Live music in Arlington, VA

All Good Presents hosts Hot Like Mars at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC.

Scott and Gregg perform an acoustic set at Hummingbird on the Alexandria waterfront, celebrating the music of Jerry Garcia as part of a Days Between tribute. This intimate unplugged tribute focuses entirely on his music.

Warner Theatre hosts the Totally Tubular Festival, a multi-artist concert spotlighting iconic new wave and pop-rock acts. The lineup includes Thomas Dolby & the Lost Toy People, A Flock of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, Tommy Tutone, and Men Without Hats. Public tickets and multiple presale options are listed by the venue, including VIP packages and presales for Citi cardmembers and Live Nation.

Kapwa, presented by Øra nØir, offers an evening of live saxophone quartet music that explores connection, memory, community, and shared humanity. Named for Tyree Nesbitt’s work inspired by the Filipino idea of a shared self, the program includes music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, George Walker, Jeff Scott, and Tyree Nesbitt. Listeners can expect moments of flowing lyricism, thoughtful reflection, and joyful celebration that come together as a story grounded in care. Øra nØir is an independent Virginia-based saxophone quartet dedicated to creating chamber experiences that are personal, distinctive, and welcoming, formed with a goal of reimagining how classical music is shared. Their programs blend familiar repertoire with new works they champion, placing Black composers and musicianship at the center of their artistic vision. Tickets are $25.

Experience a free salsa-themed dance night with live music on Transit Pier. The evening features Salsa with Silvia and a performance by Cubano Groove. It is part of a summer series on select nights in June, July, and August, with each event highlighting a different style of music and dancing.

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 addresses climate change with layers of sampled fragments, tactile synth work, and saturated effects. Karacell, active around southeast Virginia and Richmond since 2009, has moved from an earlier plunderphonic psych pop approach to music shaped by melodic techno, acid, and shoegaze, performed with hands-on control of synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. Syncretist, the solo project of Robert Salsbury, offers instrumental electronics that weave melody with kosmische pulses, hip hop grooves, electro, and 90s IDM. The live show draws from the LP "Oscillated Incidents" and favors danceable momentum with plenty of twists. Diner Hours, the duo of Amanda and Drew, returns to the DMV after 19 months in Nebraska with oboe tinged ambient pieces suited to quiet corners. Secret Wilderness, Jake Reid of Alcian Blue and Screen Vinyl Image, provides a hybrid DJ and live synth set to bridge changeovers, leaning into a heady blend of ambient and techno. Admission ranges from $15 to $25.

At Birchmere Music Hall, Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver spotlights the iconic songwriter through live performances of his well known songs. A group of accomplished performers will share heartfelt interpretations that capture the warmth and nostalgia of his music, creating an evening centered on the melodies that define his catalog.

At The Birchmere, a tribute to the music of John Denver features Jim Curry, the vocalist who provided Denver’s singing voice for the CBS television movie Take Me Home, the John Denver Story. A Rotary International scholarship recipient in music and voice, Curry has devoted his career to sharing Denver’s songs and the artist’s message of love and care for the planet. Performing with his band, Curry has appeared alongside former members of Denver’s group in leading venues and has partnered with composer Lee Holdridge to reconstruct and preserve Denver’s original symphonic arrangements. Highlights of his work include a central role in Denver’s induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, hosted by Olivia Newton-John, and serving as host for the official John Denver Estate show that toured the United States and Australia. His album Such a Wild Place, produced by Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole, features songs he co-wrote as well as previously unreleased pieces written by Denver. This performance focuses on the timeless catalog that continues to connect with audiences worldwide.

The event will be held at Mackenzies.

The Woodbridge Flute Choir Quartet performs a mix of classical selections, American standards, pop, jazz, and new original pieces. The program showcases the flute family, featuring concert flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute. It is part of the Summer Reading Adventure and is offered at various FCPL branches over the summer. Registration may be required.

This event offers a warm and welcoming time of fellowship and friendly connection.

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

The Capital City Showcase puts on a fun, mixed-format night with trivia, stand-up comedy, and a karaoke battle. The evening kicks off with three rounds of trivia, then moves into comedy featuring Dom Grayer as the headliner. Afterward, the top trivia teams send up players for a karaoke battle, with the audience picking the winner. After the competition, it transitions into a regular sign-up karaoke night so everyone can sing. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show runs for about two hours. The event is for ages 21+.

Video Nasties presents a new wave drag showcase featuring local performers paying tribute to favorites like Talking Heads, DEVO, The B-52s, and more. Enjoy a spirited lineup of performances that channel the quirky, high-energy spirit of the genre. This all-ages event highlights beloved new wave music through the creativity and flair of a talented cast of drag artists.

Experience an evening of improvisational rock that honors the legacy of the Grateful Dead as Better Off Dead teams up with rising artist Bella Rayne. Better Off Dead goes beyond a typical tribute act, channeling the exploratory spirit of the Dead with setlists that draw from across the catalog and performances that balance reverence for the originals with fresh, in-the-moment twists. Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound blends rock and Americana with the free-flowing energy of jam band music. Leading a dynamic, guitar-forward ensemble, she mixes soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisation, weaving bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead favorites alongside her own originals. Her momentum includes appearances with Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family, plus performances at venues such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, The Orpheum in Los Angeles, Sweetwater Music Hall, The Hamilton, and Bottlerock Napa. She has even performed with the storied Alligator guitar once played by Jerry Garcia through support from Grateful Guitars Foundation, and has been highlighted by Guitar Player magazine for carrying the Dead tradition forward. Grateful Guitars Foundation is a nonprofit that helps talented musicians access world class instruments and supports music education so jam band music continues to thrive for future generations. Please note that the front row of tables and chairs will be cleared to create a general admission pit, and some seated sections may have partially obstructed views of the stage. For wheelchair or ADA accommodations, contact the box office at (202) 787-1000 in advance.

