Live music in Washington, DC

All Good Presents brings Hot Like Mars to Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC.

Catch Jordan Davis live at The Bullpen. It’s a Friday night concert set for August 7, 2026.

Unwind by the Potomac at Key Bridge Boathouse with a waterfront happy hour that pairs live local music, rotating drink specials, and on-the-water fun. A changing roster of performers, including Alpha Dog Acoustic Blues Band, NOMAD, Mercy Alliance, Mike Setti, Joe Caruso, Rugan Lewis, Tommy Rueckert, and Darren “DP” Durkee, sets the soundtrack. Enjoy discounted beverages, then head out on a discounted guided kayak tour with on-site reservations available during the event. Snacks are available, and kayak or paddleboard rentals let you explore at your own pace. There is no cover.

Scott and Gregg offer an acoustic set at Hummingbird on the Alexandria waterfront, honoring the music of Jerry Garcia. This duo tribute centers on his songs in a stripped down acoustic presentation.

Øra nØir presents Kapwa, an evening centered on the expressive voice of the saxophone quartet. Named for Tyree Nesbitt’s Kapwa, which draws on the Filipino idea of a shared self, the program interlaces works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, George Walker, Jeff Scott, and Tyree Nesbitt to reflect on connection, memory, community, and our common humanity. The music moves through tender lyricism, moments of contemplation, and joyful celebration to shape a story grounded in care and storytelling. Øra nØir, a Virginia-based independent saxophone quartet, is devoted to crafting chamber experiences that are heartfelt, distinctive, and welcoming. Founded to rethink how classical music is shared, the ensemble pairs familiar repertoire with new works they champion, placing Black composers and artistry at the heart of its vision. Tickets are $25.

Enjoy a free salsa dance night on Transit Pier, part of a live music series where each evening highlights a different style of music and dancing. This installment features Salsa with Silvia and music by Cubano Groove for a lively night of salsa rhythms. The series also includes other genres on different nights, including swing with Gottaswing with music by The Thrills and country line dancing with DC Rawhides with music by Shawn Parsons & The Secret Service.

The Women That Rock Summer Tour brings together Abby Holliday, Charli Adams, and Eliza Harrison Smith for a showcase of distinct songwriting voices. Nashville-based Abby Holliday, 25, has been crafting songs for as long as she can remember, balancing weighty themes with a light touch. Her music blends moody textures, inward-looking lyrics, and modern pop flourishes, drawing comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and The Japanese House. She approaches the world with curiosity rather than cynicism and writes about herself with candor instead of harshness, turning diary-like reflections into inviting, relatable songs. Charli Adams, originally from Alabama, pursued music early, finishing high school online and moving to Nashville at 17. After immersing herself in the local scene and recording the debut EP Good At Being Young, her song Backseat was selected by Taylor Swift for a Women’s Day playlist on Apple Music. Her first album, Bullseye, received praise from outlets including EARMILK, DORK, The Fader, NPR, Billboard, and Line of Best Fit, and she has collaborated with Ruston Kelly, Novo Amor, and Nightly. In addition to writing for artists such as Chloe Moriondo, Yot Club, Peach Pit, and Valley, she is known for a powerful live presence, intimate connection with audiences, haunting vocals, and cinematic storytelling. Indie-pop artist Eliza Harrison Smith grew up just outside Washington, DC, where imaginative stories became songs once she picked up a guitar in her teens. She relocated to Nashville in 2019 and has since released multiple singles and two EPs, steadily building a community around her music and earning millions of streams. Editorial support from Spotify and Apple Music, AAA radio airplay, and headlining dates in New York, Nashville, and DC have fueled her momentum. With gentle, expressive vocals, catchy pop hooks, and lyrics that balance vulnerability with wit, her songs linger long after they end. Her latest EP, Same Old Dream, arrived in April 2026.

