The return of live music is back in full force in Fairfax County! There are hundreds of upcoming shows happening this summer that are perfect for a fun family outing, a date night, or just a nice way to spend time with friends.
And while you can still catch big-ticket performances at renowned performing arts venues like Wolf Trap (check out their 50th anniversary season preview here), Jammin’ Java, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, and others, you can’t beat free or minimally priced shows in a warm, outdoor setting on most nights of the week.
Here is where to find the music – there is bound to be a series happening near you. Use the below navigation to jump to a certain neighborhood in Fairfax County, or just scroll to see the full array of options!
Annandale | Centreville | Chantilly | Clifton | Fairfax | Fairfax Station/Burke | Falls Church | Franconia | Great Falls | Herndon | McLean | Mount Vernon/Lorton | Reston | Tysons | Vienna
Annandale
Image courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority
@ Mason District Park
6621 Columbia Pk, Annandale
Spotlight by Starlight
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 7:30pm
July 7 – August 25
A lineup of free performances ranging from Folk to R&B to Salsa to Blues, plus tribute bands and chamber music, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Arts in the Parks: Children’s Shows
Saturdays at 10am
July 10 – August 14
A free children’s entertainment series featuring puppetry, sing-along music, magic, and more, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Ossian Hall Park
7900 Heritage Dr, Annandale
Spotlight by Starlight: International
Saturdays at 7:30pm
July 10 – August 21
A lineup of international-themed concerts as part of the Spotlight by Starlight series that highlights a variety of cultural heritage nights from countries such as Peru, Vietnam, Germany, Bolivia and more. This series is part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Wakefield Park
8100 Braddock Rd, Annandale
Arts in the Parks: Children’s Shows
Saturdays at 10am
July 10 – August 14
A free children’s entertainment series featuring puppetry, sing-along music, magic, and more, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Centreville
@ The Winery at Bull Run
15950 Lee Hwy, Centreville
Live Music Weekends
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays year-round
Enjoy a wine tasting, a bottle, and/or a tour of the historic grounds at this working farm vineyard while listening to an array of live music every weekend, all year long. Keep tabs on the artists and food truck options at wineryatbullrun.com.
Chantilly
@ E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater
5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly
Arts in the Parks: Children’s Shows
Saturdays at 10am
July 10 – August 14
A free children’s entertainment series featuring puppetry, sing-along music, magic, and more, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Clifton
@ Paradise Springs Winery
13219 Yates Ford Rd, Clifton
Live Music Weekends
Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5pm
July - October
Enjoy a wine tasting, a bottle, and/or a tour of the bucolic grounds at Fairfax County’s first vineyard while listening to an array of live music every weekend. Live music happens all year long. Performances will be announced at paradisespringswinery.com.
Fairfax
@ Royal Lake Park
5344 Gainsborough Dr, Fairfax
Braddock Nights
Fridays at 7:30pm
July 9 – August 20
@ Rutherford Park
4743 Guinea Rd, Fairfax
Braddock Nights
Wednesdays at 7:30pm
July 7 – August 18
Both of these locations offer lineups of free performances ranging from Zydeco, Bluegrass, Bomba, Swing, Honky Tonk and Rock, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
Evenings on the Ellipse
Thursdays at 5:30pm
July 15 – August 19
A lineup of free performances ranging from World Jazz to Roots to Country and Rock, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Wine tastings and sales by The Winery at Bull Run and Paradise Springs Winery are available. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ City of Fairfax’s Old Town Square
10415 North St, Fairfax City
Rock the Block Concert Series
Fourth Friday of each month at 6:30pm
June 25 – October 22
Each month, jam to a new band at the City of Fairfax’s popular summer and fall concert series and dine on delectable food from area vendors and restaurants. Alcohol can be purchased on-site and the schedule is subject to change. See schedule here.
