The arboretum has a concert series as well.

I’ve never really seen dancing... maybe a small crowd at the sculpture garden or yards park right in front of the stage. Mostly it’s people chilling on blankets.

Free music is everywhere. To the point that you should narrow your request geographically so we can better answer it. Kennedy Center 6pm millennium stage is one venue.

Anonymous wrote:You’ll have to head to Baltimore for that kind of fun.

https://wtmd.org/radio/first-thursday-concerts-in-the-park/

That's ridiculous, there's plenty of stuff right here in DC.

Anonymous wrote:Fort Reno has a long tradition of free indie rock concerts in the summer

The Yards/waterfront has a Friday night music series

https://www.theyardsdc.com/event/2019/06/friday-night-concert-series-2019/

There is Jazz at the Sculpture Garden too

That’s just off the top of my head and in DC, I am sure there are more.

In addition, there are free concerts in Fort Dupont on Saturday nights. https://www.nps.gov/fodu/planyourvisit/summer-theatre.htm

I personally like going to the concerts at Yards Park better than the sculpture garden. The sculpture garden gets really packed. Yard Park feels more spread out and it's on the water.
Yards park: https://www.theyardsdc.com/event/2019/06/friday-night-concert-series-2019/

We go to Herndon rocks every Friday. Really great music and it’s free

Fort Reno has a long tradition of free indie rock concerts in the summer

The Yards/waterfront has a Friday night music series

https://www.theyardsdc.com/event/2019/06/friday-night-concert-series-2019/

There is Jazz at the Sculpture Garden too

That’s just off the top of my head and in DC, I am sure there are more.

A million such opportunities out in the suburbs of VA.

Riverdale Park Station in MD

Downtown silver spring does this as does rockville town center. I think they have a concert series near the anaby hard by the river too.

You’ll have to head to Baltimore for that kind of fun.

https://wtmd.org/radio/first-thursday-concerts-in-the-park/

I am thinking outdoor in close-in greater DC.

I think fun, danceable - reggae, world, country... But really any fun free music. Where many people from varied groups come together listen and dance!!

I am not so keen on heavy metal, punk, and intense rap.

What type of music interests you? Are you ok with small venues, or more into big outdoor events? Looking just within the city or the greater DC area?

I lived in another city that had great free concerts at multiple venues in the summer. People danced se just watched. Venues included parks, museums, pop-up spots etc. Where does one find out about fun, cheap or free concerts in DC.