Concert venues in the DCMD area: The ultimate know-before-you-go guide
CAPACITY: 150 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 540 Penn St NE, Washington, DC 20002
*tickets can be purchased on Dice.fm*
Songbyrd Music House serves as a bar and restaurant in addition to its status as a live music venue. Located in the Union Market neighborhood of Washington, the Songbyrd adds a hidden gem to the area.
The interior is fully decorated, including many band posters and stickers from previous acts covering the walls and fairy lights hanging from the ceiling. With such a small capacity, the decorations only aid in the venue’s intimate vibe; there is no bad seat in the house.
Speaking of seats, if one is looking for accessibility, the Songbyrd might not be the best option. There are some tables and seats located in the back, but for live shows they are first come first serve.
When arriving at the venue, there are many free parking lots and garages, including street parking. The closest metro station, NoMa – Gallaudet U, is a 15-minute walk from the Songbyrd.
Before you make the drive or train ride to the show, make sure to bring a valid ID to gain admittance. Bags of any kind (except for backpacks) are welcome into the venue upon search, just be sure to leave the food and pepper spray at home.
Songbyrd Music House is a lovely place to see upcoming artists before they make it big. The venue has seen many popular names in the past, including Khalid, Big Thief, Laufey and Tyler Childers.
Come see some small artists before they make it big and make sure to stop by Byrdland Records–a record store under the same ownership as the Songbyrd–before the show!
CAPACITY: 450 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 740 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
*tickets can be purchased on the Union Stage website*
Union Stage is located at The Wharf in Washington. Sandwiched between many local businesses and restaurants, a show at Union Stage makes for the perfect night out.
The venue, (which is in the basement of the venue building,) has a very low stage like the Songbyrd, with no barricade for the ultimate close-up experience. There is also a cafe-like set up in the back on a higher tier for those who want to sit and eat. For accessibility accommodations, contact the general manager here.
As Union Stage is located in a large waterfront development, there are many options for parking. From street parking to expensive garages, spots can be explored here. The closest metro stops– L’Enfant Plaza and Waterfront– are a 12-minute walk away.
Make sure to leave the backpacks and duffel bags at home, as they are prohibited, but feel free to bring any other small bags.
So, now is the perfect time to take a walk on The Wharf and send off the night with an intimate show at Union Stage!
CAPACITY: 450 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 2047 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Atlantis is a fairly new venue in Washington, opening its doors back in 2023. The venue was created to remind attendees of the original 9:30 Club (below,) which was first named The Atlantis.
The venue sits on a street corner right next to the 9:30 Club, reminding attendees of its roots. The Atlantis is “where music begins,” supporting emerging artists and connecting them to their fans. The original venue hosted now-famous bands like the Foo Fighters and Billy Idol.
The venue is entirely general admission (GA), with a standing room and balcony above (except for the rare seated show, which would be advertised before).
Since it is all general admission, for some artists, fans may choose to queue to get a close spot. The venue asks that no one lines up before 10 a.m., though typically, due to the small size, most lines do not start until around 3 p.m. If you must bring a bag due to this, the venue allows them upon search, but may request it be taken to bag check depending on the size.
If one is in need of a seat or other accessibility accommodations, they can call the box office at 202-579-9950.
Queuing may pose an issue with parking, as the venue’s parking lot does not open until an hour before doors. This parking can be purchased in advance on Ticketmaster for $20 or at the lot for $25. If riding the metro, one will have to take the green or yellow line to the U St (African American Civil War Memorial) station, which is only a 5-minute walk away.
The Atlantis is definitely a venue to add to one’s concert bucket list and the helpful staff is only a bonus. In my personal experience, I attended a show last year and started to feel like I might pass out. The staff offered me water and allowed me to take a break outside to cool off. Sometimes the staff can make or break a show, and The Atlantis workers always make mine.
Time to make the trip down to Washington and see the place where music begins! And when attending, make sure to join the 9:30 Club’s Friends With Benefits to get your money’s worth (see below again)!
CAPACITY: 1200 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 815 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Welcome to the most iconic Washington venue: the 9:30 Club. The original venue dates back to 1980, where bands like Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers played. The venue was moved to another location in 1996, which sits right by The Atlantis.
After its relocating, according to the venue’s website, it has been named the “# 1 nightclub by Rolling Stone, Billboard and Pollstar, more than any other club in the nation, and it’s the most attended club of its size in the world.”
With such a large pool of attendees, the owners created the I.M.P. (independent concert promotion and production company) venues This includes the 9:30 Club, Merriweather Post Pavilion, The Anthem, The Lincoln Theater and The Atlantis.
Along with the agency, the 9:30 Club also has a program called Friends With Benefits, where members can earn points for buying tickets and attending shows, which can be used to purchase merchandise and tickets.
