Boston Parks and Recreation’s ParkARTS series brings free summer concerts straight to the neighborhoods, rotating through parks in West Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Allston, Roslindale, South Boston, the Fens, and the South End. Rather than making everyone come downtown, the city sends the bands out — tribute acts, funk and soul, jazz ensembles, and rock on warm weeknight evenings.

The formula is simple and it works: grab a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and pull up on the grass with the neighbors. Every show is free and family-friendly, and the genre variety means there’s usually a night that fits your taste within a short ride of home. Keep an eye on the Parks Department schedule for what’s playing near you.