At Warner Theatre, the Totally Tubular Festival presents a multi-artist bill with performances by Thomas Dolby & the Lost Toy People, A Flock of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, Tommy Tutone, and Men Without Hats. For ticket questions, email the Warner Box Office at WarnerBoxOffice@LiveNation.com. For premium seating, contact Maryclaire Griffin at MaryclaireGriffin@LiveNation.com or 202-626-8255. Presales include VIP package options, access for Citi cardmembers, and a Live Nation presale, with a general public sale to follow.

An evening of electronic and ambient sounds featuring Centigrade 2, Karacell, Syncretist, Diner Hours, and Secret Wilderness. Centigrade 2 delivers an electro industrial set that reflects on climate change, layering plentiful samples with tactile synth work and heavy effects. Karacell, active in southeast Virginia and Richmond since 2009, has shifted from earlier plunderphonic psych pop toward influences of melodic techno, acid, and shoegaze, performing on hardware with live control of synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. Syncretist, the solo project of Robert Salsbury, presents instrumental electronics that weave melody with kosmische pulse, hip hop rhythms, electro textures, and 90s IDM, drawing from the LP Oscillated Incidents for a driving, danceable set with unexpected turns. Diner Hours, the duo of Amanda and Drew, returns to the DMV after 19 months in Nebraska with oboe tinged ambient suited to corner booths. Secret Wilderness features Jake Reid, a long time DC area musician known for shoegaze bands Alcian Blue and Screen Vinyl Image, bridging changeovers with a mix of DJ selections and live synths that leans into ambient and techno. Admission is $15-25.

Presented by the Jazz and Freedom Foundation, the 9th Annual Jazz and Freedom Festival returns to Mr. Henry’s as a fundraiser for Just Neighbors, a nonprofit that provides immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, asylees, and refugees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The program features the DC Starlight Orchestra and the Jazz Improv Institute Jazz Combo, and it introduces Donovan Claybrooks performing with the Jazz and Freedom All Stars. The evening concludes with an open jam led by Donovan Claybrooks that invites musicians to sit in. Tickets are $20 and available in advance through Mr. Henry’s website. Paid street parking is available, and parking is permitted in areas marked by green signs. The venue is one block from the Eastern Market Metro, which serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The performance space is upstairs and accessed by one flight of stairs. Founded by jazz trombonist Shannon Gunn and co-founded with CapitalBop, the festival was inspired by a Michigan State University event where professors performed selections from Max Roach and Oscar Brown Jr.’s Freedom Now Suite. Over the years it has partnered with local grassroots groups including Empower DC, Black Lives Matter DMV, WPFW-FM, Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, ICE out of DC, Washington Performing Arts Institute, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, and Just Neighbors.

Catch 2charm live at The Atlantis in Washington, DC. The show is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver brings a nostalgic tribute to Birchmere Music Hall, featuring live performances of John Denver’s well known songs. Musicians present interpretations of classics from his catalog in a concert setting that highlights the enduring appeal of his music.

Steely Dead, born from Denver’s lively music community, tours the country with a distinctive show that blends Steely Dan’s meticulous studio craft with the Grateful Dead’s melodic improvisation and fluid song transitions. The quartet features Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Chris Sheldon on drums, and Dylan Teifer on keys. Their performances revisit classic catalogs while weaving tunes together into fresh, exploratory jams, creating a shared live music experience that draws a devoted crowd from city to city. Grateful Guitars Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports the next generation of jam band musicians by securing top-tier instruments for talented players who thrive on stage. The organization also backs existing music education nonprofits in and out of schools across the country, expanding opportunities for underserved youth. Board members share stage-played and replica Grateful Dead instruments and gear from their personal collections with musicians in the community. For this show, the front row of tables and chairs will be removed to create a general admission pit, and some seated sections may have limited sightlines. For wheelchair access or other ADA accommodations, please contact the Box Office in advance at (202)-787-1000.

