Live Music in Washington, DC worth going out for.

There's a version of this city that empties at six and another that doesn't, and I only pay attention to the second one.

I keep track of live music in Washington, DC and only keep the ones worth going to. Ask me what you're after.

See these on a map

Browse Washington, DC neighborhood by neighborhood, get ideas just for you, or ask me anything.

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Top picks

Friday Happy Hours

Friday Happy Hours

Fri, Sep 25 · 5:00 PM

Northwest Washington

Live music & paddle

CHAT PILE Who Loves The Sun Tour 2026

CHAT PILE Who Loves The Sun Tour 2026 One-time only

Thu, Nov 12 · 6:30 PM

Northwest Washington

Raw rock confrontation

as you are. DC

as you are. DC

Capitol Hill • $$

Queer community gathering space

Songbyrd Music House

Songbyrd Music House

Northeast Washington

Live music & empanadas

Launch of the CUT Caviar Menu

Launch of the CUT Caviar Menu

Sun, Sep 20 · 5:30 PM

Northwest Washington • $$$$

Caviar & martinis

All That Jazz

All That Jazz

Sun, Sep 20 · 5:30 PM

Southwest Waterfront • $$$$

Sunday jazz & cocktails

Wine Down Wednesdays with Live Music

Wine Down Wednesdays with Live Music

Wed, Sep 23 · 7:00 PM

Northwest Washington • $$

French bistro & live music

Jazz & Martini Night

Jazz & Martini Night

Thu, Sep 24 · 7:00 PM

Northwest Washington • $$

Live jazz & martinis

ALL YOU CAN EAT RIBS

ALL YOU CAN EAT RIBS

Thu, Sep 24 · 5:30 PM

Northeast Washington • $$

Honky-tonk rib feast

Friday Happy Hours at Key Bridge Boathouse

Friday Happy Hours at Key Bridge Boathouse

Fri, Sep 25 · 5:00 PM

Northwest Washington

Riverside drinks & paddling

Not everyone knows about these

WILD WEST THURSDAYS

WILD WEST THURSDAYS

Thu, Sep 24 · 9:00 PM

Northeast Washington • $$

Honky-tonk bull rides

The Pocket

The Pocket

Northwest Washington

Intimate live music venue

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Live Music in other cities

Frequently asked questions

How are these live music in Washington, DC chosen?

I go through what's actually on nearby and keep only the ones worth the trip. Nobody pays to be on this list.

Is everything here still happening?

Yes. If it's on the list, it's still on — anything that's finished drops off by itself.

How do I find something that suits me?

Open the map and tell me what you're after — a good terrace, somewhere that works with kids, something on tonight. I'll answer and narrow it down with you.

Do I need an account?

No, everything here is browsable without one. An account is how I learn your taste, your people and your saves, so what I show you keeps getting closer to what you'd actually go to. You can also have ideas sent to you by email or message if you want them.

Is it free?

Yes, completely.

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