Live Music

Whether you attend a free concert or thrill to a live band in an intimate setting, you’ll have a memorable evening.

On most nights of the week, you’ll find great music options in Arlington’s neighborhoods, where you can nod along to indie rock in a cozy club or sing along to Irish tunes in a lively pub.

Here’s where to find live music in Arlington.

Music Festivals

Crowning Arlington’s music offerings are signature annual events like the renowned Columbia Pike Blues Festival in June and the Rosslyn Jazz Fest in September, which showcase national and international touring artists.

Outdoor Concerts

Summertime in Arlington means free outdoor concerts and patriotic performances nearly every night of the week. You can find a free concert series at the Air Force Memorial, Pentagon Row, Rosslyn's Central Place, the Netherlands Carillon and the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). All year round, the U.S. Army Band presents free concerts that uplift spirits and inspire love of country.

Pack a picnic and relax outdoors with the Lubber Run Summer Concert Series. Held under the stars in Arlington’s Lubber Run Amphitheater, the series features dozens of free performances from genres including big band, blues, soul and orchestral music — even cabaret.

For music and pageantry, the Twilight Tattoo can’t be beaten. A live-action military pageant at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, it features the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Experience a glimpse into American history through performances by the U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from the U.S. Army Band Downrange and U.S. Army Band Voices, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the U.S. Army Drill Team.

Classical Music

Even classical music lovers can find a home in Arlington. The National Chamber Ensemble performs everything from the classics to contemporary works in intimate settings while Opera NOVA and Urban Arias cater to opera buffs in different venues.

Neighborhood Music

Want to chill to live music after a day of sightseeing around the nation’s capital? Check out an eclectic array of local, regional and international musicians in Arlington’s local hangouts. From the popular Clarendon neighborhood to off-the-beaten-path Westover, Arlington bars and restaurants stage live music featuring bluegrass, blues, jazz, rock, world music and more. Here are some neighborhoods where you can groove to the tunes along with the drink of your choice.

Clarendon

Enjoy a pint or two along with some of the best musicians in the DC area at O’Sullivan’s on the weekend. Partake of the fully stocked bar when you’re not dancing to your favorite indie pop or classic rock at this traditional Irish pub.

Everything from classic rock to country is on tap at The Renegade restaurant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Columbia Pike

Café Sazón, a Latin American cafe and restaurant, presents live music on the last Saturday of the month. Listen to jazz and blues while savoring Guatemalan, Bolivian or Peruvian specialties (pupusas or empanadas, anyone?) during the show.

On Friday and Saturday night, tap your toes to traditional Irish tunes at the Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant, voted No. 1 place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in America.

Dance in the stacks — yes, the stacks! — of the Columbia Pike Branch Library during First Fridays: Groovin’ on the Pike. Arlington Arts co-sponsors a diverse lineup of musical groups from near and far the first Friday of the month.

Courthouse

On occasional weekend nights, rock vocalists and local guitarists fill the air at Ragtime, a neighborhood fave with one of Arlington's only covered patios.

On Friday nights, an acoustic guitarist performs popular covers at longtime neighborhood hangout Rhodeside Grill

Crystal City

Rock out with the band at McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights. Accompany your fish ‘n’ chips with everything from Irish ditties to ‘50s and ‘60s songs to current hits.

Pentagon City

Wednesday night means great jazz or blues by local artists while you pair fine wine with Asian tapas at Zen Bistro & Wine Bar.

Shirlington

Get a true sound and taste of Eire in the heart of Arlington at Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub which offers live music Friday and Saturday nights featuring local and Irish bands.

Westover

Join Arlington neighbors at the Westover Beer Garden for open-air music as the sun sets on summer evenings. Hear amplified light rock or acoustic sounds on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at this entertainment-focused venue serving barbeque and craft beer. The amazing beer garden is known throughout the capital area for its “Great Wall of Beer,” a Who’s Who of craft brews.