Chance Peña is joined by Hans Williams for an evening of country blues, singer-songwriter, and indie folk music at 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. The show starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets for this event are listed as sold out.

Houndmouth and Rayland Baxter are performing at The Anthem in Washington, DC. The show starts at 8:00 PM.

Flash stages a multi-room night with DJ W!LD and Gabbs leading the Club Level alongside Enzo b2b Manny, while Body Heat brings Geena Marie and SHAVAUNXX to the Green Room, and Groovahol sets the tone in the Flash Bar with REEFE, Moxiie, and the duo of Cole Butler and Lecca. From Paris, DJ W!LD is a DJ, producer, and multidisciplinary artist whose journey from underground favorite to international name is anchored by a style that moves fluidly through house, minimal, techno, breaks, and acid. His sets pivot from warm and groovy to driving and gritty as the room evolves, supported by a discography that spans labels such as REKIDS’ Cabin Fever, One Records, Robsoul, the RAL series from Ricardo Villalobos and Luciano, 2020 Vision, Moan, and Solid Grooves. He also curates The W Label, Spit&Die, and Take a Trip, championing both established and emerging artists, and extends his creativity into visual art and fashion, including soundtracks for Paris Fashion Week shows by Vivienne Westwood and Thierry Mugler. Gabbs, an Italian DJ, channels a pure, instinct-led approach that keeps the focus on precise selection and momentum. Whether in an intimate room or a sunrise setting, he delivers intensity and control aimed at creating a lasting dance floor experience. Advance tickets are on sale. Flash upholds a Safe Space Policy that rejects non-consensual behavior, discrimination, harassment, or harm, with staff ready to assist anyone who feels uncomfortable. To keep the dance floors focused, photos and videos are not permitted.

At Sabor Lounge DC, enjoy complimentary entry with RSVP along with drink specials and happy hour offers. Featured deals include $7 Crown, Fireball, Lobos, Stoli, and Luna, $10 margaritas, and two Luna Azul for $500. For table reservations or inquiries, call 301-613-8587 or message @SGEEvents on Instagram.

Celebrate young musicians at a spirited showcase from Girls Rock! DC’s August Summer Camp. Ten new youth bands will perform original songs they created during the week, and participants will share highlights from their camp experience, including learning instruments, forming bands, and writing together. This all-ages event shines a light on the talent and creativity of the campers while raising funds for Girls Rock! DC’s youth music education programs. Tickets are $10 for youth and $20 to $30 for adults, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Settle into an easygoing groove as soulful sounds set the mood for an evening filled with melody, relaxation, and good energy. Expect a feel-good soundtrack and a welcoming vibe that makes the night one to remember.

DC-based LUSH fires up a high-energy set built on party rock from the 90s and 2000s through today, plus a few classic favorites. Expect big singalongs, dancing, and good vibes as Faith, Derek, Jake, Karlin, and Mort power through the hits you grew up with, all in service of one thing... a great time. Bring friends and enjoy a beer while you belt out the choruses.

Echostage hosts Seven Lions.

A rock and roll band will perform at Westover Beer Garden.

After Dark at The Tiki Affair turns Dirty Habit’s downtown courtyard into a late-night tiki hangout with live music and rotating DJ sets. Expect tropical drink vibes alongside steel drum, R&B, and pop performances that evolve over the summer. It has an intimate, gathering-style feel, with music, conversation, and the bar as the main attractions.

Head to Pearl Street Warehouse for a live folk rock singer-songwriter show featuring Brad Hoshaw & The Seven Deadlies. The lineup on the event page focuses on the main act, with the performance starting at 7:00 PM.

