Located on 100 acres in Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap is America’s National Park for the Performing Arts (Photo courtesy of Visit Fairfax)
The Anthem in DC's Southwest Waterfront neighbourhood
Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland
Carter Family Fold in Virginia
9:30 Club in Washington, DC
Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, Maryland
Located on 100 acres in Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap is America’s National Park for the Performing Arts (Photo courtesy of Visit Fairfax)
The Anthem in DC's Southwest Waterfront neighbourhood
Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland
Carter Family Fold in Virginia
9:30 Club in Washington, DC
Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, Maryland
Feel the Rhythm: Top Live Music Venues in the Capital Region
The Capital Region’s rich heritage isn’t limited to politics. Our musical heritage ranges from jazz and country to go-go and rock 'n’ roll.
The Capital Region’s rich heritage isn’t limited to politics. Our musical heritage ranges from jazz and country to go-go and rock 'n’ roll.
Music legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Ralph Stanley and Patsy Cline all hail from the Capital Region. Visit the clubs where these legends launched their careers, catch performances from up-and-coming artists in venues large and small, or stay up all night dancing to your favorite beats. You’ll find your rhythm in the Capital Region!
1. Wolf Trap
Set on 117 acres in Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap is America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts, with more than 100 shows throughout the summer — from opera to classical to Americana.
2. Power Plant Live!
Just one block from Baltimore’s bustling Inner Harbor, Power Plant Live! is a one-stop destination for live music, with concert venues, festivals and family events.
3. Howard Theatre
The Howard in DC has long served as the backbone of African American music and culture in the Capital Region — from district native Duke Ellington to today’s top DJs, R&B and hip-hop acts.
4. Jefferson Theatre
Vaudeville, silent films and performers like Harry Houdini reigned supreme in the Jefferson’s early years; a glorious renovation has made it a top stop in Charlottesville, Virginia, for big-name touring acts once again.
5. Ram's Head on Stage
For more than 20 years, Rams Head has brought national entertainers to the city of Annapolis, Maryland. Named the Top Club Under 500 Seats by Pollstar magazine, the venue hosts more than 400 shows each year.
6. 9:30 Club
The Washington, DC nightclub that gave Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers their big break is still a hot spot for live rock, pop and punk music.
7. Carter Family Fold
Have an only-in-Appalachia experience at this rustic music shed in Hiltons, where Saturday night old-time country and bluegrass concerts pay tribute to Virginia’s legendary Carter Family.
8. Merriweather Post Pavilion
A typical summer concert schedule at this Frank Gehry-designed outdoor amphitheatre in Columbia, Maryland, may include the Foo Fighters, Sugarland and Animal Collective.
9. The Hamilton
At this hybrid music and dining concept — named for US founding father Alexander Hamilton — you can pair dinner and entertainment in one room just a couple blocks from the White House in DC.
10. The National
The lone remaining auditorium on a block that was once known as Theatre Row in Richmond, Virginia, The National is now a state-of-the art location to enjoy a concert.
11. Avalon Theatre
See anything from intimate folk sets to reggae legends like The Wailers at Easton, Maryland’s community-minded venue, dubbed “the Showplace of the Eastern Shore” when it opened back in 1921.
12. The Anthem at The Wharf
DC’s glittering new waterfront district is the setting for this acoustically advanced concert hall. Sip pre-show cocktails at one of the sleek neighbouring bars.