Concerts in Washington, DC

The US capital is home to more than just the federal government. The DC area is also one of the country’s best scenes for live music. A combination of venues both large and small, plus the area’s accessibility via public transportation, make DC a solid venue for concerts of all sizes and genres.

The NHL’s Washington Capitals and NBA’s Washington Wizards play within DC at Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center). The arena has a capacity close to 20,000 and hosts some of DC area’s largest concerts. 

Perhaps the most famous spot in DC’s music and nightclub scene is the 9:30 Club. The original club opened in 1980 and had a capacity of just 200. Still, the venue developed into one of the most beloved in the city, even though the venue acknowledges that it “was as notorious for its rats and distinctive stench as it was for breaking acts like Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Public Enemy, Fugazi, Bad Brains, R.E.M., and Black Flag.” The club moved to a larger location in 1996 and now holds over 1000 people. In 2013, Rolling Stone Magazine named the 9:30 Club the best Big Club Room in the country. 9:30 Club features live music nearly every night of the week.

There’s only so much room within DC itself, and the capital doesn’t have the room for an outdoor amphitheater, but venues like Jiffy Lube Live are just a short drive away. The 25,000 capacity amphitheater is located in nearby Bristow, Virginia. The amphitheater is a popular spot for a number of music festivals, and a wide variety of artists also perform there. 

What concert venues are in DC?

9:30 Club is a unique venue that holds a special place in the DC concert scene. It’s highly rated by locals and media alike. If you like a band that’s playing there, you shouldn’t hesitate to get tickets. In the summer, Jiffy Lube Live is also a good option.

What concerts are playing in DC this weekend?

Scroll up to the “All Concerts in DC” section to see what concerts are playing in the DC area over the weekend. 9:30 Club, in particular, has live music on most nights of the week.

Tips for attending concerts in DC

If you’re driving to Capital One Arena, you can pay for parking in advance and save up to 50% off the drive-up price. The Arena is also accessible via the DC Metro: The Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop on the Red line drops off right under the arena.

How much are concert tickets in DC?

Washington is one of the top concert destinations in the country, with a wide variety of venues and performances. For a look at ticket prices for upcoming concerts, scroll to the top of the page and see upcoming events today, this weekend, and next week.

What concert should I see while I’m in DC?

DC is one of the best spots for concerts in the country. Explore the listings above to see what your options are tonight, over the weekend, and further in the future.