Fairfax Station/Burke
@ Burke Lake Park Amphitheater
7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
Arts in the Parks: Children’s Shows
Saturdays at 10am
July 10 – August 14
A free children’s entertainment series featuring puppetry, sing-along music, magic, and more, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Springfield Nights
Wednesdays at 7pm
July 14 – August 18
A lineup of free performances ranging Americana to Blues Rock to Party Bands and more, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Beer sales available by 2 Silos Brewing Company and opening acts by area high school students. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Falls Church
Image courtesy The State Theatre
@ The State Theatre
220 N Washington St, Falls Church
Free Outdoor Shows
Varies – check schedule
The State Theatre is a landmark of the DC area and throughout the pandemic has been producing outdoor live music performances. While some indoor performances have resumed, many free outdoor shows are still being scheduled throughout the summer. Keep tabs on the schedule here as new shows are added all the time.
@ Cherry Hill Park
312 Park Ave, Falls Church
Concerts in the Park Summer Series
Thursdays at 7pm
June 17 – July 29
Celebrating 28 years of live music, Falls Church’s Summer Concerts in the Park Series highlights a variety of musical genres including Alt Rock, Funk, Instrumental, and more at Cherry Hill Park. Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy the night! See lineup and parking info here.
Franconia
@ Lee District Park Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater
6601 Telegraph Rd, Franconia
Lee District Nights
Wednesdays at 7:30pm
July 7 – August 25
A lineup of free performances ranging from Indian dance and music to Blues to Go-Go, and Jazz, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Great Falls
Image courtesy Great Falls Village Centre/Facebook
@ Great Falls Village Centre Green
776 Walker Rd, Great Falls
Concerts on the Green
Sundays at 6pm
August 15 – September 26
Pull up a chair or blanket at Great Falls’ free summer concert series, featuring a variety of bands, soloists, and musicians. Performances subject to change. Keep up with weather-related changes here. See the lineup here.
Herndon
Image courtesy Laura B. Poindexter
@ Frying Pan Farm Park Kidwell Farm
2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon
Hunter Mill Melodies
Thursdays at 7:30pm
July 8 – August 26
A lineup of free performances ranging from Folkloric music and dance to Jazz to Bluegrass and Pop/Rock, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center Pavilion
2739 West Ox Rd, Herndon
Arts in the Parks: Children’s Shows
Wednesdays at 10am
July 7 – August 18
A free children’s entertainment series featuring puppetry, sing-along music, magic, and more, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Arrowbrook Centre Park
2351 Field Point Rd, Herndon
Music at Arrowbrook Park
Saturdays at 7:30pm
July 10 – August 28
A lineup of free performances ranging from Irish Rock to Swing to Funk and Rockabilly, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Wine tastings and sales by The Winery at Bull Run and Paradise Springs Winery are available. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Herndon Town Green
777 Lynn St, Herndon
Friday Night Live!
Fridays at 6:30pm
July 9 – September 24
This free outdoor concert series produced by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce features the most popular local acts from up and down the East Coast, from rock and roll cover bands to classic and modern rock tunes. Food from local restaurants will be available for purchase as well as a variety of draft beers including Herndon’s own Aslin Beer Co. Performance schedule subject to change. Check out the lineup here.
McLean
@ McLean Central Park Gazebo
1468 Dolley Madison Blvd, McLean
Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park
Sundays at 5pm
June 13 – July 25
Several weeks of free performances from acts like a Rush tribute band, a group paying homage to the sounds of the 60s, 70s, & 80s, and a modern country vocalist. Learn more about the acts here.
Mount Vernon/Lorton
@ Grist Mill Park
4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria
Mount Vernon Nights
Fridays at 7:30pm
July 9 – August 27
@ Workhouse Arts Center
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Mount Vernon Nights
Saturdays at 7pm
July 10 – August 28
Both of these locations offer lineups of free performances ranging from Roots Rock to String Bands to Tango music to Acoustic Blues and even Vintage Rock n’ Roll, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Reston
@ Lake Anne Plaza
11402 Washington Plaza, W, Reston
Take a Break Concert Series
Thursdays at 7pm
June 3 – September 2
Enjoy waterfront live music at Lake Anne Plaza in this popular concert series in Reston featuring pop/rock, jazz, mambo and more. This series is free for all ages. Schedule subject to change. See lineup here.
