Friends and Family Fun Day at the Washington Youth Garden

The National Arboretum is one of our favorite places. In fact, so many DC-ers don't even seem to know it is there, and it is so close to the Prince George's County line, that should just claim it for our own!

If you're looking for something fun to do this Saturday, July 24, head over to Friends and Family Day at the Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum. You can enjoy fresh, healthy snacks from the garden (perfect for Maryland's Buy Local Challenge this week!), meet honeybees, enjoy some kid-friendly gardening activities, listen to live music and tour the garden.

Additional Details:

Friends and Family Fun Day at the Washington Youth Garden
National Arboretum
Saturday, July 24 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm
For directions to the WYG inside the National Arboretum, click here.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Shakespeare in the Parks: Romeo and Juliet

Pack a picnic and take your family to see a free outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet this summer! There are several locations so you can choose the one closest to you or see it several times.

Wednesday, July 21 @ 7pm
Magruder Park
40th & Hamilton Streets, Hyattsville
Rain location: St. Jerome's School, 5207 42nd Place, Hyattsville

Thursday, July 22 @ 7pm
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro
Rain location: Largo/Kettering/Perrywood Community center

Friday, July 23 @ 7pm (sign interpreted)
Montpelier Mansion Grounds
9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel
Rain Location: Deerfield Run Community Center
Note: this performance also has a 6pm opening act by the Prince George's Children's Theatre

Saturday, July 24 @ 6pm
Stephen Decatur Community Center
8200 Pinewood Drive, Clinton

Sunday, July 25 @ 3pm
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie
Note: this performance is indoors!


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Wednesdays

The US Marine Band performs at 8pm on the west steps of the US Capitol every Wednesday evening this summer through August 25. Weather permitting.

Parking is challenging on Capitol Hill so plan to take Metro to Union Station or South Capitol.



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Tuesdays

Head over to the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol Building for a free concert performed by the US Air Force Band every Tuesday this summer at 8pm. Parking is a challenge in that area so Metro is recommended; the closest stops are Union Station or Capitol South.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Mondays

The US Navy Band performs every Monday evening at 8pm on the west steps of the US Capitol through August 30.

Parking is challenging on Capitol Hill so plan to take Metro to Union Station or Capitol South.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Sundays

The only Sunday offering I could find is close to home for me at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park. This is a lovely setting on an important urban watershed. Please note, this series is includes more than music--there are plays and a family movie night!

Free Concerts in Prince George's County

Bladensburg Waterfront Park Arts at the Waterfront
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg

Every Sunday through August 15 from 6-7:30pm; please note this
July 4 - DeAndrey Howard's Collectors Edition (classic jazz)
July 11 - Sportaculture (six short plays about local sports)
July 18 - Mambo Combo (Salsa, Mambo, Rumba and Samba)
July 25 - Prince George's County Police's Rhythm 'n Blues Band
August 1 - N2N Band (Soul, Rhythm & Blues)
August 8 - US Naval Academy Band
August 15 - Oasis/Island Sounds
August 27 - Family Movie Night (title TBD call 301-937-6631 for information)



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Saturdays

Free Concerts in Prince George's County

Beltsville Community Center Jazz Under the Stars
3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville

July 17 @ 7pm - James King Quartet
August 21 @ 7pm - Ndelible

National Harbor Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Every Saturday from 2-4pm through August 28

July 3 - Steel Drum Trio
July 10 - Bruce Middle Group (jazz)
July 17 - John Luskey (country)
July 24 - Blues 4 Piece
July 31 - Savoir Faire (cajun)
August 14 - Southern Maryland Concert Band
August 21 - Hudson & Watson (variety/pop rock)
August 28 Bruce Middle Group (jazz)


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Fridays

If you are looking for free outdoor music on Fridays this summer, you are in luck! You can pick your favorite venue and become a regular or go to a different venue each Friday throughout July and into August, there are just so many to choose from.


Friday Concerts in Prince George's County

Bowie Town Center Outdoor Concert Series
Bowie Town Center Food Court
15606 Emerald Way, Bowie

Every Friday in July from 7-9pm

National Harbor Summer Concert Series
National Harbor Waterfront

Bring your own chair or blanket; no alcoholic beverages allowed; no outside food allowed but there are lots of dining options.

Every Friday in July and August from 5-7pm

July 2 - Blues 4 Piece
July 9 - Roosevelt Smith Duo
July 16 - Hudson and Watson
July 23 - Pete Fields Duo
July 30 - Roosevelt Smith Duo
August 6 - Blues 4 Piece
August 13 - John Luskey
August 20 - Steel Drum Trio
August 27 - Pete Fields

Montpelier Mansion Summer Concert Series
9652 Muikirk Road & Rt. 197, Laurel

July 9 @ 7:30pm - BG & The Mojo Hands (Blues, Swing and Rockabilly)
August 6 @ 7:30pm - Jennifer Rose & The Mixx (Country Rock)

Friday Concerts in Washington, DC

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Jazz in the Garden
7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

Every Friday through September 10 from 5-8:30pm

Outside alcoholic beverages, large coolers and tables prohibited; food and alcohol for sale

July 2 - Bio Ritmo (hot salsa)
July 9 - James King Ensemble (jazz bassist)
July 16 - Incendio (Latino jazz from Los Angeles)
July 23 - Young Lions (fusion rock/jazz)
July 30 - John Jensen (jazz trombonist)
August 6 - Bjorn Solli (Norwegian jazz guitarist)
August 13 - Carsten Boe Trio (Django jazz from Oslo, Norway)
August 20 - Pete BarenBregge (ensemble avante-garde)
August 27 - Miles Stiebel (smooth jazz violinist)
September 3 - Miles Stiebel (smooth jazz violinist)
September 10 - Bruce Swaim (jazz saxophone)

Friday Concerts in Arlington, VA

The United States Air Force Band Summer Concert Series
Air Force Memorial, Arlington, VA

Plenty of free, on-site parking or take Metro to Pentagon City or Arlington Cemetery

Every Friday at 8pm through August 31.

The United States Army Band
West Steps of the U.S. Capitol

Every Friday through August 13 at 8pm
Metro recommended: Union Station or Capitol South


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts: Thursdays

Summertime is the time to enjoy wonderful outdoor music in Prince George's County and DC and I've done some research to dig up free outdoor concerts almost every night of the week through July and into August! Over the next few days, I'll publish the venues by day of the week then will put together one big summary post at the end. Enjoy!

Thursday Concerts in Prince George's County

Riverdale House Museum Jazz on the Lawn
4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD

Bring your own blanket or lawn chair; refreshments will be sold. In case of rain, concerts held indoors.

July 15 @ 7pm - Oklahoma Twisters
August 19 @ 7pm - Buck Hill Quartet


Watkins Regional Park Concerts in the Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

Bring your own blanket or lawn chair; refreshments will be sold.

July 8 @ 7pm - Higher Hands
July 15 @ 7pm - The Mary Shaver Band
July 29 @ 7pm - Tom Newman Project
August 5 @ 7pm - Patrick Alban Band


Thursday Concerts in Washington, DC

National Zoo Sunset Serenades

Bring your own picnic or purchase from zoo vendors.

July 22 @ 6:30pm - The Steve Scott Project
July 29 @ 6:30pm - GHZ Band and Show
August 5 @ 6:30pm - The Grandsons


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!