By Lambe Lamis Merriweather Submit Pavilion. {Photograph} by Will Cox.
The DC space has so many nice locations to see a present that there’s no solution to be complete. With that caveat in thoughts, listed below are a few of our favorites, from historic theaters to outside amphitheaters. Covid stays unpredictable, so test the web sites earlier than you go.
901 Wharf St., SW
Within the 5 years because it opened with a Foo Fighters present, this luxe venue on the Wharf has shortly develop into one of many space’s premier locations to see a gig, even when it’s not precisely intimate—as much as 6,000 followers can pack into it.
Insider tip: “Go to our bar upstairs within the foyer that appears over the marquee for a view of the water and the pier and people-watching,” says common supervisor Dori Armor. “It’s stunning.”
Live performance we’re excited for: British singer Charli XCX delivers her forward-looking pop tunes August 6.
7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda
Initially opened in 1938, the 500-seat area affords rather more than its titular genres.
Live performance we’re excited for: Go-go legends EU will rejoice frontman Sugar Bear at a birthday bash on July 23.
3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
One of many space’s most revered institutions, it’s identified for folks and roots, however you’ll additionally discover jazz, R&B, and plenty of different genres. Maybe you as soon as caught Johnny Money there? Fortunate you.
Live performance we’re excited for: John Hiatt & the Goners take the stage July 10 and 11.
1811 14th St., NW
Run by punk-scene mainstay Dante Ferrando, the appealingly gritty area is carrying on the traditions of DC’s underground music historical past.
Live performance we’re excited for: On July 23, native instructor Kim Coletta stops by together with her reunited outdated group, Jawbox—one in every of DC’s nice bands.
1073 Wisconsin Ave., NW
This famed jazz room has been presenting main acts because it opened in 1965.
Live performance we’re excited for: The engrossing singer Jean Carne has a four-night run starting July 7.
601 F St., NW
When large pop stars come to city, that is typically the place they land: Drake, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa . . .you get the thought. A improbable time for you and 20,000 of your friends.
Live performance we’re excited for: Wish to see Shawn Mendes right here on July 27? There’s nothing holdin’ you again.
7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
This Virginia area opened final yr with a present by Josh Groban. It’s been providing name-brand acts—usually from the stodgier finish of the spectrum—ever since.
Live performance we’re excited for: Nation artist Vince Gill performs July 29 and 30.
5037 Connecticut Ave., NW
Pizza, ping-pong, and punk: Why did no one consider this beforehand? The room—which books loads of different genres as nicely—matches about 150, and issues can get sweaty.
Live performance we’re excited for: On July 21, Zeta joins Dikembe and Tim Kinsella (Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc) and Jenny Pulse.
1940 Ninth St., NW
A 3-level area, it options eclectic music and good burgers. Not feeling the band? Head to the roof bar as an alternative.
Live performance we’re excited for: DC rapper Nonchalant—whom you may recall from her 1996 hit “5 O’Clock”—takes the stage July 21.
4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax
The ten,000-seat venue at George Mason College hosts faculty basketball video games—in addition to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Keith City, and Bob Dylan.
Live performance we’re excited for: On July 23, El Alfa brings his dembow sound to city.
2135 Queens Chapel Rd., NE
EDM is the style of alternative at this membership—the type of place the place David Guetta and Calvin Harris carry out whereas patrons order $375 bottles of Gray Goose. Nonetheless cheaper than a visit to Miami.
Live performance we’re excited for: Steve Aoki DJs on July 3.
8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring
Owned by Dwell Nation, this centerpiece of downtown Silver Spring is a prime spot for well-known pop and rock. It’s additionally one of many main native venues for nationwide hip-hop artists.
Insider tip: “For the shortest bar line, I’d advocate going upstairs to the balcony bar,” says Laura Cross, who does advertising for the Fillmore. “You may as well proceed up one other ground when you’re in search of a toilet a bit of additional away from the crowds.”
Live performance we’re excited for: Riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill, who lived in DC for some time within the early ’90s, return July 11 and 12.
1600 FedEx Manner, Landover
The NFL stadium can be the venue for mega-size music stars. Convey binoculars.
Live performance we’re excited for: The Weeknd’s 2021 Tremendous Bowl efficiency was good prep for his live performance July 30.
4000 Chesapeake St., NW
As soon as upon a time, Fugazi and different native legends would play the free summer time live performance sequence at Fort Reno Park. As of late, the bands are typically much less well-known, however good tunes and optimistic vibes endure.
Live performance we’re excited for: This yr’s lineup continues to be TBA.
600 14th St., NW
As soon as the flagship location of Garfinckel’s division retailer, the large area is now house to a Clyde’s Restaurant Group eatery and a downstairs stage.
Live performance we’re excited for: July 10 will deliver singer/songwriter Nicole Atkins.
620 T St., NW
One of many metropolis’s most historic venues. After a renovation a decade in the past, it affords rap, jazz, comedy, and extra.
Live performance we’re excited for: Yard Band ring in Independence Day weekend July 2.
227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
It does supply some bands with an improvisational bent, because the title suggests. There’s additionally nearly each different type of music you’ll be able to consider, from metallic greats Anvil to a U2 tribute band.
Live performance we’re excited for: Ska favorites the Toasters skank into Virginia August 6.
7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow
It opened in 1995 (as Nissan Pavilion) with the Village Individuals, and this amphitheater has been a favourite web site for outside enjoyable ever since.
Live performance we’re excited for: The Chicks—nonetheless a high-energy trio, now not “Dixie”—deliver “Goodbye Earl” and all their different classics to the stage July 9.
