Jazz in the Garden

Come springtime, Washingtonians — and Americans in general — are eager to shed their coats and puffer jackets and head outside for some sun, sangria and live jazz music. The National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden series delights residents and visitors every Friday between mid-May and October. Starting at 5 p.m., hordes of young professionals flood into the gated sculpture garden from their stuffy offices to kick off the weekend.

Modern sculptures, grassy patches and sought-after shady spots surround a central circular fountain, bordered on one arc by the featured live jazz band of the week. Vendor carts sell pitchers or single servings of red-wine sangria, and the garden’s restaurant sets up an outdoor grill selling generously sized dishes. Guests can also bring their own snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and blankets as the sculpture garden transforms into a veritable picnic-style restaurant, accompanied by relaxing jazz music that plays from the speakers throughout the space.

As the sun sets on the nation’s capital, the jazz music slowly fades and park-goers head out to into Washington, D.C., to meet friends for dinner or their next happy hour. Whatever your Friday night plans, Jazz in the Garden is a charming and memorable starting point.