To start earning points for the show, make your way down to the venue! Parking can be found in the same lot as The Atlantis and metro-riders will get off at the U St station.
Much like its sister venue, bags are accepted but one may be required to be checked, and the queuing policy remains the same as well. However, the 9:30 Club does see earlier lines from fans than The Atlantis, so if looking for the front row, early arrival (as close to 10 a.m. as possible,) is recommended.
Even if you do not end up in the front row, there is truly no bad seat in the venue. Despite being larger than the prior venues, the 9:30 Club still provides an intimate vibe between artists and fans.
The venue is entirely GA, with both a floor and balcony and seating is limited to bar stools in the back and along the sides. For more specific arrangements, contact the box office at 202-265-0930.
It is time to embrace live music and head down to Washington’s most iconic venue! Make sure to utilize the photo-op in the CD/Record room behind the bar!
CAPACITY: 1250 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
When it first opened, the Lincoln Theater was regarded as a center for “Black Broadway.” It is certainly regarded as the most historically important venue of Washington, hosting artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, as well as birthday parties for Franklin D. Roosevelt (and even the Collegiate Acapella finals in “Pitch Perfect!”)
I.M.P. took over the venue in 2013 and turned it from historic into a modern center for music. The venue still likes to recognize their black history, with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae playing, and hosting a special with Barack Obama.
When attending shows at this historic venue, there are two types of shows: reserved seating and general admission. For larger artists, fans may line up earlier for a good view at GA shows, usually as early as 10 a.m.. If accommodations are necessary,, make sure to call the box office at 202-888-0050.
Parking for the venue is very limited, so the venue encourages the use of public transportation. The nearest metro station is the U Street Cardoza Station, which is a 4-minute walk away. There are also Capital Bikeshare stations near the venue, but if one must drive, parking can be found on the venue’s SpotHero.
Unlike a lot of venues, The Lincoln Theater does allow bags of any size (not including luggage,) just leave the professional cameras and food/drink at home. Make sure to bring a debit/credit card as well, as cash will only be accepted in exchange for an I.M.P. gift card.
If one is ready to embrace Washington’s rich culture and also experience live music, head down to the Lincoln Theater!
CAPACITY: 1500 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 620 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001
*tickets can be purchased on The Howard Theater website*
The Howard Theater opened back in 1910, serving as another home for African-American art. The venue took a 32 year hiatus before reopening its doors in 2012, bringing back an iconic home for live music in the Shaw neighborhood.
The interior architecture has the style of its original opening years, giving a more elegant feel to the theater. It features both a standing room and a balcony, along with seats in the back near the bar. For those who qualify for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, contact the general manager here.
As one makes their way to the historical venue, paid parking can be found on their SpotHero page, as well as at Progression Place. Many also try parking in the Howard University Hospital visitor’s lot (but I cannot legally endorse this). For metro riders, get off at the Shaw-Howard University station on the yellow or green line. This station is a 3-minute walk away.
Make sure that when you arrive for the show, you have the confirmation email with the PDF tickets to the concert. The Howard Theater will NOT resend the tickets if you lose them.
Only small bags are permitted. No backpacks or duffels will be allowed inside.
As for queuing at the Howard, most shows do not see the crazy lines some bigger venues may see, but I would recommend that one looks at the trend for the specific artist they are seeing. When Gracie Abrams played here back in 2023, the line was wrapped around the back of the building by 1 p.m..
As you keep all this information in mind, get excited for your first (or next) show at the Howard!
CAPACITY: 6000 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Anthem is another venue located on the Wharf in Washington, and is the perfect place to see an artist right before they make it big. The Anthem has seen many current-rising names, including Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, and Billie Eilish.
As one steps inside the venue, be warned it gets HOT. I would definitely recommend making sure to wear short sleeves and/or shorts to whatever show if you are intending to be up front in the pit.
The Anthem has both general admission tickets, which include the floor and certain sections of the balcony, and reserved assigned seats, which are in the balcony as well. The venue has reserved ADA sections at the back of the floor. To be added to the ADA list, call the venue at 202-888-0020. This also allows entrance at a side entrance for those on the list and their companion.
Out of all the venues listed above, The Anthem tops them all in terms of fan lines. Most lines for the big artists playing begin around 6 a.m. and really start growing around 11 to 12 a.m.. Fans tend to line up alongside the benches on the Wharf to remain out of shoppers’ ways.
When arriving, the venue has a parking garage underneath, but the convenience is expensive.. Parking here can cost up to $60. If one wants to avoid this steep price, the nearest metro station is a 12-minute walk away at L’Enfant Plaza.
As you pack for your next show, remember that only small bags (no larger than a tote bag,) will likely be sent to coat check, which is an additional cost. Remember to bring a card with you, as merchandise is the only vendor that accepts cash.
So, remember to wear your shorts and bring a mini-fan as you head down to the Wharf for an incredible show.
