Live music in Arlington, VA

Franklin Hall hosts a recurring music quiz presented by Sporcle, with two sessions offered to give participants multiple chances to play.

At The Birchmere, Sierra Hull showcases the virtuosity and storytelling that have made her a seven-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year and a six-time Grammy nominee. A standout in bluegrass and Americana, she spotlights her independent album A Tip Toe High Wire, which features Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, and Aoife O’Donovan and has earned four GRAMMY nominations for its mix of tradition and fresh perspective. Hull has performed alongside Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Sturgill Simpson, Slash, and Robert Randolph, and has appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk and The Kelly Clarkson Show. She is also the first woman to have a Gibson signature mandolin and is a recipient of the Tennessee Governor’s Distinguished Arts Award.

An all-ages show brings together Oakwood, Camping in Alaska, and Empty Parking Lot. Based in Austin, Texas, Oakwood is an emo trio formed in 2013, featuring Mat, Noah, and TJ, whose early releases recently found a new audience online and led to a tour in 2025 that sold out. Their forthcoming album, Blurred Away, recorded with Phil Odom and mastered by Grammy winner Will Yip, channels grief and emotional unease into cathartic, melody-driven songs that nod to Algernon Cadwallader, Jimmy Eat World, Title Fight, and Jets to Brazil. Also on the bill are Camping in Alaska from Huntsville, Alabama and Empty Parking Lot from Chicago, Illinois.

A karaoke night at Mackenzies Tunes & Tonics features a library of thousands of tracks in English, Spanish, and several other languages. Admission is free, gourmet food and a full bar are available, and the setting is suitable for families. Complimentary garage parking is provided. Hosted by Associated Consultants, Inc.

Hosted by Mufasa Verde, this weekly open mic at The Pocket is free and designed to let performers shine. The stage is set with a complete backline that includes a drum kit, high quality lighting, and an on-site audio engineer, all within a supportive community. Limited advance spots are available online, and there is also a walk-in lottery for performers. Space is limited and can fill quickly. The front desk does not manage sign-ups, and questions are handled by email, with updates shared on social media.

At The Birchmere, the Italian guitar quartet 40 Fingers showcases four guitars in tight interplay for a crossover program built on fingerstyle finesse, original arrangements, and vivid visual storytelling. Formed in 2017, the ensemble of Matteo Brenci, Emanuele Grafitti, Enrico Maria Milanesi, and Andrea Vittori has attracted a global audience with hundreds of millions of online views, including more than 120 million on YouTube. Their interpretation of Bohemian Rhapsody earned official praise and a share from Queen, boosting their worldwide profile. Collaborations have included Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli, Tory Kelly, and Andy Summers of The Police, with a fresh take on Bring On The Night among their notable projects.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Jazz Month at Blues Alley with an Argentine spotlight, Valeria Stewart offers a performance that blends Argentine and broader Latin American roots with her American influences. The program includes music from her award-winning release Raíces | Roots on Antidote Sounds, pairing original Spanish-language songs with cherished classics from Cuba and Argentina. She also previews her forthcoming World & American Roots project, On a Wing, a primarily English collection that expands into folk, roots, and global sounds. The result is an evening of storytelling that explores heritage with depth and warmth. She appears with her full band, featuring Kevin Dudley on lead Spanish guitar, Eugenio Ibarz on double bass, Jason Walker on percussion, and Grey Jacks on piano and harmonies, with a special appearance by Argentine bandoneón virtuoso Emmanuel Trifilio, evoking the nostalgic character of Buenos Aires and infusing the repertoire with the spirit of tango. Two show options are available.

Black Cat presents a performance by Seattle’s Damien Jurado with St. Yuma. Jurado, a veteran singer and songwriter, is the artist behind Reggae Film Star, his 18th full-length and the second release on his Maraqopa Records label. The album’s twelve songs blend dreamlike vignettes with personal detail and a filmic mood, created with multi-instrumentalist Josh Gordon and engineer Alex Bush at Sonikwire in Irvine, California. The sound ranges from romantic AM radio vibes and 60s psychedelia to energetic rock and roll, Latin-tinged rhythms, and left-of-the-dial atmospherics, with strings, bass, and piano underscoring his distinctive voice. This is an all-ages show.

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs perform at Warner Theatre with special guest Sarah Lee Guthrie. Doors open before the performance. For ticketing and event questions, contact the Warner Box Office at WarnerBoxOffice@LiveNation.com. For premium seating information, reach Maryclaire Griffin at MaryclaireGriffin@LiveNation.com or call 202-626-8255.

