Listen in on Washington, D. C.'s Free Concerts

If you're visiting Washington, D. C., or even if you live here, you know that there's plenty to do during the day. There are literally dozens of museums, memorials and great neighborhood restaurants. If you're not into the club scene, though, what can you do in the early evening?

Consider checking out Washington's free concerts. Whether you like classical, jazz, or world music, there's probably a free concert you can attend. There are plenty of summer concerts, including evening music at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, recitals at Arlington Cemetery's Netherlands Carillon and free events at Farragut Square and the National Mall. Many music lovers don't realize that there are free concerts during the other seasons, too.

Year-round concert opportunities include:

The Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center. The Millenium Stage presents a free concert at 6:00 p.m., 363 days per year. You can't beat this deal. The Millenium Stage books all kinds of musical ensembles, soloists and world music groups. There's something different every day. After the concert, you can linger on the Kennedy Center's huge balcony, which overlooks the Potomac River. If you miss a concert, click your way over to the Millenium Stage's website and download a podcast.

Military Bands. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps bands give free concerts throughout the year. During summer months, they take turns performing on the Mall. At other times of year, the military bands perform at various concert halls in the District, Maryland and Virginia.

You may not realize that the military bands offer far more than just the marching bands you watch in inaugural parades. The Army, for example, has a strings ensemble that performs around the country and at special events in the District. The Air Force band includes the Air Force Chamber Players. The Marine Corps band presents an orchestra concert series every year. The Navy band puts on an annual Saxophone Symposium. There's more to military music than traditional parades - although they're fun, too.

The National Gallery of Art. The National Gallery puts on a free concert or two each week. Winter concerts are held inside the museum's West Building. During the summer, you'll find the free concerts in the Gallery's Sculpture Garden, next to the museum. The National Gallery even has its own orchestra.

The National Cathedral. The Cathedral offers a diverse musical program. During fall and winter, the National Cathedral presents a monthly organ recital. The Cathedral's two-week Summer Music Festival features a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from baroque to jazz. If you are interested in bell ringing, try one of the Carillon or Peal Bell recitals, held once per week during most of the year.

George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. Throughout the year, the Lisner Auditorium includes free performances on its concert schedule. The University's orchestra, wind ensemble and chorus perform at many of these events.

A week without a free concert in the District - well, there's no such thing. Come on out and enjoy the music.