Summer is the time to enjoy music. You can listen to your favorite songs on repeat until they become ingrained in your memories of warm nights and special moments.
The summer concert series being held across NoVA (almost every night of the week) want to help make that even better by bringing live musicians and bands around the area for all to enjoy. Whether you’re into grooving with some R&B, getting down to the blues or watching your kiddos dance the night away, there’s a little something for everyone at these upcoming events.
Music on the Steps
Monday nights, 7-8 p.m.
Heavy horn funk, doo-wop pop and old-timey folk are just a few of the genres of live music headed to the front steps of the library for the 34th annual season of Music on the Steps in Fredericksburg. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair to rest on while enjoying the summer vibes, or get up and dance to the beat. Your Monday nights just got even better. Upcoming artists include The Dangerous Kitchen, Cinema Hearts and Whiskey Django Foxtrot. // Central Rappahannock Regional Library: 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; free
Nottoway Nights
Thursday nights, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Bringing unique music to Nottoway Park is one of the primary goals of the free summer concert series held in Fairfax County. Whether it’s an Amish cover band that brings an interesting new sound, or a Hawaiian trio that has the entire crowd swaying to the music, the series has an array of genres that can be surprising to some and enjoyable to many. Upcoming artists include Moonshine Society, Radio King Orchestra and The Seldom Scene. // Nottoway Park: 9537 Courthouse Road, Vienna; free
Fridays at the Fountain
Friday nights, 5-9 p.m.
Look no further for a great place to unwind after a long week than at the fountains in Crystal City, fit with food, drinks and live music. There’s a pop-up beer garden, featuring a rotating selection of brews and snacks throughout the summer to pair with upcoming artists such as The Crimestoppers, The McCartney Experience and Station 1201. // Crystal City Water Park: 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington; free, food and drink prices vary
Mt. Vernon Nights
Friday nights, 7-8 p.m.
Sometimes all you want to hear is jazz. Brass bands, orchestras and the Groove Train will all make stops in Fairfax County and Alexandria on Friday nights throughout the season, bringing their best tunes for those looking to relax after the workweek. The stage will also host cultural celebrations, such as Russkie Musikanti, an ensemble of Washington Balalaika Society, the largest Russian folk orchestra in the United States and Hooray for Bollywood, presented by Silk Road Dance Company with all of the color and glitter of the Indian film industry. // Grist Mill: 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria and Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; free
2019 Lubber Run Summer Concert Series
Fridays-Sundays, 8 p.m. and 11 a.m.
The summer concert series that has rocked Arlington for 50 years is kicking off its 2019 season with free ice cream (while supplies last) on June 14, before two-time Grammy Award-nominee Raul Midon takes the stage. The series is gearing up for a lineup of local, national and international talent from across the music spectrum, including kids’ tunes and activities that take the stage on Sunday mornings (with a few exceptions) and several high-energy performances for Friday and Saturday nights. // Lubber Run Amphitheater: N. Columbus St. and Second St. N., Arlington; free
Tarara Summer Concert Series
Saturdays, 4-9 p.m.
There isn’t much that’s better than listening to live music under the stars with a drink in hand. At Tarara Winery on Saturday nights throughout the summer, all are welcome to enjoy tribute bands (Beach Boys and Billy Joel, anyone?) and current bands from a range of musical genres, as well as a variety of food trucks and local libations. Bring your lawn chair or rent out a private tent for the ultimate experience. Eighties fans will especially love the lineup of The Legwarmers (’80s tribute band), Odyssey Road (Journey tribute band) and Groovalicious (all things disco). // Tarara Winery: 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg; free, food and drink prices vary
Acoustic on the Green
Saturday nights, 7-8:30 p.m.
In the heart of Leesburg, Saturday nights are made for music. Residents from near and far bring a lawn chairs and blankets to the lawn in front of the Leesburg Town Hall to see local stars and find their new favorites. Songwriter, producer and musician Todd Wright of Leesburg (know DC-based) will make an appearance, as well as Emma Rowley, who recently released a song in honor of Loudoun County Habitat for Humanity. Catch them all through the sweet Saturday nights of summer. // Leesburg Town Green: 25 W. Market St., Leesburg; free
Reston Concerts on the Town
Saturday nights, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Reston Town Center Pavilion turns into an all-out jam fest on Saturday nights, welcoming hundreds of attendees over the summer, only to welcome them back time and time again for music ranging from tribute bands to Latin dance tunes. Guests are encouraged to pack the pavilion for upcoming acts such as Good Shot Judy, a high-energy swing band from Williamsburg, and Plena Libre, a Grammy- and Latin Grammy-nominated plena and bomba group from Puerto Rico. // Reston Town Center Pavilion: 1818 Discovery St., Reston; free
Want to find more summer concerts throughout NoVA? Visit our guide to Outdoor Concerts and Movie Venues.