Cabaret Voltaire appears at The Howard Theatre as part of a final tour through the United States and Canada. This all ages event offers tickets priced between $40 and $45.

A complimentary outdoor show is set for Wilson Plaza in the rear courtyard of the Ronald Reagan Trade Center building.

British guitarist Robin Trower takes the stage at The Birchmere for an evening shaped by more than six decades of trailblazing work. His recent release, No More Worlds To Conquer, nods to a far-reaching legacy while making clear that he continues to push himself on the guitar and as a songwriter. His story includes formative years powering Procol Harum, a solo breakthrough with 1974’s Bridge of Sighs that drew massive American audiences, and a range of collaborations and supergroup ventures, alongside later-period songs that still spark with fresh ideas.

Country Dance Night at Ballston Quarter features a beginner-friendly lesson to start, followed by open social dancing. The lesson focuses on Country Swing or Two Step, and the social portion includes Country Swing, Two Step, El Paso, and line dances. No partner or prior dance experience is needed. A $15 cover includes both the lesson and the social dance. Parking options include an on-site paid garage and metered street parking. Proceeds support Inspira Dance and its work bringing high-quality dance programs to Title 1 public schools.

The Telescreens bring a high energy live show to DC9 Nightclub, delivering an electrifying performance made for dancing. This talented band sets the stage for an unforgettable night.

Arlington’s 4th Street Underground returns to Westover Beer Garden with a varied blend of rock, rhythm, and blues. This live performance is free to attend.

The Matches, from Oakland, California, celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album Decomposer with an all ages show. This event marks a milestone for the band and the album.

At The Birchmere, Billboard chart-topping saxophonist, songwriter, producer, educator, and performer Eric Darius brings a high-energy show marked by his trademark leap and magnetic stage presence. Known for blending jazz with R&B, hip hop, funk, and pop, he showcases the crossover sound behind his single Too Good 2 Let Go, which held the top spot on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart for multiple weeks. Raised in a Caribbean-influenced musical family and launched from Tampa, he performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival at age 11 with Sonny LaRosa & America’s Youngest Jazz Band, played more than a hundred shows a year in his early teens, self-released his first album at 16, and made his major-label debut in 2004 with Night on the Town. Early recognition included Debut Artist of the Year from Smooth Jazz News Magazine and praise from Dave Koz as a forward-looking force on the saxophone. With eight acclaimed albums, seven No. 1 singles, and 20 Top 10 radio hits on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart, his accolades span SESAC’s Top 10 Jazz Artist of the Year in 2015, multiple honors from the Citril Starz Awards in 2017, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival’s Artist of the Year in 2022, and Smooth Jazz Network’s BEATS Best Artist of 2025. His career also includes collaborations with GRAMMY-winning stars such as Prince and Mary J. Blige, television spots on The X Factor and Mob City, leadership of his SagiDarius Music label, and hosting roles for the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend, and Smooth Jazz Europe’s River Cruise Festivals. This performance highlights his virtuosic saxophone work, genre-fusing creativity, and dedication to music education.

At the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department, a monthly swing dance features a beginner lesson led by Caitlin and Robert followed by a DJ social. No partner is required, and the setting is casual with plenty of chances to practice your moves. Admission is $10 at the door, payable by cash or check only.

Two tribute bands share the stage at The Hamilton Live for an evening celebrating Radiohead and The Smashing Pumpkins. No Surprises, the DMV’s tribute to Radiohead, returns with faithful, atmospheric performances that span the band’s guitar-driven and experimental periods, including selections from The Bends, OK Computer, Kid A, and Amnesiac. The Siamese Dreamers, a tribute to The Smashing Pumpkins, make their Hamilton Live debut with towering riffs, layered guitars, and dynamic moods inspired by Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The front row of tables and chairs will be removed to create a general admission pit, and some seated areas may have obstructed views. For wheelchair or ADA accommodations, please contact the box office in advance at (202) 787-1000.

A special screening honors 40 years of Little Shop of Horrors, hosted by Ellen Greene, who originated the role of Audrey on stage and later starred in the film, making a rare in-person appearance at The Lincoln Theatre. Exclusive meet and greet packages will be offered with an autographed item and photo opportunities. The 1986 sci fi musical comedy directed by Frank Oz follows florist Seymour Krelborn and the carnivorous plant he names Audrey II, whose growing hunger brings attention to his Skid Row shop while forcing him to balance his feelings for coworker Audrey with the creature's lethal appetite.

