Free Summer Concerts in Montgomery County

By Patch Editor Whitney Teal

Grab a blanket, slather on the SPF 50 and pop a seat on a lawn near you to enjoy everything from Zydeco to electric cello to go-go at these free (mostly outdoor) summer concerts in Montgomery County:

What: Outdoor Summer Concerts at Strathmore (Free, but parking is $5)

When and Where: Wednesdays, June 26 to Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore (at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda).

Deets: Hear everything from authentic DC go-go to an electric cello at the music venues summer concert series. (Check the calendar online to see who’s playing when.)

Bonus: Strathmore is collecting used instruments for Hungry for Music, a nonprofit that helps underprivileged children study music.

What: Wheaton "TGIF" Summer Concert Series

When and Where: Every second and fourth Friday, through August, from 6:30-8 p.m., in the Wheaton Triangle.

Deets: What to look forward to in July and August: jazz, reggae, Motown, and rmore. (Read more about who's playing when.)

What: Bethesda Summer Concert Series

When and Where: Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Park (at the corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues in Bethesda).

Deets: Ends July 25. (Check the website to see who’s playing when.)

What: BlackRock Summer Concert Series 

When and Where: Saturdays, July 6-27, at 7 p.m. at BlackRock Center for the Arts (at 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown).

Deets: Four bands will play a variety of music styles live at the Germantown arts venue. (Check the website to see who’s playing when.)

What: Thursday Morning Kids Concerts

When and Where: Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion (at 31 S Summit Ave, Gaithersburg).

Deets: Every Thursday through Aug. 7. (Check the city website to see who’s playing when.)

What: Downtown Live!

When and Where: Fridays through July 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Drive, between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue).

Deets: Two hours of free pop, rock or old-school R&B, depending on when you go. (Check the website to see who’s playing when.)

What: Friday Night Live (Free)

When and Where: Fridays, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., through Sept. 27 at Rockville Town Square.

Deets: Depending on the night, catch live performances of everything from Zydeco to classic rock to a 90s cover band. (Yes, you’re allowed to hope for a little Backstreet Boys.) (Check the website to see who’s playing when.)