Plastic Nancy pairs with The Duskwhales for an all ages show that spotlights two takes on vintage inspired rock. Plastic Nancy, started by Sam Clemens and John DeGarmo in Richmond in 2016, nods to 1960s influences and takes its name from a lyric in Love’s 1967 song The Daily Planet. After several years in the DC area, the group relocated to Southern California in 2025, adding California native Travis Garman on drums, and has honed an eclectic psychedelic sound through performances in bars, clubs, and concert halls across the United States. References for their style include Jimi Hendrix, Smashing Pumpkins, Thee Oh Sees, and Spacemen 3. The Duskwhales formed in Manassas, Virginia in 2010 and feature Seth Flynn on guitar and vocals, Brian Majewski on keys and vocals, and Chris Baker on drums and vocals. Their music echoes classic artists like The Beatles and Queen with rich harmonies and unpredictable arrangements, while maintaining a style of their own in the studio and on stage. They have shared bills with national acts such as Car Seat Headrest, Diane Coffee, Frankie Cosmos, and Jesse McCartney, and have performed across the East Coast. Their album Strawflower Lane is available on streaming services and as vinyl and CD on Bandcamp.

Presented by The Capital City Showcase and hosted by Christian Hunt, this event at Highline RxR combines trivia, stand-up comedy, and karaoke. Teams and solo players compete in three rounds of trivia for prizes, then the three highest-scoring teams each send a representative to a karaoke battle decided by audience vote. The show features stand-up from DC-area comics with Dom Grayer as headliner. After the competition, the evening transitions to sign-up karaoke so anyone who wants to sing can do so. All attendees may participate, or they can simply watch. Group reservations for six to eight are $10 per person, and individual tickets are $15. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, and the venue is a short walk from the Crystal City Metro Station.

See Titus Andronicus live at The Atlantis. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Video Nasties presents a new wave drag showcase featuring local performers who pay tribute to favorites like Talking Heads, DEVO, The B-52s, and more. This all-ages event celebrates the era’s music and style through creative drag performances.

Hans Raj Hans joins Sur Sagar for a live Sufi night filled with soulful melodies at Karma DC Live Music Venue. The performance blends the spirit of Sufi music with timeless Punjabi classics, delivered through powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. It offers an emotional musical journey designed to create memories that last well beyond the final note.

Enjoy an evening of Dead-inspired music as Better Off Dead teams up with Bella Rayne. For more than twelve years, Better Off Dead has honored the Grateful Dead’s legacy with spirited performances that explore the catalog and change from show to show. The group balances respect for the originals with adventurous improvisation, creating a welcoming atmosphere filled with dancing, smiles, and community across the Mid Atlantic. At 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter blending rock and Americana with a jam spirit that connects multiple generations. She started during the pandemic by reviving an old Stratocaster and learning by ear, then formed a high energy, guitar forward band that quickly moved from small rooms to national stages and festivals. Her sets mix soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and exploratory jams with fresh takes on Grateful Dead favorites alongside originals, and she has recorded singles for an EP slated for release in 2026. Her résumé includes appearances with Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals and JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family, plus performances at notable venues including The Fillmore in San Francisco, The Orpheum in Los Angeles, Sweetwater Music Hall, The Hamilton, and a birthday set at Bottlerock Napa. She was entrusted to play Jerry Garcia’s famed Alligator guitar through the Grateful Guitars Foundation, and Guitar Player magazine highlighted her in May 2025 among artists keeping the Dead’s spirit alive alongside Jeff Mason and Tom Hamilton. Please note that the front row of tables and chairs will be cleared to create a general admission pit, and some seated areas may have obstructed views. For wheelchair or ADA needs, contact the box office at (202)-787-1000 in advance.

Chance Peña and Hans Williams are performing a country blues and indie-folk style show at 9:30 CLUB. The listing shows the event is sold out.

This all-ages show celebrates the 90s with a set of beloved tunes from the decade.

Vibras DC is bringing the energy back to Culture DC for a night of dancing and big sing-along vibes. Expect a high-energy soundtrack that blends across borders, generations, and group chat favorites, with DJ Easy and Ulises on the decks. This is an 21+ event, and there’s an option for tables or bottle service via text or call.

