Summertime in the city comes alive with the sound of music with an impressive menu of (mostly) free outdoor concerts and festivals.

One of the best things about summer is the chance to pack a blanket and a cooler, grab a friend or two and spend a day listening to great music out of doors. Williamsburg’s Northside Festival (June 16-19) was a huge success in its inaugural year, and its return this summer promises to be a great introduction to the most buzz-worthy local and national indie rock acts in outdoor spots like McCarren Park (Guided by Voices will kick off the festival at the Steve Madden stage) and unusual venues like St. Cecilia’s Church in Greenpoint.

The South Street Seaport has long been a picturesque spot to enjoy music, and this year’s 4 Knots music festival (the reincarnation of the Coney Island Siren Festival of years past) on July 9th and 16th will take full advantage of the Pier 17 waterfront vibe. River to River is another all-summer-long concert tradition, with jazz, rock and more adventurous genres on offer for blanketfuls of picnickers—come early to snag a good spot. The Governor’s Ball Festival (June 18) gives you one more reason to visit Governor’s Island; The one-day, two-stage fest features indie darlings like Girl Talk, Passion Pit and Neon Indian to entice music lovers to make the island-hop.

Summerstage is the big fish in the summer outdoor concert sea; this year’s lineup features the usual international names across every imaginable genre bringing music to Central Park and parks throughout the city. Celebrate Brooklyn! is another regular, known for laid-back free concerts and can’t-miss benefit shows that get Prospect Park crowds dancing. The Good Morning America Concert Series will bring Beyonce, The Go-Gos, Mary J. Blige and a long list of luminaries to Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. Word on the street says the Williamsburg Waterfront (formerly McCarren Pool Parties) shows will happen again this year, with a stellar lineup that includes Sonic Youth, Death Cab for Cutie, and comedian Kristen Schaal and friends scheduled to perform against the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline (via Brooklyn Vegan). If you love outdoor music on a smaller scale, Mister Sunday happens weekly in the urban beachside setting of Gowanus Grove (formerly Brooklyn Yard) with top-shelf DJs, special guests and food-truck favorites giving a mellow crowd (and their kids and dogs) a chance to wind down the weekend by the banks of the old Gowanus Canal.