Outdoor Play – Page 2

Ice rinks and roller rinks in and around Washington, DC

January 8, 2022

Outdoor ice skating rinks

Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District– Downtown Columbia, MD
The Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District is back for the 2021 – 2022 season! There will be plenty of celebrations and themed events throughout the season, as well as music and pop-up food and beverage. You will have a 75-minute skate period beginning when you enter the rink.

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
October 25 – mid-March
Reservations are required to skate. Reservations are open two weeks in advance. They also offer skating lessons to children and adults.

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
November – February and open on holidays

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
Skating fees are for two 45-minute sessions. November 19, 2021–March 6, 2022, weather permitting. You can purchase single tickets, seasons passes and they offer skating lessons.

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD 20910
October 29 – mid-March
This season reservations are required to skate at the rink. Reservations are open two weeks in advance. They offer group and private skating lessons.

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD 20850
Mid-October – mid-March
This season reservations are required to skate at the rink. Reservations are open two weeks in advance. They offer several options to learn to skate- whether you are an aspiring hockey player, beginning figure skater, an adult wishing to get reacquainted with the ice, or anything in between, they have an option for you.

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
November 26 – late February and open on holidays
This year, The Wharf Ice Rink has gone ALL CAPS. Check out the Washington Capitals décor and ice resurfacer, and join fellow hockey fans on the ice for Rock The Rink skate event on January 15. The Rock The Rink skate event features a DJ, Caps gear giveaways, and a visit from Slapshot. During the event, they’ll also broadcast the Capitals’ away game on a jumbotron near the ice and fans wearing Capitals gear receive $5 off admission to The Wharf Ice Rink. Also, join for a free, friendly game of curling every Wednesday evening in January! The Canadian game marries hockey and shuffleboard for a low-pressure evening on the ice—no skates needed! Want to play? Preregister for your desired gametime on Eventbrite. Games begin at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm every Wednesday through January.

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Reserve your tickets here.

Gaylord National Ice Rink– 201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745
Tickets must be purchased in advance online. No on-site box office. Unlimited same-day skating and skates.

Indoor ice rinks

Cabin John Ice Rink– 10610 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852
Open year-round with three rinks (NHL, Olympic, and Studio), public skate sessions, lessons provided, camps, three party rooms available to rent, a pro shop with skating equipment, apparel, and skate sharpening and repair services.

Wheaton Ice Arena– 11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
NHL-size skating rink, public skate sessions, camps, lessons provided, two party rooms to rent, a snack bar /vending machines with refreshments and snacks. Pro Shop with skates, hockey equipment, apparel, skate sharpening, and repair services.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena– 3779 Ely Place SE Washington, DC 20019
They have a program which offers opportunities for kids from 5-18 interested in hockey, figure skating, synchronized skating and speed skating.

MedStar Capitals Iceplex– Ballston, VA
Practice rink of our Washington Capitals! You can public skate, take lessons, adults can take part in a pick-up game of hockey, kids can take hockey lessons, have a birthday party and attend camps.

Indoor roller rinks

Lanham Skate– Lanham, MD
Family fun nights, arcade games, lessons, STEM field trips, birthday parties, school break days and more!

Laurel Roller Skating Center– Laurel, MD
Birthday parties, lessons, family nights and more!

Temple Hills– Temple Hills, MD
Family skate nights, glow nights, arcade, STEM field trips, birthday parties and more!

Skate Zone– Crofton, MD
Lessons, birthday parties, STEM field trips, event calendar and more!

Cavalier Family Skating– Stafford, VA
Birthday parties, speed team, arcade and indoor play zone, lessons and more!

Skate-N-Fun Zone– Mannassass, VA
Laser tag, arcade, indoor play zone, themed nights, STEM field trips and more!

Outdoor roller rink

Anacostia Park– SE, DC
Skate rentals are free at this outdoor rink! And on summer weekends you can dance to DJ music as you enjoy this open air roller rink. This is the one and only roller skating rink in the National Park Service but is only open for a short season. Skate rentals will return Memorial Day to Labor Day 2022.

