SOUTHERN MARYLAND — From waterfront pavilions to town squares and college greens, Southern Maryland is packed with free and ticketed live music this summer. Whether you’re looking for a casual Friday night on the lawn or a major concert under the stars, there’s something on the calendar nearly every week through Labor Day.
Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore, so we’ve pulled in a few series just beyond Southern Maryland’s borders worth adding to your calendar. Most events are free and family-friendly — a blanket, a lawn chair and an appetite are all that is needed. Check individual listings for ticket information, weather policies and lineup updates, as schedules are subject to change.
The Calvert Marine Museum’s Waterside Music Series is a proud sponsor of this guide. Now in its fourth decade, the series brings nationally recognized artists to the waterfront pavilion in Solomons every summer — making it the perfect summer night out under the stars for the whole family. Visit calvertmarinemuseum.com to learn more and plan your visit.
Calvert Marine Museum — 2026 Waterside Music Series
14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD 20688
Live Music: Selected Fridays and Saturdays, June-September 2026 | 7 p.m.
Southern Maryland’s premier outdoor concert experience returns to the Motto Mortgage Preferred and RE/MAX One Waterside Pavilion along the Patuxent River. Proceeds support the museum’s education and preservation programs.
- Friday, July 24 — Warren Zeiders Get Tickets
- Saturday, Aug. 22 — Brothers Osborne Get Tickets
- Friday, Sept. 11 — ZZ Top & George Thorogood & the Destroyers Get Tickets
Tickets required.
🎟 The BayNet is giving away tickets to each concert in the 2026 Waterside Music Series — watch TheBayNet.com for giveaway details!
Tiki Bar & Grill Solomons Island
85 Charles St, Solomons, MD 20688
Live Music: Every Thursday–Sunday (times vary)
Soak up the beachy vibes with live music, sunshine and waterfront energy in Solomons. From reggae rock and Southern rock to party bands and throwback hits, every performance brings a different sound and a reason to stay a little longer. Live music now includes added Thursday shows starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday performances kicking off at 2 p.m., making it a full weekend of music, drinks and good times.
Ticket required for select shows; general admission varies.
Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort – 2026 Rock the Dock Concert Series
4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Live Music: Select dates May–October | Waterfront Bandshell
Spend your summer nights on the Chesapeake Bay with live music, waterfront views, food, drinks, and entertainment at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort’s annual Rock the Dock concert series. Held at the resort’s outdoor Bandshell overlooking the water, the series features a rotating lineup of tribute bands and live entertainment all season long, from classic rock and country to yacht rock, soul, and 80s favorites.
Guests can pair concert nights with waterfront dining, overnight stays, marina experiences, and sunset views, making Rock the Dock one of Southern Maryland’s signature summer entertainment series.
Concerts are held outdoors at the waterfront Bandshell. Select events may require tickets or reservations.
Toot’s Bar
23971 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636
Live Music: Every Weekend (times vary)
HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Toot’s Bar has live music on tap nearly every weekend this summer, with a rotating lineup of local and regional bands taking the stage alongside weekly karaoke, trivia and themed nights. The Hollywood landmark, established in 1947 and refreshed under new ownership in 2025, recently completed a full renovation that added a new outdoor stage and an expanded backyard gathering area, giving the venue more room for live entertainment while keeping its longtime neighborhood-bar character fun.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland — 2026 River Concert Series
Townhouse Green, 47760 College Dr, St. Marys City, MD 20686
Live Music: Fridays, June 26-July 24, 2026 | 7 p.m
The Chesapeake Orchestra’s River Concert Series returns to the scenic Townhouse Green at St. Mary’s College of Maryland for its 27th season. This family-friendly, two-time Governor’s Award-winning series brings five Friday evenings of live music to one of Southern Maryland’s most beautiful outdoor settings. Bring a blanket or lawn chair; food and drinks welcome. On-site vendors available. No pets please.
Concerts and parking are free and open to the public.
