Free Concerts Are Back at Strathmore: Live from the Lawn Returns This July

NORTH BETHESDA, Md. – Strathmore is throwing open its gates again this summer. The free outdoor concert series "Live from the Lawn" returns to the Gudelsky Gazebo Stage every Wednesday evening in July and early August, with a companion series for younger audiences on Thursday nights.

The lineup leans into the eclectic. On Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., expect theatrical funk (Strutman Lane, July 1), a Barcelona-based sextet (Maruja Limón, July 8), Americana-rock duo Striking Matches (July 15), and bluegrass group Damn Tall Buildings (July 22). August brings vocalist Shayna Steele (Aug. 5) and the 18th Annual UkeFest Finale (Aug. 12).

For families, "Cool Concerts for Kids" runs Thursdays at 7 p.m. starting July 9, featuring folk duo Larry & Joe, Grammy-nominated blues-rock duo Wendy & DB (July 16), and power-pop "dad band" Big Bang Boom (July 23).

A special weekend performance on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m. features ninth-generation Creole artist Marcella Simien, who blends soul, blues, jazz, and American roots music.

"We're creating space for people to come together around live music in a way that is open and accessible," said Joi Brown, artistic director and vice president of programming at Strathmore.

On-site food includes a BBQ tent with sandwiches, salads, and picnic-ready boxed meals, plus beer, wine, and soft drinks. The Ben & Jerry's truck will sell ice cream. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Guests may bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics. RSVP is encouraged to receive weather updates — in case of rain, performances move indoors to the Music Center at Strathmore with limited first-come, first-served seating.

All concerts are free. Attendees may support the series through a "pay what you can" contribution or by becoming a Strathmore member.

Family live from the lawn Strathmore

Event Calendar

Live from the Lawn (Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.)

• July 1 – Strutman Lane (theatrical funk)
• July 8 – Maruja Limón (Barcelona-based sextet)
• July 15 – Striking Matches (Americana-rock duo)
• July 22 – Damn Tall Buildings (bluegrass)
• August 5 – Shayna Steele (vocalist)
• August 12 – 18th Annual UkeFest Finale

Cool Concerts for Kids (Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.)

• July 9 – Larry & Joe (folk duo)
• July 16 – Wendy & DB (Grammy-nominated blues-rock duo)
• July 23 – Big Bang Boom (power-pop "dad band")

Special Weekend Performance

• Saturday, August 1, 7:30 p.m. – Marcella Simien (Creole soul, blues, jazz, and roots)

Location: Gudelsky Gazebo Stage, Strathmore – 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852

Admission: Free (RSVP encouraged for weather updates)

Food & Drink: BBQ tent (sandwiches, salads, boxed meals, beer, wine, soft drinks) + Ben & Jerry's ice cream truck

What to Bring: Blankets, lawn chairs, picnics

Rain Plan: Moves indoors to the Music Center at Strathmore (limited first-come, first-served seating)

Lucy Kalantari Strathmore

About Strathmore

Since 1983, Strathmore has inspired, engaged, and connected the Washington, D.C., region through the arts. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit hosts hundreds of accessible performances, exhibitions, and educational initiatives at its North Bethesda, Md., campus and across Montgomery County. Join us at Strathmore, where the arts are everywhere. Follow Strathmore on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

#LiveFromTheLawn #StrathmoreFreeConcerts #DMVSummer #CoolConcertsForKids #MarcellaSimien #CulturalDMV

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