. June 4 brings acoustic jazz piano and vocals by Eric Byrd Trio, followed by José Luiz Martins, who brings his brand of Brazilian jazz to the park on June 18. Both shows are 5-7 p.m. Grab a bite from nearby vendors such as Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream and Taqueria Xochi, and find creative inspiration at artist-led Studio Sessions (also from 5-7 p.m.) curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. On June 4, Lauren Crawford will lead a concurrent workshop titled “Stitching Systems: Mapping Home,” and on June 18, JD Deardourff will lead one on inking. 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Founders Groove
This free concert series in The Little City returns to Founders Row on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., June 4-Aug. Take the fam out for dinner while toe-tapping to live pop, country, reggae and jazz. The Bee Charmers take the stage June 4. Other bands include FunkTown (June 18) and Cash Only (June 24), a Johnny Cash tribute group. 110 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Netherlands Carillon Concert Series
Listen to jazz, pop and patriotic music on the lawn surrounding this 66-year-old bell tower, a gift from the Netherlands to the United States, near the Iwo Jima memorial. Shows run on select Saturdays, June 6-Oct. 17, 6-7 p.m. and the grounds offer pretty views of D.C.’s monuments. (Note that there are no shows in August.) The bells chime every 15 minutes from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, so get there a little early to hear them, pre-show. 1400 N. Meade St., Arlington
Lubber Run Summer Concert Series
Bring a picnic and catch a performance under a canopy of trees. The beloved summer series returns to the wooded stage June 6-Aug. 2, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. This year’s lineup includes Carly Harvey singing Amy Winehouse (June 6), the Arlington Philharmonic (June 14) and King Soul (June 27). Find the full schedule here. Lubber Run Amphitheater, 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
Rosslyn LIVE
Rosslyn’s summer series kicks off June 11, 5:30-8 p.m. at Gateway Park with live music and food trucks. (Taco Rock will be at the first show, dishing out al pastor, carne asada and pollo.) Picnickers are also welcome to bring their own food and drink. Mark your calendar for additional concerts on July 8 and Aug. 13. 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Concerts in the Park
Back for its 34th year, this Little City series has some new features. Ice Cream Jubilee and The Cheese Cartel will be onsite selling snacks, and concert-goers ages 21 and older can bring their own beer or wine (no liquor, please). Performancesranging from soulful jazz, to classic rock and folksy Americana begin June 11 and end July 23, with concerts starting at 7 p.m. Up first is the Bushmaster Band featuring Gary Brown. Other performers include double Wammie winning world artist Valeria Stewart (June 25) and powerhouse folk-rock duo Sirsy (July 23). Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Summer Concerts in McLean Central Park
This popular music-in-the-park series promises live shows on Thursdays at 7 p.m. It kicks off on June 18 with The Pack Drumline, followed by a tribute to Elton John on June 25 and a Beach Boys cover band on July 2. The series runs through July 30 at the McLean Central Park amphitheater. 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
Summer Music at Mosaic
On Saturdays June 20-Aug. 15, 6-9 p.m., the Mosaic District’s central park makes beautiful music. Check the website for details on performers. 2905 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Fridays at the Fountain
Water Park’s concert series in National Landing returns July 11-Aug. 29 on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Grab something to eat from one of the many kiosks (perhaps a bagel from Call Your Mother, Asian street food from Phowheels or a fried chicken sandwich from Queen Mother’s). Then find a spot to enjoy Flex Mathews‘ high-energy hip hop (July 11), Human Country Jukebox (Aug. 1) and the Rock Creek Kings (Aug. 22). 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)