Looking for some outdoor concerts to get spring started? In D.C., the weather is starting to warm up, the dogwoods are blooming, the cherry trees are starting to bud and people are itching to get out of their winter hibernation. If you are ready to get shake off the chill and enjoy the sunshine, here are some outdoor concerts in D.C. to get you out of your shell.
Image by: Patrick Haney (Flickr)
Twilight Tattoo
When: Wednesdays 7 p.m., May 5- 26 and June 2, 9, 23, 30
Where: Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Twilight Tattoo is The United States Army’s most popular outdoor ceremonial pageant that takes place in Washington, D.C. This hour-long military pageant features soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” The Soldiers in Twilight Tattoo represent all those serving around the world in defense of freedom. This free concert series is a great opportunity to experience American history through performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team.
Friday Evening Parades
When: Fridays 8:45 p.m., May 7 – August 27
Where: Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
If you are the type to plan in advance, you can enjoy a free concert by the U.S. Marine Band, Silent Drill Team &Bugle Corps in the Marine Barracks by making reservations three weeks in advance to: The adjutant, Marine Barracks, 8th & Eye Streets, SE, Washington, D.C. 20390-5000. Guests without reservations can wait outside the Main Gate of the Barracks where they can try their luck at scoring unclaimed seats. John Philip Sousa is the famous marine band leader who made the U.S. Marine Band internationally famous. The Evening Parade expresses the dignity and pride that represents more than two centuries of heritage for all Americans.
The Smithsonia Folklife Festival
When: June 24–28 and July 1–5
Where: National Mall, between 7th and 14th Streets in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Not only does the Smithsonian Folklife Festival have outdoor music, but you can browse the many attractions at this annual event sponsored each June and July by the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Celebrating cultural traditions around the world, The Folklife Festival includes daily music and dance performances, crafts and cooking exhibits, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2010 program will be: México Profundo: A Deeper Mexico, Asian Pacific American Connections and Smithsonian Inside Out.
The Capital Jazz Fest
When: June 4-6, 2010
Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, located in the suburbs of D.C., in a lovely 40-acre natural wooded setting known as Symphony Woods.
Cost: Tickets range from $41.50 -$265.00
Join music lovers from around the country as they flock to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to attend this weekend of cool jazz and soul. The Capital Jazz Fest is a multi-day, multi-stage outdoor music festival, which attracts jazz fans from all over the nation. Soak in the summer sun as you people-watch, eat, drink, mingle, relax on the gently-sloping lawns and of course, hear some great jazz music performed in the open-air covered pavilion.
National Memorial Day Concert
When: Sunday, May 30, 8:00-9:30pm
Where: West lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra is a free concert that is broadcast LIVE on PBS. Performed on the eve of Memorial Day, the National Memorial Day Concert is a time to remember the sacrifices made by so many. This outdoor concert is a deeply moving tribute to the men and women who have given so much to preserve America’s freedoms.
A Capital Fourth Concert
When: Sunday, July 4, 8:00pm
Where: West lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
If you missed The National Symphony Orchestra’s Memorial Day performance, be sure to see the second of three outdoor holiday concerts on the U.S. Capitol west lawn on the Fourth of July. This free 90-minute concert will be broadcast live nationally on both PBS and NPR-member stations. Presented by the National Park Service, The concert will be capped off by a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannon fire.
April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington D.C.
