This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Get ready to dance in the streets — Music by the Metro: Clarendon Concert Series is back for spring 2026.
This free outdoor concert series takes place every Thursday evening in May at 6:00 p.m. at Clarendon Central Park, located at 3100 Wilson Blvd. (beside the Clarendon Metro Station). Presented by the Clarendon Alliance, the series is cosponsored by Arlington Arts.
The curatorial collaboration between Arlington Arts and the Clarendon Alliance is one of many partnerships between Arlington Cultural Affairs and community groups, partnerships and Business Improvement Districts. From the Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series to the Columbia Pike Blues Festival and the Rosslyn Jazz Festival, the artists you see on stage are curated and supported by Arlington Arts.
Here’s what’s in store for this season’s lineup:
Crush Funk
Thursday, May 7
The Crush Funk Brass Band is a brilliant, innovative group of young musicians hailing from Washington, D.C. Comprised of alums from the University of the District of Columbia, Bowie State University, and Howard University. Influenced by all genres of music, the band’s style is unique, embodying the brass tones of New Orleans, with an Urban Capital City modern pop-fun(k) twist.
Son Cubano Subterraneo
Thursday, May 14
This six-piece ensemble of top-notch musicians and entertainers shares their passion for Cuban “Son,” the musical style at the core of Latin Salsa dance music. Led by sonero Gerardo Contino, a Cuban native and singer extraordinaire who has performed around the world with some of the greats of Cuban Son including NG La Banda and the GRAMMY-award winning Larry Harlow’s Latin Legends Band.
The Fuss
Thursday, May 21
The Fuss is a dynamic ska and rocksteady band from Washington, D.C. Their sound pays tribute to the music of 1960’s Jamaica and the British Mod scene, with a modern slant. The group showcases three-part female harmonies and a three-piece horn section. Since the band formed in 2014, they’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with The Skatalites, The Toasters, The Pietasters, The Scofflaws and many more.
The Sidleys
Thursday, May 28
Fronted by husband-and-wife songwriting/performing duo Annie and Steve Sidley, alongside their talented sons Sean, Colin and Ian, Washington, D.C.’s first family of rock and soul delivers a fusion of soulful melodies, amazing harmonies and infectious beats. Having captivated audiences around the world with three critically beloved albums, including the chart-topping Breathless, The Sidleys have released their most recent album, Sugar Kingdom, in 2024 to worldwide acclaim!
For full event details, visit the official Music by the Metro page.
About Arlington Cultural Affairs
Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, delivers public activities and programs that foster a creative environment, encourage collaboration and reflect the diverse voices of the community. To learn more about upcoming events, public art and artist opportunities, visit arlingtonarts.org.