Your ultimate guide to summer concerts in Montgomery County, Maryland, is here! Prepare to be entertained by a diverse array of talented artists performing at beautiful, inclusive outdoor venues. We’ve curated the perfect lineup of summer concert series throughout the county for you to enjoy – begin planning your musical summer escape today!
1. Montgomery Parks Summer Concert Series
Various Parks in the County
Brookside Gardens hosts the Summer Twilight Concert Series on Tuesdays in June from 6:30 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.
Throughout Thursdays in July and August, Montgomery Parks will bring some of the best local music right to MoCo’s backyard for free. The Summer Concert Series is hosted at various parks, including Black Hill Regional Park, North Four Corners Park, Rock Creek Regional Park, and Cabin John Regional Park. 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
Glen Echo Park’s Bumper Car Pavilion will set the scene for their Summer Concerts, and this year, they’re celebrating 16 years of 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. Grab a bite to eat from the Praline cafe before, during, or after the show, like beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks.
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. 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.
5. Children’s Summer Concert
City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg
The popular Children’s Summer Concert Series in Gaithersburg returns on Wednesdays from June to July. 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.
6. 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 from June to August, 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.
7. Summer Evenings at Glenstone
Glenstone Museum
A unique experience for music lovers at Summer Evenings with Glenstone. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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, balloons, have some food, and have fun. No purchase or RSVP is required.
10. Kensington Historical Society Summer Concert Series
Howard Avenue Park
From May to August, listen to live music performances with local talent at the Kensington Historical Society Summer Concert Series. It takes place at Howard Avenue Park on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
11. 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 at Lakefront Live Summer Concerts. 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, but lawn chairs are permitted.
12. TGIF Summer Concert Series
Marian Fryer Town Plaza
Not too far from Kensington is the Wheaton TGIF Summer Concert Series at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza. Bring your lawn chairs, or sit on the limited seating while listening to local performers and bands. The concert series is held on Fridays from June to August.
