Summertime is here, which means that the only blankets you need are those you’ll use for picnics. It’s a great time to just be outside with family and friends, enjoying the great weather we have for three months. Our favorite way to do this (besides being on the boat) is to find a place to listen to live music. Sure, there are plenty of festivals making the rounds this season, but there are also tons of great venues to catch live music on the cheap. Here are our top picks for finding inspiring musicians on the water.
WTMD First Thursdays at Canton Waterfront Park
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a great place to see and be seen, and Towson University’s radio station is bringing in national acts that you won’t want to miss. Head over to Canton Waterfront Park between 6:30 and 10 p.m. for great music in an ideal setting. Food trucks will be on hand as well as The Brewers Art, who will be providing great draft beer on site. Visit the website for info on where to park. wtmd.org
Friends of Quiet Waters Park Concert Series
Tucked away in Annapolis’s largest waterfront park lies one of the best venues for hearing outdoor music. National acts like The Fractal Cat Band, Kelly Bell Band, Clones of Funk, Sweet Leda Band, and even the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra are all showing up. fqwp.org/summer-concerts
Tides and Tunes Summer Concert Series at Annapolis Maritime Museum
Every Thursday night between 7 and 8:30 p.m. you can hear great music from local acts like D’Vibe and Conga, the Eastport Oyster Boys, and Higher Hands. Coolers are prohibited, but you’ll find great beer, wine, and mixed drinks on location. amaritime.org
Waterside Concert Series at the Calvert Marine Museum
Country hit makers are on the bill at the Calvert Marine Museum this summer, with Thompson Square, Sam Grow, and Clark Manson all showing up in Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.ticketforce.com
River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College of Maryland
The Chesapeake Orchestra heads down to St. Mary’s each summer to deliver a series of stunning musical performances that always pack Townhouse Green. This year, the program features everything from Big Band era tunes to a La Scala repertoire. chesapeakeorchestra.org
Shagging on the Riverwalk in Historic Yorktown, VA
Every Thursday there’a music and dancing at the Yorktown waterfront. Motown and oldies fill the bill, and the Colonial Shag Club offer demonstrations in how to shag, swing, and, well, get low. yorkcounty.gov
Thursdays by the Lake at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, VA
The top local Virginia bands all head over to the Mariners’ Museum every Thursday night from June until October. The Deloreans, Rich Whiskey, and Audio Sauce are all on stage between 6 and 10 p.m. Bring your own seating, but let the Museum take care of the food and beverages. marinersmuseum.org
