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Free Summer Concerts in Washington DC

Military Bands, Jazz, Classical and More

by Sheridan Alexander
for About.com


Wednesday Concerts - continued

  • “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Corps Band

    From June through August, the U.S. Marine Corps Band presents free concerts at the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Seating is on the U.S. Capitol steps and grounds. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For additional information and the latest concert schedules, visit the web site above.

Thursday Concerts

  • Sunset Serenades at the National Zoo

    On Thursday evenings, from June 28 through August 9, 2007, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., homo sapiens of all shapes, ages and sizes descend upon Lion/Tiger hill at the National Zoo to enjoy musical performances, ranging from jazz and folk to blues and rock and roll. These extremely popular concerts attract anywhere from 500 to 2,500 music lovers. Picnics are permitted, or visitors may purchase snacks at the Mane Restaurant. Parking is limited, so taking the Metrorail is advised. For additional information, visit the web site above or call 202-633-4800.


  • “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Corps Band

    From June through August, the U.S. Marine Corps Band presents free concerts at the Sylvan Theatre, located at the base of the Washington Monument, on Thursdays at 8 p.m. For additional information and the latest concert schedules, visit the web site above. (No performance is scheduled for July 6.)


  • Sounds in the Square

    From May 10 through August 9, this summer concert series features music ranging from blues to jazz, rock to reggae at Farragut Square, located at Connecticut Avenue and K Street, NW from 5 - 7 p.m. For additional information and the latest concert schedules, visit the web site above or call 202-463-3400.

Friday Concerts

  • Summer Evenings of Jazz in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden

    Every Friday evening from May 25 until August 31, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., many of Washington's top jazz artists present concerts in front of the Pavilion Café next to the grand reflecting pool and fountain. The café also offers a seasonal light fare menu and cold beverages during these Friday evenings and Sculpture Garden hours are extended to 9:30 p.m. This concert series, held rain or shine, is extremely popular with both local Washingtonians and visitors. For additional information, visit the web site above.

  • U.S. Air Force Band Summer Concerts

    From June 1 - August 31, 2007, the U.S. Air Force Band presents free concerts at the new U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia at 8 p.m.. For the latest information, visit the web site above or call the 24-hour concert line at 202-767-5658. Tickets are not required. Additional free concerts will be performed on selected Fridays at 1:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater, located at the base of the Washington Monument. Visit the web site above for the latest schedule.


  • "Pershing's Own" U.S. Army Band

    During the summer, "Pershing's Own" U.S. Army Band presents free concerts at the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol on Fridays at 8 p.m. Seating is on the U.S. Capitol steps and grounds. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For additional information, visit the web site above or call the concert line at 703-696-3399.


  • U.S. Marine Corps Band Evening Parade

    During the summer, the U.S. Marine Corps Band presents free Friday Evening Parades at the Marine Barracks Washington. The one hour and fifteen minute ceremony of music and precision marching starts at 8:45 p.m. The performance features "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. For additional information, visit the web site above or call 202-433-6060. Reservations are required.

Saturday Concerts

  • Netherlands Carillon Concerts, Arlington, VA

    Carillon concerts are presented by outstanding carillonneurs on Saturdays and national holidays from May through September. Concerts are 2 - 4 p.m. in May and September and 6 - 8 p.m. in June, July, and August. During concerts, visitors are welcome to climb the tower to watch the carillonneur perform and view the city of Washington and other surrounding features. For additional information, visit the web site above or call 703-289-2500.

Additional Free Concert Venues

Other venues offering free music during the summer months include:

Spring and Summer Holiday Concerts

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