Montgomery County, Maryland welcomes music lovers to experience venues and diverse artists. Start planning your visit and explore the vibrant lineup of outdoor concerts this summer which we’ve picked out just for you!

1. Montgomery Parks Summer Concert Series
Various Parks in the County

Throughout Thursdays in July and August, Montgomery Parks will bring some of the best local music right to MoCo’s backyard for free. Brookside Gardens hosts the Summer Twilight Concert Series on Tuesdays in June from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Cabin John Regional Park hosts local talent on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Some of the concerts will have food and beverages for purchase on-site.

2. Glen Echo Park Summer Concert
Glen Echo Park, Bumper Car Pavilion

This park was once the premier attraction in the Washington D.C. area as an amusement park. Now, the park is a celebration of arts, culture, and music. Glen Echo Park’s Bumper Car Pavilion will set the scene for their Summer Concerts. The free concerts start at 7:30 pm on Thursdays from June to August. RSVPs are preferred, not required. There’s also free parking and concerts happen rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. And if you can’t make it to Glen Echo, you can always watch the concert on their YouTube Channel (link). If you’re feeling hungry after the show don’t worry, the Praline Café located inside the park doesn’t close until Midnight!

3. Bethesda Summer Concerts
Corner of St. Elmo Avenue and Norfolk Avenue

Join the urban crowd at the Bethesda Summer Concert Series.  Friday evenings at 6:00 pm from May to September, enjoy the sounds of locally known talent and the city ambiance. As you listen to music, don’t forget to enjoy the shopping and dining options located in Downtown Bethesda. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased from Rock Bottom Brewery and Olazzo. It’s free to attend, but seating is limited.

4. Live from the Lawn
Gudelsky Gazebo, The Music Center at Strathmore

Best known for performances and events at the Music Center at Strathmore and The Mansion at Strathmore, this summer concert series takes place at the Gudelsky Gazebo located across from The Mansion. Live from the Lawn showcases family friendly music on Wednesdays and Cool Concerts for Kids on Thursdays. The difference between the two, Cool Concerts offers a performance with all types of genres for all ages while creating fun ways for the younger audiences to interact with the music. RSVP is encouraged. Strathmore Culinary Arts will serve a variety of barbeque style foods and drinks for purchase on site. Ben & Jerry’s will have ice cream available, weather permitting. Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair.

5. Summers at South Valley Park
Gordon Bowie Music Pavilion, South Valley Park

In Montgomery Village, the Signature Series and Community Series Concerts happen on select Saturdays all Summer long. From 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, jam out to local artists at the Gordon Bowie Music Pavilion. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, food and drinks. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the Lawn Theatre fencing.

6. Children Summer Concert
City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg

The popular Children’s Summer Concert Series in Gaithersburg returns on Wednesdays from June until August. Parents and children will enjoy the variety of free performances. Shows are from 10:30 am to 11:15 am. Children can sign and dance along to family-friendly music and genres like Tot Rock, International Music, Acoustic, and more.

7. Lakefront Live Summer Concerts
rio Lakefront

Take in the sounds from favorite artists on the Boardwalk Stage at rio Lakefront on Fridays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm through August. Enjoy the music while dining at Guapo’s outdoor patio or grab a seasonal libation from the Beer Garden featuring a pop-up bar by Charley Prime Foods. Or, simply listen while shopping at your favorite stores. Guests are not allowed to bring their own tables.

8. Rockville Town Square Concert Series
Rockville Town Square

Get a dose of music at Rockville Town Square’s Concert Series. On Fridays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, enjoy diverse talent. Shop, dine and have a good time. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Parking is free for two hours, no validation needed.

9. Summer Evenings at Glenstone
Glenstone Museum

A unique experience for music lovers. Glenstone Museum in Potomac offers an expanded outdoor attraction for the museum. Take a sculpture and architecture walk, or curatorial walk in the evening hours and then head to the patio for food, drinks, and live music. Live music performances at the patio are held on the second Saturday of each month.

10. The Heights Food Hall Summer Music Series
The Heights Food Hall

Join The Heights Food Hall on their patio and celebrate the magic of music at the Summer Music Series. Every weekend this summer will have music and excitement for the whole family. Listen to music and play on oversized board games, and balloons, have some food, and have fun. No purchase or RSVP is required.

11. Olney Outdoors
Olney Theatre Center

Through the end of August, Olney Theatre Center’s Root Family Stage hosts another great summer of music, laughter, friends, and fun. Sit outdoors and enjoy some of the best tribute bands, cabarets, and concerts. They even have special events for children.

12. TGIF Wheaton 

Explore more fun in the county! Find 15 Ways to Eat and Drink in MoCo, Read our Insider’s Guide to Glen Echo Park, and check out upcoming events on our Events Calendar.