An Abundance of Outdoor Performances to Enjoy

Live music is back and better than ever. If you’re itching to get out and about but aren’t too keen on indoor venues just yet, there are plenty of options in the great outdoors. The intimate Strathmore Patio Stage has performances most weekends and some weekdays. Wolf Trap is back and better than ever with options for the whole family. The Kennedy Center is utilizing their REACH facility more than ever before. Here are some more outdoor performance options in the D.C. area.

FOR THE FAMILY

WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 255-1800

Wolf Trap is back and better than ever this year. The next month of performances include something for everyone in the family. Soulful singer-songwriter Amos Lee is playing two performances, Wednesday July 21 and Thursday July 22 at the Filene Center. Take the kids to see a performance of Snow White by the Maryland Youth Ballet on July 31. The holiday season staples Straight No Chaser are a cappelling into town for a summer show on August 4 and violinist Lindsey Stirling is performing August 5. Also, don’t miss soprano Reneé Fleming at the Filene Center Friday August 6 at 8 p.m.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO LEARN

THE REACH AT THE KENNEDY CENTER
2700 F St. NW Washington, DC 20566
(202) 416-8100

The Millennium Stage is celebrating the return of live performances with lots of free outdoor experiences. There’s live music, dance lessons, yoga, film screenings and more. Coming up on August 5 is “RAGA at the REACH,” a three-day festival all about the heritage and culture of India. Step Afrika! takes over the REACH the weekend of August 12. The dance company will give classes in stepping, the South African gumboot dance and more. The weekend after, “Don’t Mute DC,” an activist collective fighting for the future of D.C. Go-Go music will be showcasing the irresistible sounds and beats of the homegrown genre.

FOR THE ONES WHO’D RATHER WATCH SPORTS

THE CITI OPEN
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center
5220 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20011

July 31 through August 8 heralds Washington’s premier tennis event since 1969. Past champions have included greats like Andre Agassi and Nick Kyrgios. Fan capacity is restricted to 50 percent this year, so tickets will be selling out quickly. Also returning is the gourmet food hall experience “Market Square” with choices from Duke’s Grocery, Root & Sprig by Tom Collichio, Fuku by David Chang and more. Check out citiopentennis.com for the latest on Covid and safety protocols.

FOR YOUR COOL TEENS AND 20-SOMETHINGS

MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION
10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 755-5550

The Merriweather Post Pavilion is bringing some big names back this summer. Relive your teenage years with New Kids on the Block August 4 and have a date night with James Taylor and his All-Star Band August 10. Expect a lot of rescheduled tours from the pandemic, like country star Luke Bryan, the Dave Matthews Band and Alanis Morrissette.

JIFFY LUBE LIVE
7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA 20136
(703) 754-6400

Like Merriweather Post, Jiffy Lube Live will be hosting lots of rescheduled concerts due to Covid. Jimmy Buffett will be bringing his laid-back vibes to town on August 7 and Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” will be coming Saturday August 14. Romantic country crooner Thomas Rhett comes back August 28 after having to be rescheduled. Later this fall, expect to see Maroon 5, The Jonas Brothers and more.