51 statehood, Black history, and social justice themed murals in Washington, DC

October 26, 2021

As you’ve gotten out and about in the city more, you may have noticed some new murals throughout each ward. A bit of back story on that– the murals were commissioned by Mayor Muriel Bowser who requested the murals be completed by June 26, 2020 which was the day the U.S. House of Representatives voted on D.C. statehood for the first time in a generation. The summer of 2020 we spent a few days locating most of the murals which provided for a fun scavenger hunt of sorts around DC. My kids loved keeping track of how many we saw as well as discussing what each portrayed and what they meant and choosing favorites. We have put together the addresses of the murals below and won’t spoil it for you completely with a bunch of photos, but know that some locations may have 5 murals while another may only have 1. Enjoy!

The murals can be found at the address below, we grouped them together if they are near another mural to save you time.

620 T Street NW (near Howard University)
201 Bryant Street NW

1351 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Georgetown)
2810 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Glover Park)

4608 14th Street NW

1725 West Virginia Avenue NE (Trinidad)
1310 Childress Street NE
640 10th Street NE (H St. Corridor)
1333 H Street NE

801 West Virginia Avenue SE

1350 49th Street NE

2700 South Capitol Street SE

Time travel to the Maryland Renaissance Festival

September 29, 2021

Your children’s favorite storybooks of knights, castles, and dragons become a reality when you step inside the magical Maryland Renaissance Festival. Back from a cancelled year due to COVID-19, this beloved festival is back and as fun as ever, running every Saturday and Sunday through October 24 in Crownsville, Maryland. There is enchantment and merriment from the moment you enter the castle gates with likely the largest number of adults dressed in costume that your child has ever seen. Forgot your costume? No problem. You can grab a flower wreath, sword, or a full jester ensemble at every turn. There are plenty of games for young kids like “Drench a Wench” (dunk tank), Crossbow (totally safe), and Rat Toss, an enormous ship that serves as a playground. In addition, there is a climbing wall for the older kids, an exciting long and wavy slide, and a variety of shows that can captivate even the most ardent skeptics. The live jousting and bagpipe music are particularly special treats so make sure to plan your schedule to not miss! The festival itself is spread out over a 27 acre village in the forest so you will get your steps in for the day! Strollers are allowed, but keep in mind that the terrain is not the smoothest to navigate and on a nice day, it can feel packed. Come hungry and enjoy the iconic smoked turkey leg, lots of things on a stick (steak, cheesecake, fried mac & cheese), wraps, chicken tenders, and a host of sweet treats. Plenty of mead and beer to go around too! All ticket sales are online only and nice days will sell out so plan ahead!

Adult tickets are $28, and children (7-15) are $13 and (under 7) are free.

Hours are 10:00am-7:00pm, weekend through October 24, 2021.

Check out all the information here.

Fall festivals, farms, orchards and events in and around Washington, DC

September 15, 2021

It’s that time of year when the weather is beginning to cool, cute fall outfits await, PSL’s are back and kids are hoping to start jumping in leaves soon. It also means making memories at local apple orchards, fall festivals and picking pumpkins. Be sure to check websites as protocols have certainly changed this year, most require advanced reservations. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
September 25th – October 31
Admission to pick your own pumpkins (pumpkins are $0.69/lb), hayrides, hilltop hop jump pads, tractor pull (NEW in 2021!), jump in the hayloft, visit barnyard buddies, twisted corn maze, live music on weekends, playground, spiderweb, play in the corn box, straw maze, swoop down the giant slides, corn hole games & pedal tractors. For additional fees and weekends only: Pumpkin Cannon, $4.00/shot, October 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, Pony Rides (10:30 am – 4:30 pm), Face Painting, $4.00 and up & Pick Your Own Pumpkins, $.69/lb.

Winterbrook Farms (13001 Creagerstown Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788)
Weekends September 24 – October 31
There is something fun for all ages at this farm with over 25 activities to enjoy. There are 10 acres of 20+ different varieties and colors of U-Pick Pumpkins , Maryland’s LARGEST Corn Maze with over 5 miles of trails , an interactive farm animal area , a pumpkin jump pillow, mini beeline ziplines, round bale rollers, giant corn box, apple cannons & much more! Stop at the Concessions stand for freshly made apple cider donuts, freshly made kettle corn, freshly squeezed lemonade , and delicious BBQ. Pick up some Winterbrook Farms merch, fall decor, and local products at the Farm Market!

Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Ln. Frederick, MD 21703)
September 18 – October 31
Admission includes 45+ fall fun activities. For a full schedule of special events, visit the Entertainment page. For a complete listing of activities available at Summers Farm, visit the Attractions page.

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open – November 7
Gaze across the fields dotted with thousands of orange pumpkins, each one waiting to become a jack-o-lantern for your porch. The farm is decorated for Halloween with ghosts and goblins to delight and scare you. The fields are laden with crisp, succulent vegetables. The orchards are bent down with apples. It’s the last harvest to reap before the cold winter sets in. And fall is the perfect time to enjoy a tall glass of freshly squeezed sweet apple cider. Reservations required for pumpkin and evening hayrides. The Straw Maze, built in a confusing pattern with large round bales of straw, is a delightful place to get lost. The Straw Maze is open every day the farm is open in late September and October. The Boo Barn is for children ages 4 – 6. It is a dark passage in the bottom of the Red Barn and is filled with animated, not too scary ghosts and goblins. The Boo Barn is open every day the farm is open in late September and October. Apple fritters and Food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays in October.

Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042)
September 18 – October 31
Petting farm animals, hayrides, cow train rides, pony rides, birthday parties, educational tours, enchanted pine tree forest, special weekend events, enchanted forest attractions (from an old theme park) and fall season pumpkin patch. You can purchase tickets when you arrive.

Gaver Farm (5501 Detrick Rd., Mount Airy, MD 21771)
September 3 – October 31
Enjoy fall on the farm by conquering the twists and turns of the corn maze, bouncing on the jumping pillows, petting and feeding the farm animals and cruising down the giant slides. There are over 60 attractions, appropriate for any age including 2 jumping pillows, Chicken Show, farm animals, mini mazes, playgrounds, duck races, ball games, photo centers and so much more! Purchase tickets online.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135)
September 1 – November 7
Open daily for apple picking and corn maze from Sept 1-30. On Saturdays & Sundays, they add in live music, marshmallow roasting, pig races & cider pressing demonstrations. Check out the Zurschmeide Family’s antique 1865 Cider press. Sample freshly pressed cider and see how it used to be produced! Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival is from October 1-31 & Pumpkin Chunkin taking place November November 1, 2 6 & 7. Purchase tickets online.

Leesburg Animal Park (19270 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175)
September 18 – November 2
Enjoy the giant hill slides, hay wagon rides, pet and feed animals, free apple and cider snack with admission, free mini-pumpkin, kids maze and live entertainment, pedal carts, bounce pillow and live music. Specials on weekends include camel rides and live entertainment. Halloween costume contest on October 31.

Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy., Berryville, VA 22611)
September 25 – November 7: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Mondays
Watch the pig races, get lost in the maze or sit under the tree, head to the playground or animals and play pumpkin checkers. There is a hay mountain and hayrides too. Get lost in the 10-acre corn maze. This year the maze pays homage to our amazing medical professionals who work to keep us all healthy and safe.

Ticonderoga Farms (26175 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly, VA 20152)
Limited opening September 11 – October 24, Weekends for private reservations only
The activities that will be available are slides, swings and teeter totters, tetherballs, castle, cat dozer, Noah’s Ark play structures, miners sleuth, tot land and pillow.

Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA 20120)
September 18 – 19 & September 25 – November 7
The Fall Festival is filled with family-friendly entertainment and TONS of attractions including slides, swings, animals, hayrides and more.

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, MD 20837)
Open 7 days a week
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, live animals to see and browse market goodies such as apple cider, mums and honey.

The 28th Annual Loudoun Fall Farm Tour
October 16 and 17
Over two dozen locations are part of this exciting tour through rural Virginia. Of these many farms, Hope Flower Farm will be open and inviting guests to wander through the blooming dahlia fields, picnic and take photos on the lovely 25 acre farm.

Readers also recommend:
Montpellier Farm
Weber’s Cider Mill
Pumpkin Playground at Burke Nursery

Festivals:
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Now – October 24
H Street Festival: September 18
Fall for Fairfax KidFest: Cancelled this year
Frederick Oktoberfest: October 1 & 2
Weiner 500 Oktoberfest at the Wharf: October 2
Barracks Row OctROWberfest: October 23
Piketoberfest: TBA

Adults only:
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Six Flags Fright Fest
Shocktober

Food:
Order new seasonal treats from Milk Bar. Taking the classic fall favorite, apple cider doughnuts, and remixing it with a uniquely Milk Bar spin, a brand new cake and truffle combo is meant to transport you to your favorite fall memory.