@ Reston Station
1901 Reston Metro Plz, Reston
Summerbration Fab Fridays
Fridays at 7pm
June 4 – September 3
Head to Reston Station, adjacent to the Wiehle-Reston Metro station, for Fab Fridays! Enjoy live music from a variety of musical acts. Free parking in the ParkX garage up to three hours with validation. Schedule subject to change. See lineup here.
@ Reston Town Square Park
11900 Market St, Reston
Family Fun Entertainment Series
Saturdays at 10am
June 19 – August 7
This great family-friendly entertainment series offers everything from magic to sing-alongs to comedy and even a Unicycle Lady! Parking is free in Reston Town Center garage on Saturdays. Schedule is subject to change. See lineup here.
Sunday Art in the Park
Sundays at 7pm
June 13 – August 29
In partnership with Shenandoah University’s music conservatory, this Sunday music series will feature vocal trios, pianists, opera, and violins. We can’t think of a more relaxing way to end your week! Schedule subject to change. Lineup can be seen here.
Tysons
@ The Boro Tysons
8350 Broad St, Tysons
Summer Live Music Series
Thursdays at 5:30pm
July 8 – September 9
Head to Tysons’ newest urban village, The Boro, for a free live music series featuring local musicians plus other entertainment. Head to the Upper Promenade near Boro Park for the live music set up, and RSVP to receive updated information as each week approaches. Schedule subject to change. More info & events here.
@ The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center
1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons
Summerfest
Thursdays and Fridays, 4pm
Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm
May through October
Find live music on The Plaza all summer long as part of Tysons Corner Center’s Summerfest celebrations. Each week, the Center will welcome local musicians to perform. And stay tuned for the Summer Concert Series lineup coming in September. Subject to change. More details here.
Vienna
Image courtesy Mike Stone for Jammin' Java
@ Nottoway Park
9537 Courthouse Rd, Vienna
Nottoway Nights
Thursdays at 7:30pm
July 8 – August 26
A lineup of free performances ranging from Motown to Southern Soul to Pop to marching bands, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series. Performances subject to change. See lineup here and more summer park performances at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
@ Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave, E, Vienna
20th Anniversary Outdoor Concert Series
Nightly – check schedule
Jammin’ Java, Vienna’s premier live music venue, began producing outdoor concerts in the parking lot during the pandemic months for a safe way to witness live music. This season, the series returns for Jammin’ Java’s 20th Anniversary! All outdoor shows are free and/or donation-only shows. Check jamminjava.com for the entire ongoing schedule.
@ Vienna Town Green
144 Maple Ave, E, Vienna
Summer on the Green
Fridays and Sundays at 6:30pm
June 25 – August 13
A local favorite of Vienna residents, the free Summer on the Green concert series features a wide range of musical genres, from military bands to women who rock, plus gospel music and classic rock. Pull up a chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of the season. Schedule subject to change. More info here.
Kids on the Green
Tuesdays at 10am
July 6 – August 17
Kids can get their dance on at Vienna’s free Kids on the Green entertainment series, with storytelling, puppetry, drumming and other rhythm and rock music, and even kids hip hop. Performances last about 30-45 minutes and are subject to change. Learn more here.
@ Church Street
Church Street, Vienna
Chillin’ on Church
Every third Friday at 6:30pm
August 20, September 17
Vienna’s happening block party returns! This event includes live music, food, local beer and wine, and other family-friendly activities for a fun and free Friday night. Learn more here.
Where will you take in free or affordable live music this summer? Did we miss an awesome concert series you know about? Tell us in the comments below! And don't forget to share your photos and experiences on social with us at @VisitFairfax and #FXVA!