The Anthem is another venue located on the Wharf in Washington, and is the perfect place to see an artist right before they make it big. The Anthem has seen many current-rising names, including Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, and Billie Eilish.
As one steps inside the venue, be warned it gets HOT. I would definitely recommend making sure to wear short sleeves and/or shorts to whatever show if you are intending to be up front in the pit.
The Anthem has both general admission tickets, which include the floor and certain sections of the balcony, and reserved assigned seats, which are in the balcony as well. The venue has reserved ADA sections at the back of the floor. To be added to the ADA list, call the venue at 202-888-0020. This also allows entrance at a side entrance for those on the list and their companion.
Out of all the venues listed above, The Anthem tops them all in terms of fan lines. Most lines for the big artists playing begin around 6 a.m. and really start growing around 11 to 12 a.m.. Fans tend to line up alongside the benches on the Wharf to remain out of shoppers’ ways.
When arriving, the venue has a parking garage underneath, but the convenience is expensive.. Parking here can cost up to $60. If one wants to avoid this steep price, the nearest metro station is a 12-minute walk away at L’Enfant Plaza.
As you pack for your next show, remember that only small bags (no larger than a tote bag,) will likely be sent to coat check, which is an additional cost. Remember to bring a card with you, as merchandise is the only vendor that accepts cash.
So, remember to wear your shorts and bring a mini-fan as you head down to the Wharf for an incredible show.
CAPACITY: 20000 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
The only arena in Washington, Capital One Arena hosts many famous artists on their tours. Though most think of the arena as home of the Capitals and Wizards, they are also a large home for live music in the city, including Taylor Swift, Madonna, SZA, and Elton John.
The arena is huge, allowing for many entrances for fans to make their way into the shows. Capital One cardholders also have their own entrance. Once you make it through the doors, there is a circle surrounding the actual room of the arena itself, where attendees can find merchandise, food (water is $8) and bathrooms.
Finding one’s seat can feel a bit daunting, but following the signs posted and asking workers will get one right where they need to be.
Though it is such a large venue, there is truly no bad seat in the house. Whether seated in the nosebleeds or in the pit, you are in for an incredible night. Accessibility information can be found here.
When arriving at the venue, the Metro is the easiest transportation option. The Gallery Place station is located directly underneath the arena. However, if a car is the chosen way of travel, all different parking options can be found here.
Unlike all the venues listed above, Capital One Arena does not allow large bags into the venue. Fans can bring wallet-sized clutches, no larger than 5” x 7”, but medical and parenting bags can be larger.
While keeping the packing light, ride into the center of the city and enjoy the show!
Maryland Venues
Maryland is not exactly what comes to mind when a person thinks of live music, yet it is the home to many lovely venues. Written below, find the ultimate guide to five venues across the state, written from smallest to largest capacities.
CAPACITY: 250 PEOPLE || ADDRESS 1700 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
*tickets can be purchased on Dice.fm*
Metro Baltimore, formerly known as Metro Gallery, is another Baltimore venue located in the heart of the Station North Arts District. The venue hosts both local artists and nationally-touring acts.
Just like Ottobar, this venue’s small capacity makes for an incredibly intimate show. With no barricade, fans that are front row are right on the stage as bands perform. The venue itself is accessible, but has limited seating, with seats on the sides and stools at the bar.
When arriving at Metro Baltimore, there is a parking lot and garage adjacent to the venue. Convenience parking is affordable, with an evening rate of $5. One can also take public transit to the show including Amtrak, MARC Train, Light RailLink, MTA buses and the Charm City Circulator.
The venue encourages guests to travel light, but bags are allowed inside after search. The website states that a valid ID is required to gain admittance, but shows I have attended have not required this or a bag search. Still, I would bring it just to be safe.
It is time to head down to Baltimore and catch some emerging bands at Metro Baltimore. Who knows, you may even get to meet the band after the show!
CAPACITY: 2000 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
The Fillmore is located in Silver Spring, but was modeled after its counterpart in San Francisco, California. This venue has been home to a wide variety of artists, hosting current artists like Hozier and Tate McRae, to alternative icons like Alanis Morissette, to generational household names like Elton John.
The interior of the venue makes a show feel more sophisticated, with hardwood floors, red curtains and hand-painted murals like a standard theater.
Outside however, if one plans on queuing, they should be cautious. The venue is in the heart of downtown and as someone with family who grew up in this city, it is definitely not the safest place. How wrong Stevie Nicks was.
Once you make it inside for the show, it is worth the wait. As one gets ready to head in, parking can be found in the Spring Cameron Garage, which is $1 per hour and only one block away, and the Town Square Garage, which is $1.25 per hour and two blocks away. The Silver Spring metro station is also only a 5-minute walk away.