Zouk and Lambada light up the DC Metro area with a new monthly social from the team behind the Zouk Heat Festival. Designed for every mood, the night blends high energy and calm spaces so dancers can connect, move, and settle into the music at a comfortable pace. Each gathering starts with a class, then flows into a social featuring dynamic music and the signature Zouk Heat feel on a lively, connected floor, with a featured instructor highlighted every time. The setting is Inspira Dance inside Ballston Quarter. Free street parking is available nearby, and the Ballston garage offers a convenient option... use level G3 and pay upon arrival, with rates of about $1 for the first three hours, $3 for four hours, and $5 for five hours. The venue is metro accessible through a covered tunnel, surrounded by plenty of restaurants and bars for pre-social meetups, and offers a spacious room with beautiful floors about 20 minutes from DC. This series runs monthly, one to two times per month. Tickets will be released soon.

FFab & The Skulls deliver a hard hitting rock experience powered by muscular guitar riffs, relentless rhythms, and an all out stage presence. The show spotlights the band’s original material alongside reimagined covers, creating a set tailored for a live audience and the intensity of rock. Expect a dynamic atmosphere and an evening dedicated to tight, high octane musicianship. Admission is free.

Presented by Imagine, this evening at St. Mark's Episcopal Church- Capitol Hill features multi-instrumentalist and producer Masaru Higasa with vocalist Pepper Proud alongside British-Portuguese songwriter Nessi Gomes. Higasa and Proud shape a distinctive blend that balances masculine and feminine expression, creating melodic soundscapes with instruments drawn from around the world. Gomes writes with a quiet intensity, guiding listeners into the fullness of life where beauty sits beside fear, longing is allowed to remain unresolved, and the darker corners are given space rather than shame.

Colt Ford brings his blend of country twang and rap grit to the water with City Cruises Live, turning a yacht into a floating stage set against the San Diego skyline. The experience is high energy, with a full buffet and an open bar available on board. For an elevated option, VIP access offers prime deck seating, early boarding, and a meet and greet with Colt Ford.

Music From The Sole brings a high-energy blend of tap dance and live music, hailed by The Boston Globe for how it “breaks down walls between music and movement.” Led by Brazilian choreographer Leonardo Sandoval and composer Gregory Richardson, the ensemble fuses tap’s driving rhythms with influences that include samba, passinho Brazilian funk, Afro-Cuban traditions, jazz, and house. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, the company also shares its craft through community classes and workshops alongside the performance, delivering what the New York Times called a “jolt of good energy.” The event is audio described and appropriate for all ages. The performance runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $60, $52, and $38, with half-price admission for youth through grade 12. Prices include fees.

The Birchmere hosts a performance by Eric Roberson, a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and Howard University alum whose career has helped define independence in R&B and soul. Praised by DJ Jazzy Jeff as one of the great singer songwriters of his era, Roberson has written and produced for artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, and Vivian Green, while also headlining sold out tours around the country. For more than twenty years he has created what he calls Honest Music, embracing the creative freedom that comes with working outside the major label system. His creative output includes the 2020 project Hear from Here, a ten-song album completed in four weeks that offers messages of hope, with tracks like Road to Recovery, Omaha, and Shining featuring Brian Courtney Wilson. His single Lessons was recorded on the morning of his 12th wedding anniversary, inspired by his wife Shawn, and reflects his belief that setbacks and patience can lead to meaningful growth. Roberson has served as a professor at Berklee College of Music, invited fans into his studio through The Process during work on his Earth, Wind and Fire trilogy, and earned recognition including two GRAMMY nominations in Best Urban or Alternative Performance, a BETJ Virtual Award with Rahsaan Patterson, and a groundbreaking BET Award nomination as an independent artist.

Candlelight presents a tribute to the music of Hans Zimmer at National City Christian Church, creating an intimate atmosphere with hundreds of candles and a live, multi-sensory concert experience in Washington, DC. Performed by the Listeso String Quartet, the program features Time from Inception, This Land from The Lion King, Zooster’s Breakout from Madagascar, Honor from The Pacific, Tennessee from Pearl Harbor, A Dark Knight from The Dark Knight, suites from Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, and Gladiator, Cornfield Chase from Interstellar, Discombobulate from Sherlock Holmes, and a Pirates of the Caribbean suite. The performance runs about 65 minutes. Doors open one hour before the music begins and there is no late entry after the start. This event welcomes ages 8 and up, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. Seating is assigned within each zone based on arrival order. This concert is presented as a tribute and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artist, estate, or any official representatives.