Children’s performances at Wolf Trap

July 21, 2021

Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has been one of our favorite places to listen to music in the summer. We bring a picnic and hang out in the meadow before and after the performance. Children’s performances will be at the Filene Center in July and will return to the charming, wooded setting of Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods in August. Below is the schedule for the summer. You can find out more about the individual performances by clicking the link. The shows have an amazing range from ballet and storytelling to hip hop and folklore. Click here to see the entire summer line-up for Wolf Trap and make a date night out of it.

Wednesday, Jul 21 @ 11 AM
Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo– Finding Friends Far From Home

Saturday, Jul 24 @ 11 AM
Dan + Claudia Zanes with Friends– New Beginnings

Tuesday, Jul 27 @ 11 AM
Joanie Leeds– All the Ladies

Wednesday, Jul 28 @ 11 AM
Elena Moon Park and Friends

Saturday, Jul 31 @ 11 AM
Maryland Youth Ballet– Snow White

Tuesday, Aug 03 @ 10:30 AM
Collision of Rhythm

Wednesday, Aug 04 @ 10:30 AM
Yogapalooza with Bari Koral

Saturday, Aug 07 @ 10:30 AM
Danny Weinkauf and his Red Pants Band– Dinosaurs and Metaphors

Tuesday, Aug 10 @ 10:30 AM
Pierce Freelon

Wednesday, Aug 11 @ 10:30 AM
FLY DANCE COMPANY: The Gentlemen of Hip Hop– The Healthy Hip Hop Show

Saturday, Aug 14 @ 10:30 AM
Sonia De Los Santos and The Okee Dokee Brothers– Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Grou

Tuesday, Aug 17 @ 10:30 AM
123 Andrés– Actívate

Wednesday, Aug 18 @ 10:30 AM
Soul In Motion– Transformation

Saturday, Aug 21 @ 10:30 AM
Falu– Falu’s Bazaar

Learn more about Wolf Trap’s guidelines and policies here.

Imagination Stage produces Paper Dreams; a free production at Olney Outdoors

July 15, 2021

Imagination Stage is bringing a free, outdoor show to the Olney Theatre Center’s (OTC) Root Family Stage. The free outdoor performances of Paper Dreams at “Olney Outdoors” will be on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from July 31 to August 15, 2021. Patrons may reserve free tickets in advance online or by calling 301-924-3400.

This show may sound familiar to some, if you have older children. Paper Dreams was originally produced in 2017 as part of Imagination Stage’s My First Imagination Stage programming for very young audiences – best for ages 1-7. The playful dance theatre piece imagines two friends who live inside a wastepaper basket. Together they discover what ideas might unfold from a crumpled piece of paper. Maybe mistakes are okay – perhaps they can inspire our greatest ideas.

The link for more info and to reserve tickets can be found here.

Paper Dreams is part of My First Imagination Stage, programming which focuses on ages 1+ and recognizes “play” as the “work” of early childhood development. Through live performances, workshops, and classes, My First Imagination Stage creates fun and developmentally exciting experiences for the very young and their caregivers. A national leader in Theatre for the Very Young, Imagination Stage began focusing on the youngest of theatergoers in 2010 with the world premiere of Wake Up, Brother Bear! My First Imagination Stage has welcomed guest artists from Italy, Great Britain, and Germany, and
has developed many acclaimed world premiere productions including Mouse on the Move, Inside Out, and Blue.

LOCATION:
Olney Theatre Center’s Root Family Stage
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832

Imagination Stage will have in-person classes this Fall! They are also planning for live and in-person productions to be coming to their theatre this winter. More to come in August!