2700 F St., NW
From jazz to hit musicals to opera, the Kennedy Heart affords an astonishing array of riches—together with, after all, the Nationwide Symphony Orchestra, now thriving below Gianandrea Noseda. Millennium Stage has free performances, whereas the new-ish Attain is a welcome addition.
Live performance we’re excited for: India.Arie headlines the Black Women Rock! Fest on June 30 and July 1.
1215 U St., NW
Launched in 1922 as a film palace, it turned one of many key venues of DC’s “Black Broadway,” internet hosting the likes of Billie Vacation and Nat King Cole. Extra not too long ago, it has seen gigs from Barack Obama and Kendrick Lamar.
Live performance we’re excited for: British singer Yola has September 24 on her calendar for what’s positive to be a rousing efficiency.
10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia
With its beautiful environs and various programming, this amphitheater is a superb place to see music, even—particularly!—when you’re watching from a blanket on the garden. Additionally try the Chrysalis at Merriweather Park, a smaller stage on the grounds.
Live performance we’re excited for: Maren Morris performs August 4.
5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda
Glass partitions and nice acoustics are essentially the most outstanding options of this performing-arts corridor. Classical sounds, worldwide musicians, and dance performances are a few of the common choices.
Live performance we’re excited for: An August 6 set from Ukrainian foursome Dakhabrakha may have added resonance on account of current occasions.
1500 S. Capitol St., SE
The house of DC’s baseball staff can be the location of some main live shows—previous years have seen the likes of Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen step as much as the plate. Woman Gaga and Def Leppard are among the many future reveals.
Live performance we’re excited for: Dangerous Bunny brings his aptly named World’s Hottest Tour on August 23.
815 V St., NW
Its first location—at 930 F Avenue—was a DC establishment, however its present house is a nicer place to absorb a present. You possibly can see a chunk of the previous within the basement, the place the unique membership’s bar now resides.
Live performance we’re excited for: Brooklyn noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells return to the venue August 23.
33 Pearl St., SW
The intimate room on the Wharf makes a speciality of rootsy music; the vibe is extra Mississippi River than Potomac.
Live performance we’re excited for: Singer/songwriter Waylon Payne performs July 27.
1339 H St., NE
Don’t fear, it does have pies, however the tunes are simply as a lot of a draw. You’ll discover native and nationwide acts, together with occasions akin to emo karaoke.
Live performance we’re excited for: DC punk band Expensive Spring, whose most up-to-date video options a number of of the venues listed right here. See them July 21.
2500 Independence Ave., SE
RFK used to host DC’s largest live shows (U2’s Joshua Tree tour, for instance), however with the stadium now shuttered, the motion is exterior. As of late, music festivals akin to Broccoli Metropolis and Mission Glow entice hordes of revelers to the grounds.
Live performance we’re excited for: August 20 and 21, the DC World Reggae Competition will characteristic all kinds of Caribbean music and meals, with artists like Third World and Chronixx.
6950 Maple St., NW
In case you don’t know what you’re in search of, you may miss it: The nonprofit arts area is inside a Takoma DC home. The music is as unconventional as the environment, with a give attention to experimental sounds.
Live performance we’re excited for: Atmospheric native composer Heather Stebbins will probably be in the home July 1.
600 I St., NW
This classic synagogue affords all kinds of fascinating occasions. It’s the type of place the place you’ll be able to hear cosmic saxophonist Kamasi Washington or hearken to thought-provoking creator Ibram X. Kendi.
Live performance we’re excited for: British musician Calum Scott arrives with an armload of soulful pop tunes August 18.
540 Penn St., NE
Previously in Adams Morgan, it’s now relocated to Union Market, not removed from Byrdland Data (owned by the identical couple). Cool area, numerous bands, good sizzling canine.
Live performance we’re excited for: On July 22, the membership welcomes genre-mixing artist Shamir.
220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
With its basic neon marquee, the corridor has an inviting really feel, which extends to the within area.
Live performance we’re excited for: Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio died in 2017, so on July 9, they’ll characteristic vocals from Marshall Crenshaw.
101 MGM Nationwide Ave., Oxon Hill
Can’t make it to Vegas? This slick live performance corridor is as shut as you will get in our space, when it comes to each the flashy amenities and its method to reserving.
Live performance we’re excited for: Alicia Keys is there August 5.
740 Water St., SW
Buzzy nationwide acts typically play the well-appointed nightclub on the Wharf, owned by the parents behind Jammin’ Java.
Live performance we’re excited for: Singer Ethel Cain drops by July 24. Her haunting songs are exhausting to shake.
513 thirteenth St., NW
Way back, it featured silent films and vaudeville acts. Now you’ll discover a lot of standup comedy (Nick Kroll) and legacy rock acts (Kenny Loggins)—together with some impressively ornate decor.
Live performance we’re excited for: Singer/songwriter PJ Morton—you may know him as a member of Maroon 5—seems September 4.
1551 Entice Rd., Vienna
Generations of music followers have flocked to the a number of venues that make up this bastion of chill ambiance and tasteful sounds. It’s the one nationwide park dedicated to the performing arts—a spot the place you’ll be able to absorb an opera or musical, absorb basic artists like Bonnie Raitt, or examine of-the-moment music akin to Japanese Breakfast.
Insider tip: “On the garden, don’t sit proper up entrance,” says Wolf Entice social-media supervisor Nessa Ferrell. “Go [back] about ten toes to get one of the best view of the stage and screens. This additionally means you get to see some beautiful sunsets.”
Live performance we’re excited for: Indie artists Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, and Julien Baker make up a improbable triple invoice on July 21.
This text seems within the July 2022 concern of Washingtonian.