The Fillmore makes accessibility a priority, with a page full of information for guests. As for bags, fans may bring in any bag 12” x 6” x 12” (about the size of a tote bag) or smaller. Make sure to bring a debit or credit card, as the venue is entirely cashless and an ID if the show has an age limit.
Stay safe as you head down to Silver Spring to catch your new favorite artist at The Fillmore!
CAPACITY: 4600 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 731 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
Pier Six Pavillion is a waterfront venue located in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Prior to 2021, the venue went by many other names, including Harbor Lights Concert Pavilion, Cavalier Telephone Pavilion and MECU Pavilion.
Pier Six is the perfect venue for a summer show, as being on a basin of the Patapsco River provides a cool breeze in the grueling weather.
The venue features a general admission pit in the front, followed by many sections of seats behind, and finally, a general admission lawn section in the back, providing a perfect seat for all types of fans. For ADA accommodations, contact the venue here.
As for parking, there is no venue specific lot. Parking can be found at Harbor Park Garage or on the street. The garage can get a bit pricey, as it is for the whole waterfront, not just the pavilion.
When packing for the show, only clear bags will be permitted, with a maximum size of 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Small clutches (that are not clear) cannot be larger than 4.5″x6.5″. Guests can also bring in lawn chairs, blankets and sealed or empty water bottles. The latter is an absolute lifesaver.
Spend the day down on the Inner Harbor, take a trip to the National Aquarium and finish off the night with a show at Pier Six.
CAPACITY: 19000 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
Merriweather Post Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater located in Columbia, right by the Columbia mall. And yes, it is in Columbia, not Baltimore or Washington like many artists like to think. And despite the confusion, this is a venue to add to your bucket list.
Merriweather is the home of All Things Go (ATG) Music Festival, which was patented by Governor Wes Moore at last year’s festival. At this festival, I have met people from all over, from Boston, Massachusetts to Dallas, Texas, so it is a great venue to have in your backyard.
The main amphitheater has a covered section, with a general admission pit, followed by seats behind (ATG has seats as GA), as well as the Sky Lawn and other VIP balcony areas above. Behind this is the general admission lawn, which if you are not at the very front, the view is not going to be very good. For ADA accommodations, contact the venue at 410-715-5550 or [email protected].
For All Things Go and some headline shows, there is also the Chrysalis Stage, which is in the middle of a park. At shows that do not have anyone playing on the Chrysalis, anyone can go on the stage and wander around.
It should also be noted that if it rains, Merriweather turns into a mudslide. Shoutout to my friend who fell in the Wallows pit on the Chrysalis Stage catching a setlist!
When queuing for the pit at Merriweather, it is probably the most enjoyable line you will wait in. There are multiple entrances, but the South Gate will always be my #1. Located underneath trees and plenty of grass to sit on, one can relax while they wait for gates to open. With the Merriweather District and Columbia Mall nearby, there is plenty to do and food to buy before the show.
Parking for the venue is entirely free, with a dozen different lots for fans to park in! There are signs and attendants around for your convenience. ADA parking is available in lots two and four.
When packing for the show, bags can be no larger than 13” x 15.” Backpacks must be clear to be allowed entry. One can also bring in an empty or sealed water bottle.
Head out to Columbia to cross Merriweather off of your bucket list. Remember their past shows like Led Zeppelin and The Who, and see current big names, like Noah Kahan and Green Day!
CAPACITY: 14000 PEOPLE || ADDRESS: CFG Bank Arena, 201 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
As we make it to the end of the list, CFG Bank Arena takes its home in the heart of Downtown Baltimore, originally opening its doors in 1962. The original venue hosted artists like The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The venue closed in 2022 for renovations and reopened its doors in April 2023, and since has hosted artists like Bruce Springsteen and Sabrina Carpenter.
Outside, as one queues for a show (if they have pit tickets), make sure to mind your safety, as it is not the nicest area of Baltimore. However, due to the large shows, they have security guards who work outside during the day to ensure safety for fans. Shoutout to Nelly, who talked to us all day and found us after the show!
When arriving at the venue, parking can be found on the venue’s SpotHero page. The most convenient is the parking garage right by the arena, but it can be a bit frustrating to get out of at the end of the night. Attendees can also take the Light Rail, MTA and Amtrak to the venue.
As for packing, CFG allows clear bags up to 14″ x 6″ x 14″ and small non-clear clutches up to 4.5” x 6.5.” Medical bags will be permitted of any size upon search. Other information on accessibility can be found here.
Take a day down in Baltimore and catch some iconic artists at CFG!
Whether one wants an intimate show where they catch an artist before they make it big or a fantastical show with bright lights and big names, these venues make for the perfect night of live music.
Soak up the sounds and fall in love with attending concerts, starting with one of these 14 venues in the Washington and Maryland area.
The music will wash away all the worries about the night.
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