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Spies at Imagination Stage

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Drive-in’s and outdoor movies in and around Washington, DC

June 24, 2021

The Drive-In at Union Market – Washington, DC
Roll down the windows, feel that summer breeze and turn up the radio because the 9th Annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of six movies will launch the first Friday of every month through October 1. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 125 parking spaces have been reserved.
July 2: Wonder Woman 1984
Aug. 6: Sister Act
Sept 3: Crazy Rich Asians
Oct. 1: Cruella

Moonlight Movies: Flashback Fridays – Prince George’s County
Moonlit Movies are back! Outdoor movies have been a tradition in Greenbelt since 2014, and they continue this summer as a safe, fun way to get back to the movies! “Moonlit Movies: Flashback Fridays” feature nostalgic favorites on Braden Field, behind the Youth Center. Attendance is capped at 100 people. Each attendee requires a ticket. Please, no pets. New this summer: $5 snack packs! Pre-order your favorites here. Recreation and OGT staff will be at the entrance—behind home plate—to check you in. Masks use is suggested when you are not seated. Water-resistant picnic blankets are preferred to provide everyone with the best view. Chairs are allowed, the lower the better—circles will be spaced to give everyone the best view possible.
June 11: Jaws
June 18: Black Panther
June 25: Zoolander
July 2: Independence Day
July 9: Raiders of the Lost Ark
July 16: Back to the Future
July 23: Cool Runnings
July 30: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Starlight Cinema – Fairfax, VA
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema which take place on Saturday evenings in August. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. The 2021 season provides four movies, free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket, and chairs, and enjoy the movies.
Aug 7: Trolls
Aug 14: The Croods: A New Age
Aug 21: Onward
Aug 28: Raya and the Last Dragon

DC Party Box – Bethesda, MD
This drive-in theatre offers two showings on Thursday and Friday as well as daytime and evening showings on Saturday and Sunday. They feature a family friendly showing early and a more mature showing later. The theatre follows CDC required social distancing and currently guests have to remain in their vehicle and no more than 50 cars are admitted in.

Movies in the Park – Rockville, MD
Get outside this summer and head to Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen, each Wednesday during August. Bring chairs, blankets, food and beverages, and enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city {to be announced}. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and are free.

Alexandria Drive-In – Alexandria, VA
What began as a six movie series has turned into a huge community initiative to bring entertainment and joy to the community in a time of need. The series will announce new films every month and feature a popular collection of movie classics and family favorites.

Bengie’s Drive-In – Middle River, MD
The BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA! Bengie’s offers TriPPPle features almost every Friday and Saturday night, DouBBle features on Sunday night with non-stop projection. The show always begins with the National Anthem. In between movies, they play intermission clips, classic cartoons, and vintage trailers. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, they have Dusk till Dawn, All Nite Shows!

Summer Movies on the Lawn
The Library of Congress will host its fourth annual “LOC Summer Movies on the Lawn” outdoor film festival this summer, starting on July 8. The series of five movies, which showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry, will be presented on Thursday evenings at sundown between July 8 and Aug. 5 on the north lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, across the street from the U.S. Capitol. Attendees will be permitted to gather on the lawn beginning at 6:30 pm.
July 8: “The Princess Bride” (2016 National Film Registry)
July 15: “Shrek” (2020 National Film Registry)
July 22: “Toy Story” (2005 National Film Registry)
July 29: “The Sound of Music” *Audience Singalong* (2001 National Film Registry)
Aug. 5: “Jurassic Park” (2018 National Film Registry)

Drive-In Movies at the Pfitz – Woodbridge, VA
July 3: National Treasure
July 31: Footloose!
Aug 7: Captain America
Aug 21: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone

Family Drive-In – Stephens City, VA
This is a two screen, 64 year old classic, 484 car drive-in theatre. They offer movie sound via the traditional speakers or via stereo sound (through your car radio). There is a concession stand that offers theatre snacks or full meals. The space has a playground and is pet friendly.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf – Washington, DC
Get your family and friends together this summer for a classic movie on the big screen. Join at The Wharf throughout the summer for Sunset Cinema at The Wharf presented by Pacifico Beer. Enjoy this free pop-up outdoor movie theatre by reserving a seat in front of our 20′ LED screen on Transit Pier. They’re showing a variety of classic movies—including Happy Gilmore, Apollo 13, Jersey Boys, Ratatouille, and more. This movie series is free, but you must reserve a ticket. Each movie starts at 8pm with seating available beginning at 7:30pm. You may bring in food from restaurants at The Wharf, but drinks (both hard and soft) must be purchased from Cantina Bambina.

