This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
The sound of summer is here in Arlington with free outdoor concerts and a music festival!
The Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Summer Concert Series kicks off on June 6 (continuing through August 2), and the 29th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival takes place on Saturday, June 13!
Free Summer Concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater
June 8 – August 2
Both Country music icon Reba McIntyre and crooner Michael Bublé hit the red button for DMV Blues Diva Carly Harvey’s “blind audition” for NBC’s The Voice last fall. Now you can hear Carly Harvey Sing Amy Winehouse to kick off the Free LUBBER RUN AMPHITHEATER Summer Concert Series, at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The concert series continues with Afrobeat band Dogo Tu Togo (Fri., June 12); Latin-jazz from Rumba Club (Sat., June 13); and the majestic Arlington Philharmonic (Sun., June 14, *6:30pm start time); The Grandsons 40th Anniversary (Sat., June 20); and the educational ensemble Mama Elena (Sun., June 21, 11:00 a.m.), continuing our tradition of Sunday morning performances for the whole family; and a Simon & Garfunkel Tribute performance (Fri., June 26).
Presented by Arlington Arts in cooperation with the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation and with the collaboration of the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation, the Lubber Run Amphitheater Concerts take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 6 through August 2. Concert times are 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday morning family performances beginning at 11:00 a.m. (unless otherwise noted), two of which are co-presented with Arlington Public Library.
The Lubber Run Amphitheater is nestled within the Arlington Forrest neighborhood, at N. Columbus St. and 2nd St., North. Click here for the complete schedule and detailed information, directions and info about the Lubber Run Concert Series!
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Saturday, June 13, 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
“Magical… gives everybody the joy!” is how Billboard magazine describes Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, the fast-rising, funk-soul sensationsheadlining the free event that Arlington Magazine calls “Arlington’s best block party!” The 29th annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival takes place on Saturday, June 13 (12:00– 8:00 p.m.).
This year, the festival will be held in a new location: Penrose Square, part of the Penrose Square development at 2597 Columbia Pike, with vendors located in the adjacent grounds formerly occupied by CVS. Even with the new spot, the Blues Festival will deliver the same energy, great music and community spirit that people have come to love about this great festival.
In addition to the touring headline act, the great lineup continues with rising star Armani Burnham — a 20-year-old Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-based artist — brings a fresh voice to the lineup. Next up is Stacy Brooks, the D.C. Queen of the Blues and past winner of the D.C. Blues Battle of the Bands. Guitar virtuosos Guy Bouchie and Bobby Thompson follow, bringing serious instrumental firepower to the stage. Arlington’s own Curbfeelers kick things off, setting the tone with hometown energy.
The Columbia Pike Blues Festival draws thousands of blues fans to the Pike each year. Now in its 29th Year, the event is presented by the Columbia Pike Partnership in partnership with Arlington Arts. Click here for the complete schedule and detailed information about the Columbia Pike Blues Festival.