Hot Tuna brings an intimate acoustic performance to The Birchmere, spotlighting the blues roots that have defined the band for nearly six decades. Guided by founding guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady, whose early partnership in Jefferson Airplane helped shape rock history, the show reflects a lifetime of musical exploration. Their acoustic interplay highlights Kaukonen’s intricate guitar work and Casady’s inventive bass, drawing from a catalog that spans more than two dozen releases and a tradition of continual reinvention. Known for spontaneity, energy, and onstage improvisation, each concert offers singular moments that connect deeply with listeners. With Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy honors in their story, this evening centers on seasoned musicianship and the enduring spirit of American blues and roots music.

A music-focused open microphone session with Reis as host. The focus is live music in an open mic format.

Enjoy a karaoke night at Mackenzies Tunes & Tonics. Entry is free, and the catalog includes thousands of songs in English, Spanish, and a few other languages. Gourmet food and a full bar are available. The event is family friendly, and parking is free in the garage. Hosted by Associated Consultants, Inc.

Step into an imaginative African village experience that introduces the Queen Mother, invites participants to learn a harvest dance, and uses djembe rhythms to bring Anansi the Spider folktales to life. Co-sponsored by the Friends of George Mason Regional Library, this program is part of the Summer Reading Adventure and will be offered at FCPL branches such as City of Fairfax Regional Library, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Martha Washington Library, Herndon Fortnightly Library, and Chantilly Regional Library. Registration might be necessary, and the schedule is subject to change.

Inspira Dance presents its first West Coast Swing lesson and social at Ballston Quarter. The evening begins with a beginner friendly lesson focused on foundational moves for the first 45 minutes, followed by another 45 minute session for dancers who know the basics and want to level up. Both lessons are led by guest instructors Anthony and Mara. Afterward, take your new skills to the floor during a social with music curated for West Coast Swing by special guest Stef. No partner or prior dance experience is required. A $15 cover includes the lessons and open dancing. Parking is available in a garage for $1 for three hours, and the venue is directly connected to the metro. Proceeds support Inspira Dance, helping fund high quality dance programs in Title 1 public schools.

Celebrate summer at Gateway Park with a monthly series that blends live bands, tasty bites, and a park pub vibe. Enjoy music under the open sky, food trucks, and plenty of space to relax with colleagues or connect with neighbors as the park buzzes with energy on warm nights. Guests may bring picnic blankets and chairs, but outside alcohol is not allowed. There are no charges for tickets. For this edition, Justin Trawick and the Common Good take the stage.

Grooves in the Grove returns for summer Thursday evenings with breezy beats along the waterfront. This installment features Tre4rmDC performing in The Grove near bartaco. Pick up food to go from Wharf restaurants and enjoy a relaxed night of music by the water.

An evening of punk and rock features Housie bringing Richmond punk, with the Andy Appletree mega marathon in a supporting role. The lineup also includes Saafewaay representing DC punk, Powerband delivering DC rock and roll, and Deen Gray from DC, true to the name. Qiiiiiiik, a DC punk act, is advertised as having the shortest set ever. Entry is priced at 10 to 15 dollars.

Multi-platinum country star Sara Evans brings We Got The Beat to The Birchmere, with Braden Hull also on the bill. A mainstay at country radio for nearly two decades, she ranks fifth among female artists in airplay and has earned five No. 1 hits, including No Place That Far, Suds in the Bucket, A Real Fine Place to Start, Born to Fly, and A Little Bit Stronger. In all, 15 of her songs have reached the Top 20, and several of those chart-toppers spent two weeks at No. 1 and achieved RIAA platinum status. Evans’s voice has been widely praised, and her accolades include the Academy of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist honor along with nominations from the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, CMA, CMT, and the Grammys. The CMA recognized Born to Fly with Video of the Year, the title track from her double-platinum album. Her catalog spans multi-platinum releases Real Fine Place and Restless, as well as the gold-certified Stronger and No Place That Far. This year she launched the podcast Diving In Deep, welcoming guests such as Crystal Gayle, Bill Anderson, Martina McBride, and Ernest. Her longstanding charitable efforts have been honored with the NAB Education Foundation’s Service To America Leadership Award and the American Red Cross Crystal Cross, alongside continued support for the CMA Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dangermuffin brings a radiant roots blend that moves between Americana, folk, jam, and rock, telling stories with reflective lyrics and melodies that linger. The Charleston, South Carolina trio of vocalist Dan Lotti, guitarist Mike Sivilli, and drummer and bassist Steven Sandifer has honed an easy, organic chemistry onstage, building a strong sense of community through their performances. This show spotlights music from the self-titled release that arrived after a period of creative reset. The band retreated to the North Carolina mountains to shape new songs, then recorded in the soaring rooms of Echo Mountain in Asheville, with collaborative overdubs and edits handled by the group, final mixes by Majeed Fick, and mastering by Vlado Meller. The result leans more rock while keeping the group’s coastal ease, with themes of light, healing, and growth, and imagery that ranges from Icarus to walks in nature. Expect an uplifting set that reflects a bright, revitalized chapter for the band. For wheelchair or ADA accommodations, please contact the box office in advance at (202)-787-1000. The front row of tables and chairs will be cleared to create a general admission pit, and some seated areas may have obstructed views of the stage.