The Virgin Mobile Festival will return to the area after all. This year's event will be held at Merriweather, rather than Pimlico; it's one day (August 30), instead of two; and it's free.

And at that price point, the lineup rates as superior with Weezer, The National, Public Enemy, Blink-182, Girl Talk, Franz Ferdinand, St. Vincent, The Hold Steady, others on the bill.

According to IMP, 35,000 free tickets will be distributed June 25-27. Those who bought tickets to past Virgin Fests will get first crack at them, with the general public getting a shot on the 27th via ticketmaster.com.

Good luck.