TBA {hopefully}:
Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights: Schedule coming soon!!
Park Up Drive-in at RFK
Bethesda Outdoor Movies
NoMa Family Film Night
Capitol Riverfront Drive-In Movie Series
Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Currently just scheduled through June
Cinema Del Ray
Four Mile Summer Movie Festival at Four Mile Conservatory Building
Canal Park
Mosaic
Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival
Rosslyn Cinema

Live outdoor music in and around Washington, DC this summer

June 22, 2021

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the free outdoor concerts and movies. What seems like an eternity ago (please time slow down) we took a sporadic drive to the Mall with our then three year old where we walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool and headed towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will allow you to relax after a long day (and year) and see a bit of our city while doing so. Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers.

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 11th Season! Every Friday night this summer, head to Yards Park around 7pm to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Glen Echo Summer Concert Series
Concerts are free and open to the public and feature a variety of local bands and musical genres. Music in the series typically ranges widely – from Country to Reggae, Swing to Latin Jazz, African to Cajun and Blues. Bench seating is provided in the pavilion, and folding chairs are also allowed. A coloring table to help keep small children busy during the concerts is also provided. Visitors may also enjoy the music from the picnic tables just outside the pavilion; many families enjoy bringing a picnic dinner to eat while listening. Dancers are welcome as well. For those who are still not comfortable with in-person events, the concerts will also be live streamed on YouTube and also available to watch later. Concerts are on Thursday’s starting July 1 – Sept. 9.

The Patio Stage at Strathmore
Designed to provide a spacious yet intimate experience, The Patio Stage features socially distanced tables that seat up to 4 people. This allows plenty of space for you and your pod in a venue that seats just 124. The Patio Stage’s lineup highlights what Strathmore does best—you’ll find music’s brightest names, like Wynton Marsalis, The Lone Bellow, Sophia Rei, and Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers; revel in contemporary and chamber music; soak in international sounds; and be introduced to your new favorite musician from our Artists in Residence program.

Wolf Trap Children’s Shows
Performances range from music and dance—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up. A list of rescheduled and postponed events impacted by the pandemic can be viewed here. August and September 2021 performances are subject to change depending on COVID-related conditions and artist availability. View Summer 2021 policies and guidelines.

Wolf Trap National Park
Offering a variety of shows outdoor. A perfect way to spend a summer evening, if you get lawn tickets don’t forget a picnic.

Jammin Java Outdoor Concert Series
Returning for our second year of outdoor concerts. This year they celebrate Jammin Java’s 20th anniversary with a jam-packed calendar. All outdoor shows are free, and donations-only shows. You can enjoy food and drinks in the outdoor seating and limited-capacity indoor seating. Limited capacity, first come first served, weather permitting.

A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
In 2021, America’s Independence Day celebration, A Capitol Fourth, will mark 41 years on the air. The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network. Details on the website as to how and where to attend in person.

Olney Outdoors
The Root Family Stage is an open-air home for the summer with physically-distanced seating on blankets or in chairs. Or if you’re ready for it, the raised bleacher seats are available at full capacity. You can reserve a “pod” of seats for parties of 4, 3, 2 or even a solo. Masks are encouraged, but not required for vaccinated patrons, except indoors for use of the restrooms or in case of rain. Expect a variety of shows through September.

Live military band concerts are free and no tickets are required unless noted:
U.S. Navy Band
U.S. Air Force Band– Fridays at the Air Force Memorial at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at National Harbor at 7 p.m.
U.S. Marine Band– Every third Wednesday of the month from June to August at Yard’s Park
U.S. Army Band

Looking for a music festival?
M3 Music Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion will take you back to the 80’s
Distrito Music Fest is a one-day Latin American music festival at Union Stage in Washington, D.C.
Darn Good Music Festival in Centreville, Virginia feature 14 live bands in 2 days

Venues reopening:
The Anthem, Comet Ping Pong, Nationals Park, The Hamilton, Howard Theatre The Birchmere, Jammin Java, The Kennedy Center, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Pocket DC and the big outdoor venues.

No details for this season yet:
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
Kids in Canal
Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Strathmore Kids
Friday Night Live Concert Series at Rockville Town Square
Rock at the Row