Flash presents a night centered on Mystic Bill, a veteran DJ and producer whose journey from Miami to Chicago in 1988 cemented his path in both house and industrial music. Before relocating, he worked with Bill Kelly at the Flamingo Record Pool and played guitar in the synth and goth band Life in Sodom. In Chicago he secured residencies at Shelter, Crobar and SmartBar and became a pivotal voice in a later wave of the city’s house and techno artists, influencing names like The Black Madonna, KiNK, Axel Boman and Matrixxman. His sets draw from modern Detroit techno, Chicago acid, rare house selections and Italo disco, and he continues to appear at respected clubs across the United States and abroad. His studio work began with a remix of Kay Ladrae’s Lack of Love alongside Vince Lawrence and Karr Crash of Sundowners, opening a prolific period that included a full album on Trax Records. Releases and collaborations followed with IDF, 4 On The Floor, and Chicago vocalists Darryl Pandy and Shay Jones, known for work with Ministry. Under aliases such as Sundowners, Billy Nightmare and Savage Hymn he has issued originals and remixes, including reworks of Dennis Cruz’s Los Corazones, Hannah Holland’s Come Correct, Kiddy Smile’s Teardrops in the Box, Natalie Smash’s The Show and ELO’s La Pampara. His own tracks have been interpreted by Ricardo Villalobos and Eats Everything. A new full length LP is forthcoming, along with fresh singles and remixes for Tyree Cooper, Gratts and Tao. The Club Level features Mystic Bill with Edan Everywhere. The Green Room welcomes Stretch from Detroit alongside Jus Familiarise. The Flash Bar hosts DJ LickAshot with DJ Technics. Advance tickets are available. Flash upholds a safe space policy that rejects non consensual behavior, discrimination, harassment or harm, with trained staff ready to help. To protect the dance floor atmosphere, photos and videos are not permitted.

Flash hosts a Green Room session with Laidlaw, House Twelve, and KayLaSoul. London based Laidlaw, co founder of Beeyou, is known for a forward thinking, boundary pushing approach and for appearances with FUSE and Infuse, with his brand dedicated to cultivating immersive dance floor atmospheres across the UK. Before the music builds, the Club Level offers a complimentary wellness session featuring a Reiki Sound Bath with Kehinde Adeseye, first come, first served. To preserve a respectful class setting, entry closes at the start and reopens afterward for all ticketholders. The Club Level also features the Love Bazaar, a local vendors marketplace. Flash upholds a Safe Space Policy that rejects non consensual behavior, discrimination, harassment, or harm, and staff members are available to help if anyone feels uncomfortable. For the sake of the vibe, photography and video are not permitted on the dance floors. Advance tickets are available.

Verona's Court is back at The Dew Drop Inn - D.C. for a live performance, promising a fun night with great music and good vibes.

millkzy is bringing melodic rap and hip hop to The Atlantis. The show starts at 6:30 PM, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

This event features live performances by The Philharmonik and Wyatt Waddell. Tickets are available for purchase.

Catch Sloppy Jane live at Songbyrd in Washington, DC. The event is listed as a one-day performance on August 11, 2026.

Inspira Dance hosts its first West Coast Swing lesson and social at Ballston Quarter. The event begins with a beginner-friendly class, followed by an all-levels session for dancers who already know the basics. Guest instructors Anthony and Mara lead both lessons to help participants build skills at a comfortable pace. Afterward, put what you learned into practice during a social dance with special guest Stef providing the music. No partner or prior experience is required. A $15 cover includes the lessons and open dancing. Paid garage parking is available, and the venue connects to the metro. Proceeds support Inspira Dance, helping fund dance programs in Title 1 public schools.

