Free Summer Fun: Outdoor Concerts Across America

It's hard to think of an activity more enjoyable than an outdoor concert on a breezy summer day or night, and it's equally hard to think of  anything more frustrating than knowing your favorite act is coming to a venue near you…but the tickets will cost you an arm, a leg, maybe even a few toes.

In true Shoestring style, we've got your show-going solution: ditch the price-gouging arenas and venues and take advantage of one of the amazing free outdoor summer concerts happening in a city near you. From big band music to Lady Gaga, Tchaikovsky to Sheryl Crow, we’ve scouted out some of the best in free live music events taking place this summer around the country.

NEW YORK CITY

The Good Morning America Concert Series
Head to Central Park any Friday morning this summer and you'll find yourself in some Grammy-nominated company; GMA is putting on its annual free summer concert series at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. These shows draw a big, excited crowd, and there's definitely an act for everyone in this year's lineup, including: Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan on June 11; Alicia Keys on June 25; the Black-Eyed Peas on July 30; and Lady Antebellum on August 27.

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
New York City's premier orchestra is once again performing free in parks all across the Five Boroughs this summer, making truly beautiful and moving classical music available to the public. Beginning on July 13 at 8 PM in Central Park, you can hear conductor Andrey Boreyko and his world-renowned orchestra performing alongside the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. These concerts feature a wide variety of classical styles, and this first concert is scheduled to include pieces by Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and Mozart.

Toyota Concerts in Rockefeller Center
Another great concert series bringing big name artists to NYC for free is the Today Show’s Toyota Concert Series at Rockefeller Center. These are definitely shows for early birds (acts begin weekdays at 7 a.m.) but they'll rock your day off to a great start. All shows are free, but, due to the huge turnout, check the Today Show's website weekly for special links to contests allowing you to skip the line and head straight to the front row with free "fan passes." Mark your calendars to see John Mayer, James Taylor, Lady Gaga, and Rascal Flatts, among others.

BOSTON

Summer Concerts at the Hatch Shell
New Englanders know the iconic half-moon shape of the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, sitting between downtown and the Charles River, and this summer the venue will, as always, be home to many free outdoor concerts. In addition to the multiple charity events worth participating in along the Charles, the Hatch Shell is the place to go to see Boston's premier orchestra, the Boston Pops, perform for free on July 3rd and 4th. While the Hatch Shell is also the venue for several rock, pop & orchestral performances throughout the summer — such as Eddie Money and Chicago's Peter Cetera in the WODS 103.3 Free Summer Concert Series lineup — the annual Pops performance on 4th of July is a true American tradition, complete with fireworks over the Charles and enough Keith Lockhart to last you a lifetime.

WASHINGTON, DC

United States Military Band Concerts
Show your patriotic pride this summer by attending one of the free Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps band concerts  throughout our nation’s capital. Bring your friends and family and simultaneously honor our troops while enjoying traditional big band and marching music. Our friends in "The Presidents Own" US Marine Corp band tell us to expect country music, light classics, contemporary jazz, and pop favorites when you attend their shows on the West Terrace of the US Capitol. Holiday dates to remember: the US Navy Band will present special concerts on July 3rd for Independence Day and September 6th for Labor Day. Turn your visit into a fabulously free or frugal day or weekend trip by taking in the countless monuments and free/cheap museums in the DC area before or after the concerts!

Jazz 'N Families Fun Day at the DC Jazz Festival
Although the renowned DC Jazz festival hosts many ticketed events that cost around $30 on average, the Jazz 'N Families Fun Day is actually an entirely free two-day event held on the weekend of June 5th and 6th. The jazz music runs all day long, and the event is a part of the annual Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend, so it's also a fun way to expose your family to a dose of local and national arts culture while enjoying the music of jazz acts like David Schuman and the George V. Johnson Trio.

