Nightlife & Music

Best Outdoor Music Scene

January 28, 2011 5:13 AM

Jazz in the Garden (www.nga.gov/programs/jazz)

Capitol Riverfront

New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC

The Capitol Riverfront Business District is home to one of D.C.’s most vibrant communities, right on the river and surrounded by attractions such as the National’s Park, and the U.S. Capitol. Enjoy the outdoor music concert series all summer long with genres ranging from reggae, R&B, 80’s music, and more.

National Zoo – Sunset Serenades

3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008

One of the best places to hear outdoor music is none other than the zoo, where they host free concerts on Thursdays during the summer. Also known as the Sunset Serenades, this popular event is a perfect way to tie in animal encounters and a picnic with a nice blend of different music genres.

Jazz in the Garden (www.nga.gov/programs/jazz)

National Gallery of Art – Jazz in the Garden

4th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
202-737-4215

Every Friday during the summer, feel free to enjoy jazz performances at the outdoor cafe of the National Gallery of Art. Besides being surrounded by beautiful artwork, this venue also provides nice music and great food and drinks.

Meridian Hill Park Drum Circle

16th Street Northwest Washington D.C., DC 20009
202-895-6000

Known for its boisterous drum circle, this park attracts dancers, musicians, and pedestrians with its loud and vibrant African congo beats. Every Sunday from 3-9, you can catch quite a large gathering of people dancing around the drummers.