Town of La Plata — Summer Concert Series
305 Queen Anne Street, La Plata, MD 20646
Live Music: Fridays, May 22-Aug. 28, 2026 | 7-9 p.m.
Kick off your weekend on the lawn at Town Hall with La Plata’s free Summer Concert Series, running every Friday evening from Memorial Day weekend through late August. The lineup spans pop rock and R&B to Latin, jazz, reggae, military bands, and dueling pianos — something different every week. Bring a blanket or lawn chair; food vendors are on site.
Concerts are free. Rain or shine unless hazardous weather is forecast.
Leonardtown — Summer Concert Events
22670 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Historic Leonardtown comes alive with live music this summer at two of its most beloved spots — the Square and the Wharf. Kick off the weekend with First Friday Live Music, celebrate the community at the Hometown Heroes event, and close out summer with a waterfront bash and fireworks.
First Friday Live Music in the Square | June 5 and Sept. 4 | 6-8 p.m.
Hometown Heroes Celebration | Saturday, June 6 | Leonardtown Wharf | 5-8 p.m.
End of Summer Bash With Fireworks | Saturday, Sept. 5 | Leonardtown Wharf | 5 p.m. Until Dark
All events are free. Bands TBA for Wharf events.
Quiet Waters Park Summer Series
600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403
Live Music: Saturdays in July & August (times vary)
Spend a summer Saturday evening on the lawn at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis for a free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Friends of Quiet Waters Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music ranging from jazz and blues to brass bands and classical — all with park entry free on concert nights. Food trucks and the Friends raffle table round out the evening.
Arrive early for easy parking, keep pets leashed, and note that no smoking or alcohol is permitted in the park.
Park admission is FREE on concert nights.
Allen Pond Park — Summer Sunset Concert Series
3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716
Live Music: Sundays, Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day Weekend | 6 p.m.
Spend your Sunday evenings at Allen Pond Park in Bowie for the City’s free Summer Sunset Concert Series. Running from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the series brings a diverse range of acts to the park each week — from R&B and Motown to classic rock, blues, Latin pop, and more. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. and are free to attend.
Note: Due to construction of the new amphitheater, concerts this season will be held at Andy Brown Field within Allen Pond Park.
Concerts are free.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park — Tides & Tunes
723 Second Street, Annapolis, MD 21403
Live Music: Thursdays, June 11-Aug. 20, 2026 | 7-9 p.m.
Where music meets the Bay — join the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park every Thursday evening this summer for Tides & Tunes, a free waterfront concert series on the shores of Back Creek. Food trucks are on site and spirits are available for purchase, with beverage sales supporting the Museum’s education programs.
No onsite parking; street parking nearby or use Uber/Lyft. No dogs allowed. Weather cancellations announced at 4 p.m.
Concerts are free; donations accepted.
National Harbor — Summer Concert Series
165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Live Music: Fridays and Saturdays, Now-Labor Day 2026
National Harbor brings live music to the waterfront all summer long with two free concert series on the Plaza Stage. In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this season’s programming celebrates the diverse sounds and traditions that define American music — from dueling pianos and local artists to premier U.S. military bands under the stars.
Summer Sounds — Fridays on the Plaza features Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar on the first Friday of each month and a rotating lineup of local artists celebrating American music through Labor Day.
Salute the Sunset — Saturdays at 7 p.m. showcases premier U.S. military bands on the waterfront stage each Saturday evening throughout the summer.
Both series are free. Bring a chair or blanket.
The Wharf DC — Rock the Dock Concert Series
Transit Pier, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Live Music: Fridays, May 29-Sept. 19, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Every Friday night all summer long, The Wharf’s Transit Pier hosts Rock the Dock — a free waterfront concert series presented by Pacifico. Expect a packed lineup spanning R&B, rock, Go-Go, country, swing, salsa, Top 40, and more. Family-friendly and all ages welcome; leashed dogs are welcome too. Grab pizza from Union Pie or cold drinks from Cantina Bambina waterside. Limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis; no outside drinks permitted.
Concerts are free.
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