A high-energy bill brings together Girly and the Pops, Costar, Glass Island, and Sir Lando for a fast-moving rock showcase. Girly and the Pops hit with an electrifying quartet sound built on striking contrasts, where garage rock grit meets Latin rhythms, spoken word flair collides with ferocious screams, and heavy riffs ride grooves that invite movement. Formed in late 2024, they are on the road ahead of their debut album Run For The Hills. Costar, a Maryland-based alternative trio, blends genres for a charged, high-impact set that will connect with fans of My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Blink 182, Pierce The Veil, and Twenty One Pilots. Glass Island, the trio of Evan Caulk, Kevin Patterson, and Brian Conwell, leans emo and draws from a wide range of alternative and emo influences, including Title Fight, Free Throw, Worlds Worst, and Modern Color. Sir Lando, a Frederick, Maryland three-piece fusing alternative, punk, and garage rock, brings pounding drums, groove-forward bass, and surf-tinged guitar work, landing in the orbit of Wavves, Thee Oh Sees, Queens of the Stone Age, Beach Goons, and Stone Temple Pilots.

Gateway Park transforms into an easygoing neighborhood hangout once a month this summer, as Rosslyn LIVE brings bands, tasty bites, and a pub-in-the-park experience to the lawn. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and plenty of space to relax with coworkers or meet new neighbors while warm evenings pair with cold drinks. Guests may bring picnic blankets and chairs for seating, but outside alcohol is not allowed. Admission is free, and the series features performances by Too Much Talent, Crashed Chords, and Justin Trawick and the Common Good.

An evening of punk and rock from Richmond and DC brings together Housie from Richmond, with support from the Andy Appletree mega marathon. DC acts on the bill include Saafewaay delivering punk, Powerband offering rock and roll, and Deen Gray staying true to the name. Qiiiiiiik represents DC punk with an ultra short set. Admission is $10 to $15.

Grooves in the Grove returns to The Wharf for the summer, filling the waterfront with laid-back beats. This installment features Tre4rmDC performing in The Grove near bartaco. Attendees can pick up takeout from Wharf restaurants and settle in for live music by the water.

Multi-platinum country star Sara Evans brings We Got The Beat to The Birchmere with Braden Hull also appearing. Over the past two decades at country radio she ranks as the fifth most played female artist, with five chart-topping singles including No Place That Far, Suds in the Bucket, A Real Fine Place to Start, Born to Fly, and A Little Bit Stronger. Several of those held No. 1 for two weeks and earned RIAA platinum status, and she has landed 15 songs in the top 20. Evans tours widely each year and is celebrated for her powerful country vocals, earning the Academy of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist award and nominations from the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, the Country Music Association, CMT, and the Grammys. The CMA honored her with Video of the Year for Born to Fly from her double-platinum album of the same name. Her catalog includes the multi-platinum albums Real Fine Place and Restless, along with the gold-certified Stronger and No Place That Far. She is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Beyond the stage she hosts the podcast Diving In Deep, welcoming guests such as Crystal Gayle, Bill Anderson, Martina McBride, and Ernest. Her charitable work has been recognized with the NAB Education Foundation’s Service To America Leadership Award and the American Red Cross Crystal Cross award, and she continues to support the CMA Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dangermuffin, the Charleston, South Carolina trio of vocalist Dan Lotti, guitarist Mike Sivilli, and drummer and bassist Steven Sandifer, brings a cross-genre sound that blends Americana, folk, jam, and rock into story-driven songs and uplifting melodies. Their self-titled album reflects a renewed creative chapter, weaving themes of light, healing, growth, and mythic imagery with a breezy, coastal vibe. After extensive touring behind Heritage and appearances at major festivals, along with shared stages with artists like Hot Tuna, Grace Potter, moe., Keller Williams, and Leftover Salmon, the band returned to its organic trio roots and shaped new material that translates powerfully on stage. Please note that the front row of tables and chairs will be removed to create a general admission pit, and some seated sections may have obstructed views. For wheelchair or ADA accommodations, contact the box office in advance at 202-787-1000.