If you love live music and have been in DC for any amount of time, you’ve probably hit up shows at some of, if not all, the major venues nearby.

Places like The Anthem, 9:30 Club, Jiffy Lube Live, and Merriweather Post Pavilion are well known because they attract the biggest names in music to the DMV.

But what about when you’re feeling some live music and there are no major acts in town, or you just want to jam out to some tunes without spending half your paycheck on tickets?

Luckily, DC is home to some absolutely amazing smaller venues and lesser-known options for catching concerts, many of which are perfect for when you’re seeking budget-friendly entertainment options.

Here are 6 of our favorite hidden gems for music in DC. Check them out below, and if you go check them out in person, make sure to share the experience with us by tagging your social post with #FrayLife!

1. Sofar Sounds

Photo Credit: Henry GallagherIf you’ve gotten lucky enough to get into one of these truly secret events, then you know just how special a Sofar Sounds show is. If you haven’t, you’re missing out. Sofar stands for “Songs from a Room” and began in 2011 by three guys in London who were getting sick and tired of the various distractions that happen when going to a concert. We’ve all experienced them: the guy in front of you who whips out his phone to take that “really cool” photo that is just as blurry as the last forty he took not five minutes ago; the group of people talking obnoxiously over the music; or the drunk concert attendees around you who lack any real knowledge of what personal space is.

Sofar Sounds is a welcome antidote to those experiences. Therefore, there’s no talking or texting at these shows, and people will shush you (albeit politely) if you do talk. Second, attendees don’t know the location until 48 hours before the concert date, nor do they know who they’re seeing until they get there. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the artists that genres of music that you’ll get to experience in this unique concert vibe. Not to mention, it’s BYOB.

2. Groupmuse

If classical music is more your thing, then Groupmuse is the place for you.
With its motto, “Bringing chamber music back to where it began: the living room,” Group Muse offers attendees a truly unique, classical music experience. Now in over 100 cities around the world, Groupmuse lets local communities connect with their local classical musicians. The host of a Groupmuse will “select” an artist based on their living room space, and an e-mail will then go out for people to purchase tickets to the show based on your city. If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a violin, a cello, clarinet, piano, or any other classical instrument that you gave up playing after high school this is your chance. 

#FrayLife Tip: Did we mention Groupmuse is also BYOB?

3. Comment Ping Pong

For an under-the-radar music scene, make a stop in NW. Twice a month, this pizza joint turns into a concert where the pizza is flowing as is the music. You’ll catch local and touring acts of all genres from heavy rock, punk, folk, to house music. If you’re looking to check out something completely out of your comfort zone and unknown, be sure to check out this local music haven.

4. Boundary Stone

Want to find a way to get rid of those Monday blues? Stop by Boundary Stone’s weekly open mic series. Named by Washingtonian as one of D.C.’s best bars and by Washington City Paper as the best neighborhood bar, you’ll want to grab a few brews and sit back during this bar’s open mic night starting at 8:30 p.m. This is the spot to catch many local musicians trying out new material and you’ll be easily welcomed by the friendly staff and Bloomingdale neighbors.

#FrayLife Tip: Most Saturdays, Boundary Stone plays host to live music ranging from bluegrass, jazz, blues, and other genres.

5. Otherfeels

Spearheaded by D.C. music aficionado James Scott, his Mount Pleasant home is the perfect antidote to the D.C. stereotypes. This DIY venue is not only open to new music but new people. With minimum donations and BYOB, the show takes place in a basement and you’re never quite sure what you’ll stumble upon. Whether it’s experimental hip-hop, soft indie-rock, or just feel good music, Otherfeels is as organic of an experience you can get making you feel like you’re more in Brooklyn than NW D.C.

#FrayLife Tip: Shows here are sporadic, but if you follow Otherfeels on Instagram, you’ll get first dibs on news about this venue.

6. Songbyrd

For those on a budget, but not wanting to forsake their love of music head over to Songbyrd in Adams Morgan. You’ll catch national touring acts just on the cusp of hitting it big from acts who have likely popped up on one or more of your Spotify playlists. Not only does this hidden gem provide great music, but it also features a good cocktail bar, vinyl store, and plenty of good food to go around. You’ll find anything here from pop music, rap, rock, and punk shows. If you want to see an artist before they “make it” this is the place to be at.

Do you know of an awesome, smaller music venue in DC that is your go-to spot for local live music? Share a pic of it on social next time you’re there with #FrayLife #DCFray for a chance to be regrammed!

While you’re on the subject of live music, have you been to all of these outdoor music venues that belong on your concert bucket list?

View More Articles By Helena Okolicsanyi