CHICAGO

101.9fm THE MIX Lunchtime Concert Series
Chicago's popular radio station 101.9fm THE MIX is hosting three concerts taking place at the base of the John Hancock Center on Michigan Avenue in Chicago this summer. Take a long lunch break while grooving to the pop-rock sounds of Michael Franti, Kris Allen, and Guster, three talented, family-friendly acts for all ages. Shows are in June, July, and August (respectively), so there's ample time between concerts to think of excuses for your boss as to why it took you so long to get back from Starbucks.

SAN FRANCISCO

Stern Grove Festival
The outdoor, natural amphitheatre of the Stern Grove Festival, an entirely-free, summer-long event that features a range of artists, is the perfect setting for enjoying the Bay Area’s sunniest season. 10 free concerts, beginning on June 20, take place on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.. The concert series, which relies entirely on volunteers and donations, features something fun and free for everyone: performers include alternative and indie rockers They Might be Giants and Rogue Wave; famed singer/songwriter Rickie Lee Jones; and local favorites the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera.

The Power to the Peaceful Festival
Get your Haight-Ashbury hippie vibe on at the Power to the Peaceful Festival in Golden Gate Park, taking place on September 11th and 12th. While the entire lineup of artists hasn't yet been released to the public, energetic musicians and activists Michael Franti and Spearhead (who've opened for superstars like John Mayer) are slated to perform at the festival, which will also include art, activism, even yoga events. This is a festival you can feel good about: many non-profits will have a presence, including a food drive to benefit the San Francisco Food Bank.

SIOUX CITY, IOWA

Saturday in the Park
For the past 20 years, Saturday in the Park has been bringing great acts like BB King to the public for free. This year, on July 3rd beginning at noon, you can head to Sioux City to see rock legends Steve Winwood and Santana perform under the stars (the concert begins at 5 pm, with Winwood hitting the stage at 7). In addition to great music, the event will also be home to a myriad of kids events and an Arts Alley, where the website says you can check out "unique festival vendors" displaying pottery, art pieces, clothing, and even handmade musical instruments.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Sadly, we're not the only ones in the know about these free concerts. So, now that one's caught your eye, what can you do to make sure you get there and score killer seats?

Plan ahead. Know the dates and times of the free concerts in your area that you want to attend. Because the shows are free, be prepared to make a few concessions you may not have to make at a concert you bought a ticket for.

Get there early. Give yourself at least an hour or two before the doors open to secure your place in line. Gauge how early you should arrive using the weather and the popularity of the act. While this may sound like a boni fied nightmare, use the time to your advantage! Bring food, drinks, and easily-carried games like a deck of cards to play with family and friends. Bringing your own sustenance helps you cut back on expensive venue snacks, and be sure to pack water on hot summer days to prevent dehydration. Hey, you can even use the time to read the most recent articles from your favorite eco-friendly magazine on that smart phone!

Wear comfortable clothes. Ladies, trust us: We've suffered through a John Mayer concert in heels, hoping to catch the heartthrob's eyes, but it's just not worth it. Especially since you know you'll be waiting in line, spare yourself no comfort! Whip out those sneakers, flats, or flops and check the weather report (since these are outdoor venues) to be as comfy as possible.

Know the venue. Nobody wants to wait in a long line just to be turned away at the door because he or she brought a camera. Especially with high-profile acts, check the site for the event the day of the show for security restrictions about what you can and can’t bring into the venue. Also be sure you know the ins and outs of the place you're going: Should you bring lawn chairs? Is it BYOB? Are bags allowed? Knowing is half the battle to having a banging time.

Most of all, don't stress! These summer concerts exist for your enjoyment and cultural appreciation. Make sure you get to see and enjoy the show, but don’t let the stress of getting there ruin your time. There's a long summer of awesome free music ahead, so find the event near you and soak up the fun.

What'd we miss? Leave a comment if you have a concert-going tip or free listing to share!

Copyright 2010 Shoestring, LLC. Photo: iStock