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Your free summer soundtrack in NOVA
Move and groove all summer long at these concert series around town. | Photo via the National Gallery of Art
Live music speaks to our soul — and we know it does for many of you, too. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 free concert series happening all summer long across NOVA and DC. Plus, we’ve put together a handy packing list so you’ll be fully prepared to soak up the sounds of summer.
Arlington Lubber Run Amphitheater: Free Concert Series | 200 N. Columbus St.
This weekend concert series kicks off Friday, June 6, and goes until August 1. The former orchestra player in me is eyeing the Arlington Philharmonic performance on June 29.
Food: Pack a picnic Drink: Alcohol is prohibited Seating: Bring blankets + chairs
Alexandria Loading Dock Rock Summer Concert Series | 3950 Wheeler Ave.
New this year, Port City Brewing Company is hosting a concert series on the third Friday of every month through September. If there is inclement weather, the concert will be moved into their indoor beer garden.
Food: Food available from La Tingeria Drink: Available for purchase from Port City Brewing Company Seating: Bring chairs, limited high-top seating available
Free Spanish Music Time with Miss Stephanie | 12:30-1 p.m. | Accelerando Music at The Barn, Alexandria | Free | Pack a picnic lunch and join Miss Stephanie for a fun, free Spanish music class designed for children ages 0 to 6.
Saturday, May 24
Asian Summer Festival | Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, Tysons | Free | This three-day festival will showcase Asian cuisine + performances and educate attendees through talks.
4th Annual Art In Nature Festival | Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26 | 12-5 p.m. | The National Botanic Garden, Chantilly | $12+ | Meet talented local artists, discover local wine, indulge in handcrafted chocolates, and savor delicious culinary creations.
A new Korean street food spot has soft-opened in Annandale. Oiso, located at 7133-C Columbia Pike, is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be free tastings of Yoju cocktails from 4 to 8 p.m. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Eat
The popular brunch chain First Watch opened in Reston on Monday. Through Friday, May 23, guests will get free coffee with their meal. The new location at 12192 Sunset Hills Rd. has room for 170 guests and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Coming Soon
Goodie’s Frozen Custard and Treats, located at 200 Commerce St. in Old Town Alexandria, reopens for the season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. They serve only vanilla frozen custard — but with endless toppings, from classic sprinkles to indulgent choices like a warm cinnamon roll on top. (ALXnow)
Biz
The 11th location of Boll + Branch, an organic cotton home textiles store, is opening in Merrifield tomorrow, May 22. Located at 2921 District Ave., it has taken over the old Custom-ink headquarters. (FFXnow)
Holiday
The National Museum of the American Indian in DC will host a Memorial Day event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., honoring Indigenous service members with veteran talks, prayer tie-making, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the exhibit “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces.”
Closing
Say bye to Kismet Modern Indian in Old Town Alexandria. After about four years of operation, this restaurant will have its last day of service on May 31. There’s still a location in Richmond, or you can check out its sister restaurants Karma Modern Indian and the new Karizma in DC.
Festival
The International Food and Culture Festival debuts at Dulles Town Center on Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Can’t make it? Catch it again on June 28, July 12, or Aug. 9. The original Manassas location hosts events on July 27 and Aug. 4.
Development
Major renovations at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park will begin in July 2025 and are expected to be completed by August 2026. Planned upgrades include a concession stand, improved dugouts, and additional enhancements throughout the park.
Community
The Fairfax County Planning Commission proposed a plan for a mixed-use development on 2.4 acres, part of which is known as Gordon Road Triangle, between Fairfax County and Falls Church City. While the plan is still very tentative, it calls for multi-family residential buildings with ground-level retail uses. (FFXnow)
Pets
Rosslyn’s Gateway Park just got a little more paw-some.New dog-friendly play equipment — including ramps and a platform — was installed on Sunday, thanks to the efforts of local nonprofit R-Dogs. The upgrades are part of a broader vision for the park, with dog park expansion plans set to begin in 2026. (ARLnow)
Games
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
As I continue to grow my summer bucket list, catching a Nationals baseball game is near the top. I have to admit — one of the best parts of any game for me is the stadium snacks. There’s just something about a hot dog or soft pretzel under the stadium lights. What’s your go-to ballpark snack?
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