The Charles River Jazz Festival is back for the fifth year running. The festival, hosted by the Boston Jazz Foundation at the Herter Park Amphitheater, is free and features world-renowned musical acts. The official lineup includes Keyon Harrold, Freelance, Christian Sands, Caio e Jess, and Ivanna Cuesta. The festival will also feature vendors like Chubby Chickpea, Bon Me, Yumtastic Yum Yum, Cini Coffee, and Boston Ice Cream Truck. They also have VIP tickets, which include access to a special lounge, an exclusive bar, and covered side-stage seating. 

Berklee College of Music will bring more than 200 free concerts to the Boston community this summer at venues that include iconic Boston landmarks like Spectacle Island, Magazine Beach Park Nature Center, and Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters. Headlining the shows are Berklee students, faculty, and alumni. Upcoming musical acts include Berklee student Jade Faria (Wednesday, July 9), a Brazilian singer-songwriter-producer currently earning her grad degree in music production and engineering, and Keeme Tajudeen (Wednesday, July 9), an experienced gospel performer whose music blends gospel with jazz, pop, neo-soul, blues, rock, and musical theater.

The Leader Bank Pavilion is an iconic Boston venue, and for good reason. It’s the city’s only harborfront music venue and has hosted world-class acts like Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Diana Ross, and Steely Dan. While concerts at this venue are not free, Live Nation is offering a special promotion for $30 tickets to select concerts this summer. Participating shows include Maren Morris: The Dreamsicle Tour; Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear: Do The Reggae Tour; and Michael Franti & Spearhead: Welcome to the Family Tour. The venue also offers a variety of bites and drinks for concert-goers, like Regina Pizzeria, Yankee Lobster Co., and Larry J’s BBQ Cafe.

Boston Parks and Recreation Department is hosting free outdoor evening concerts at the city’s verdant green spaces this summer. From South Boston to Mattapan to Allston, the Neighborhood Concert Series is bringing performers to every corner of Boston. Our picks? Five Against None (a Pearl Jam tribute band) on July 14, country night (with free line dancing lessons) on July 21, and jazz night on August 3.

On the second Wednesday of each month, Brighton Farmers Market shoppers will be treated to live music and performances in the heart of the busy market. Running through October 8, these family-friendly concerts are a perfect way to enjoy live music with friends and family while shopping for local produce and specialty foods at the market’s more than 25 unique vendors. Local artists will perform all types of music, from garage rock to Afrobeats to bluegrass.

Art is usually seen on the walls and in the galleries of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, but this summer there is music in the museum’s secluded Calderwood Courtyard. Whatever type of music you enjoy, there’s a concert for you—with the series featuring a diverse array of artists from all over the world. Upcoming noteworthy performances include Kaia Kater, a Grenadian Canadian vocalist known for her blend of jazz and folk music, on July 24, and on July 31, Patty Larkin, a guitar-driven singer-songwriter who has made it a mission to perform at the MFA each year, despite the widespread success of her career. You can also enjoy seasonal meals, snacks like chips and cookies, and beer, wine, and soft drinks, available for purchase at the concert.