London’s TWISTED BEAR makes its long-awaited Washington, D.C. debut at Icon DC, bringing the brand’s trademark blend of high-energy dance music and a bold, masculine vibe. Launched in 2015, TWISTED BEAR has grown into a global series, staging events in more than 20 countries and 50 cities with international guest DJs at the helm. The booth features longtime international resident Paul Coals from London, whose three decades behind the decks span vocal house and gritty tech sounds. Joining him for his first appearance with the brand is DJ and producer Jason James, a familiar name across the bear and leather scene in the U.S. and beyond. Expect a stacked stage with dancers including Archie, marking a D.C. debut, and Rocky and Indigo, both making their first TWISTED BEAR appearances, with more performers to be announced. The night is hosted by Dominus and supported by Mistr, Beefyboy, and Growlr. Gear is encouraged but not required, so bring the look that feels right. The crowd welcomes bears, cubs, pups, chubs, bearded boys, leathermen, musclemen, hot daddies, circuit boys, and LGBTQ friends. A coat check will be available. No refunds.

Round two at The Renegade brings Capital Chill back for a late night of live music. The band packs a set of rock, alternative, and crowd favorites that keeps the dance floor moving from start to finish. A $5 cover applies.

Friday and Saturday feature weekly karaoke at Cuates Grill Alexandria in Old Town Alexandria. Admission is free and the event is family friendly. Choose from thousands of songs in English, Spanish, and other languages, with late night food and drinks available.

This free, family friendly music showcase at Penn Social DC celebrates the end of the summer season with live sets by students from School of Rock DC/Cleveland Park in a professional concert setting. Expect energetic performances that highlight months of practice, teamwork, and musical growth. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Set times will be shared closer to the event.

The Pocket hosts a songwriter night featuring Amy Jay, Remi Goode, and Eli Lev in a round style performance where the artists take turns sharing original music up close. New York City indie folk artist Amy Jay is on the road with her album Mnemonics, released on Mother West and streamed over a million times. After headlining across the Northeast, she returns to the DMV with songs that are thoughtfully written and emotionally resonant. Nashville’s Remi Goode, whose background spans classical guitar and choral music, is touring her debut album. She pairs a clear voice with the warm tone of a nylon string guitar, creating an intimate sound noted by Glide Magazine. Listeners who enjoy Madison Cunningham, Suzanne Vega, or Phoebe Bridges may find her set especially appealing. Triple Wammie Award winner Eli Lev aims to bring people closer through song. His writing draws on travel and self discovery to deliver heartfelt, grounded music. He describes his style as Indie Folk Poptimism, offering an uplifting and approachable blend with emotional connection. Fans of Noah Kahan, Jason Mraz, and Jack Johnson may be particularly interested. Together, these three artists offer a contemporary indie folk showcase presented in a shared format that highlights distinct voices and perspectives.

DC Jazz Jam continues its salute to longtime regulars from earlier venues Dahlak and The Brixton with a featured night led by guitarist Adam Fluger. A familiar presence at the jam, he spent years as the dependable Fifth Sunday guitarist. Rescheduled after a February snow day, this session happens at Haydee’s with no cover. The jam is open to sit-ins, and a keyboard will be available for participants who need one.

The Revolution live concert featuring Sonu Nigam takes place at George Mason University's Eagle Bank Arena in the Washington DC area.

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Roberson brings an acclaimed blend of R&B and soul to the stage as a graduate of Howard University and a recognized pioneer of independent music. He has written and produced for artists including Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, and Vivian Green, and he has led sold out tours across the United States. With more than two decades as an independent artist, he continues to spotlight the craft behind his 13 solo albums and the creative freedom that fuels his work. His 2021 single Lessons was written on the morning of his twelfth wedding anniversary, drawing inspiration from his wife, Shawn, and explores patience, setbacks, and personal growth. During a challenging period in 2020, he created the album Hear from Here in just four weeks, offering a hopeful collection that ranges from the energizing Road to Recovery and Omaha to a closing collaboration with Brian Courtney Wilson on Shining. The music encourages joy, love, and living in the moment. Beyond recording, Roberson has taught at Berklee College of Music and invited fans into his studio world through The Process, a forum launched while he was crafting his Earth, Wind & Fire trilogy that lets listeners engage with songs as they take shape. His achievements include GRAMMY nominations in 2010 and 2011, a BETJ Virtual Award in 2008 with Rahsaan Patterson, and a landmark BET Award nomination in 2007 as an independent artist. This performance centers on soulful songwriting, heartfelt storytelling, and the independent spirit that defines his career.