Where to Catch Live Music in Arlington

On most nights of the week, you’ll find great live music options in Arlington’s neighborhoods, whether you want to hear indie rock in an intimate setting or sing along to Irish tunes in a lively pub.

Want to take in live music after a day of sightseeing around the nation’s capital? Check out sounds from an eclectic array of local, regional and international musicians in Arlington! From the popular Clarendon neighborhood (on Metro’s Orange/Silver Line) to off-the-beaten-path Westover, a number of Arlington bars and restaurants stage live music featuring strains of bluegrass, blues, rock, world music and more.

Pictured | Enjoy live music in Arlington!

Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

Annual Live Music Events in Arlington

Crowning Arlington’s live music offerings are burgeoning annual events like the renowned Columbia Pike Blues Festival (June) and the Rosslyn Jazz Fest (September) showcasing national and international touring artists. Arlington also has a variety of summer live music events, like the Lubber Run Summer Concert Series. Held under the stars in Arlington’s Lubber Run Amphitheater, the series features dozens of free performances from genres including big band, blues, soul and orchestral music – even cabaret!

Sample music from local and visiting artists in these Arlington neighborhoods:

Ballston

Ballston Local

Swing by sports bar, Ballston Local, on most Friday nights for live music from local rock bands like 2 Car Living Room and Could be Down. While rockin' out, make sure to grab a signature drink from the bar and try the pizza they're known oh-so-well for.

Bronson Bierhall

On just about any night of the week, you'll find some sort of live music at Bronson Bierhall in Ballston. With recurring acts like cover singer, Mackenzie Ryan, the dueling pianos of Shake Rattle & Roll, and country artist, Justin Suede, you'll be sure to find something that strikes a chord alongside your favorite beer on draft.

Clarendon

Galaxy Hut

You’ll hear local and national indie-rock bands most Sunday nights at Galaxy Hut. Washingtonian Senior Editor Andrew Beaujon, who follows the region’s live music scene, says it’s his favorite Arlington venue because “the food is good, the beer selection is excellent, and you're so close to the performers you may have to duck if they swing their guitars.” This cozy bar offers ample vegan and vegetarian-friendly sandwiches plus craft beer you can carry to a table.

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

O’Sullivan’s promises some of the best musicians that the D.C. area offers on Friday and Saturday. Performers have included indie pop artist Jon Cresswell, vocalist Willem Dicke, plus live rock bands Practically Einstein and Twenty Dollar Prophet. You can enjoy diversions like darts and sports games on big-screen TVs at this classic Irish pub with a fully stocked bar when you’re not dancing to your favorite classic rock.

The Renegade

Ever been to a rock n' roll themed restaurant? The Renegade in Clarendon hosts rock bands from near and far on Friday and Saturday nights in a late-night club atmosphere. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, as The Renegade has more of a traditional concert venue set-up.

Columbia Pike

Café Sazon

Café Sazon has a true neighborhood café feel while owning a solid reputation for live music. Hear folk-rock and soul-infused acoustic ballads, featuring artists like Jeff Smith & The Human Wilderness String Band, local singer and songwriter Nicole Belanus and Austin native Kevin Dudley. At this Latin American bakery and restaurant, you can savor specialties like braised short rib with cilantro sauce during the show.

Celtic House

Enter this classic pub in an old-school setting for traditional Irish tunes like performances by Siobhan O’Brien and Malarkey Irish Jig Band every Friday and Saturday night. Celtic House’s music itinerary also features jazzy blues and soul from The Curbfeelers and other local bands.

Courthouse

Ragtime

Rock bands, cover artists and alternative rock groups fill the air at Ragtime on Friday and Saturday nights. Performers include folks like rock vocalist Bradley Rhodes, local guitarist James Helle and indie rocker Drew Stevyns.

Rhodeside Grill

On Saturday nights, live bands like The Vandelays and Braddock Station Garrison rock the house at long-time neighborhood favorite Rhodeside Grill. Live acoustics accompany happy hour upstairs every Friday with artists like Mike Olcott performing new songs and ‘90s covers.

Crystal City

Enjera

The Amazing Selamino, known as “The Jimi Hendrix of Ethiopia,” performs live most Friday evenings at Ethiopian restaurant Enjera. A legend in R&B and African music, Selam Seyoum Woldemariam has created 250 albums as guitarist, writer and arranger, combining keys, conga, guitar and saxophone for a sultry blues sound.

Shirlington

Samuel Beckett's

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastropub offers live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights featuring local and Irish bands. Get a true sound and taste of Ireland in the heart of Arlington at this pub with traditional Irish décor and cuisine.

Off the Beaten Path

Westover Beer Garden

Join Arlington neighbors at the Westover Beer Garden for open-air live music as the sun sets on a summer evening. Hear amplified local light-rock bands on Fridays and Saturdays and acoustic sounds on Wednesdays at this entertainment-focused venue offering barbeque and craft beer. Westover Beer Garden is also known throughout the capital area for its “Great Wall of Beer,” a who’s who of craft beers on its shelves.