Photo by NPS volunteer Joseph Gruber
Fort Hunt Summer concert series
Alexandria offers a variety of free summer concerts and music events. Here's a rundown of some of the notable ones:
Major Festivals and Series:
- Fort Hunt Concerts: Held on Sunday evenings at Pavilion A in Fort Hunt Park (8999 Fort Hunt Road), this series features a range of genres including jazz, rock 'n' roll, and military bands. Concerts typically start at 7 p.m.
- Mount Vernon Nights: Enjoy free outdoor weekly concerts every Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park (4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway) through the end of August. These concerts feature diverse musical acts like soul, jazz, funk, pop, salsa, ska, reggae, world music, alternative rock, blues, R&B, and country/Americana.
- Summer Sundays Chamber Music at the Lyceum: The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association presents its 35th season of free chamber music concerts every Sunday at 3 p.m. from June 8 through August 24, 2025, at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street). No tickets are required, though a suggested donation is encouraged.
- Loading Dock Rock - Summer Concert Series: Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue) hosts free concerts on the third Friday from May through September, from 6 to 9 p.m. They turn their loading dock and main parking lot into an outdoor venue for live music, local craft brews, and a community atmosphere.
Other Free Concerts and Events:
- City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums Summer Concerts: The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums present free concerts on Market Square (300 King Street) in Old Town Alexandria. Usually held on Thursdays in July and August.
- Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration: The city celebrates its birthday with live music, food and drink vendors, and fireworks. In 2025, this is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at Oronoco Bay Park.
Tips for Attending:
- Check for updates: Dates and times are subject to change, especially due to weather. Many venues have hotlines or websites for up-to-date information.
- Bring seating: For outdoor concerts, it's often recommended to bring your own blankets or lawn chairs, as seating can be limited.
- Food and Drink: Some events allow you to bring your own picnic, while others have food and drink vendors on-site. Be sure to check the specific event details.
- Parking: Parking can sometimes be limited, so plan accordingly. On-street parking in Alexandria is generally free on Sundays.
