Fete de la Musique, Georgetown

Fete de la Musique in Georgetown

Fete de la Musique is a French tradition where the city fills with free live music on the first day of summer, and Georgetown does its own version on Saturday, June 20. More than 40 acts play across a dozen outdoor spots plus two stages at the French Embassy, so you can wander from one sound to the next without buying a ticket. It lands on Father's Day weekend, which makes it an easy low-key outing if dad likes live music.

Because it is spread across the neighborhood, you set your own pace. Stroll the waterfront, catch a band, duck into a shop, then find the next stage when the kids get restless. Georgetown has the canal towpath, ice cream, and the waterfront park nearby, so it is simple to mix a little music with the things young kids actually want to do.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Treat it as a stroll, not a schedule. With so many stages, the easy move is to wander and stop wherever the music sounds good. No need to plan a set list with kids in tow.
• ✓Start near the waterfront. The Georgetown waterfront park gives kids room to run between acts, and the river views make the breaks pleasant for everyone.
• ✓Build in a canal or ice cream break. The C&O Canal towpath and the ice cream shops are right there for when little ones need to step away from the crowds.
• ✓Go earlier with young kids. Afternoon sets are calmer and less crowded than the evening. Toddlers do better before the bigger evening turnout.
• ✓Skip driving. Georgetown parking is a headache on weekends. Metro to Foggy Bottom plus the Circulator is far less stressful.