There are a ton of big concerts coming to the DC area this spring—here are a few that’ll get the party started:
FESTIVALS
1. National Cannabis Festival
The two-day concert-style National Cannabis Festival returns to DC with a massive lineup of performances. Hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan and Redman headline the event alongside bassist Thundercat. If you’re looking for local musicians, go-go acts Backyard Band and Black Alley, and Noochie Live From The Front Porch will be there to represent DC ($55+).
2. Project Glow
Here’s a chance to see all of your favorite electronic and dance music artists live. Project Glow is celebrating 20 years of dance culture across three stages with more than 50 artists, DJs, and producers sharing the lineup. DC’s own house music DJ Baby Weight is splitting the bill with other major creators like ILLENIUM, Zedd, Rezz, Elderbrook, and more ($205+ for two-day pass).
3. M3 Rock Festival
M3 Rock Festival turns 15 years old this spring. To mark the occasion, metal fans will fill Merriweather Post Pavilion to watch veteran acts like Queensrÿche, Bret Michaels, Stephen Pearcy, and Night Ranger play their head-banging hits ($50+).
4. Del Fest
Cumberland’s family-friendly music festival brings bluegrass singers and musicians together for a multi-day outdoor showcase where music fans can attend for a day, or camp out on the grounds overnight. The Del McCoury Band, and country singer and composer Lukas Nelson with The Travelin’ McCourys are headlining the event. There will also be a kid’s zone, late night concerts, food vendors, and a pop-up market ($50 for kids, $175 for teens, $295 for general admission).
CONCERTS
5. Brandi Carlile
Folk-rock superstar Brandi Carlile returns to town for a solo show at the Anthem. Both of her evening concerts are sold out, but you can still snag a ticket from a third-party seller ($77+).
6. Zach Bryan
In 2022, singer-songwriter Zach Bryan made a major-label debut with American Heartbreak, and last year, he released a hit self-titled album. There’s no surprise his Capital One Arena show is sold out. Fans of the country artist’s storytelling can find resale tickets online ($202+).
7. Amaarae
Up-and-coming Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae continues to rise in popularity since the release of her sophomore project Fountain Baby. She’ll bring her Afro-pop fusion sounds to Silver Spring’s Fillmore ($40+).
8. Steve Aoki
Star EDM producer and DJ Steve Aoki arrives in DC to spin tunes at the standing-room-only Echostage ($65+).
9. Nicki Minaj
Calling all Barbz to Capital One Arena: Nicki Minaj’s world tour is stopping in DC. You’ll want to get tickets to see the Grammy-winning rapper soon—more than 25 arenas on her tour route have already sold out ($110+).
10. Kevin Gates
Hardcore rapper Kevin Gates is on tour to promote his fourth album The Ceremony, which features rhymes that touch on themes of healing and redemption. Audiences can expect to hear a more relaxed tone from the Louisiana artist at The Fillmore ($59+).
11. Bad Bunny
Puerto Rico’s international reggaeton star is bringing his hip-swaying “Most Wanted Tour” to Capital One Arena ($230+).
12. Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott
Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs a full recital at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The classical affair spotlights hymns and symphonies from composers Dvořák, Arvo Pärt, and Sergio Assad. British pianist Kathryn Stott, his longtime musical partner, will accompany him on stage ($264+ from third-party sellers).
13. Madison Beer
Madison Beer became famous as a YouTube cover singer. Now, the New York vocalist and songwriter boasts a Grammy-nominated album. “The Spinnin Tour”—her third concert tour—showcases tracks from her album Silence Between Songs ($55+).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
