Free outdoor music in the Triangle

Midtown Beach Music Series at North Hills in Raleigh - The Embers, North Tower and Liquid Pleasure are just some of the bands playing in this weekly concert series. Shows are every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. in the commons area. 

Music off Main Downtown Concert Series in Garner - This series gets started Thursday (May 9) with Amanda Daughtry. It continues June 6, 20 and Aug. 15 and Sept. 20. The shows are from 6-9 p.m. and held on the back lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center.

Art of Cool @ The Stack in Durham - This spring music series runs every Friday from May 16-June 6 at American Tobacco Campus. Some of the performers for this Thursday night jazz series include DJ Rasta Root and Al Strong. All shows are 5- 7 p.m. 

 Music in the Valley at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh - Held every Wednesday on the patio outside of McCormick and Schmick's, this series features cover bands performing everything from beach music to Guns N Roses. A great mix of music for everyone. The shows are form 6-9 p.m. Shows run through June 26. 

Hob Knob Jazz series at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary - This one isn't free, but a great idea for a Wednesday night this month. The series is only $5 per show and children 12 and under get in for free. It features bands including the Mint Julep Jazz Band and Al Strong Quartet. Show are until May 29.

Music on Main at Southpoint in Durham - Held every Saturday night through October, this show in Cinema Circle at Southpoint mall feature light jazz, beach music, contemporary music and more. Shows are from 6-8:45 p.m.

"Find your Cool" at CCB Plaza in Durham - Featuring jazz, soul, blues, salsa and rock, this Thursday night concert series will be held in downtown Durham between the Marriott and SunTrust building from May 9-Aug. 8 (except not on July 4). 

Center Stage at American Tobacco Campus in Durham - This event, formerly known as "On the Lawn," is a three hour music festival held each month featuring food trucks, zip lines and a kid's zone. Everything is being held on the front lawn of the DPAC. Things kick off May 17 with Celtic, Traditionalists and Solas. All shows start at 6 p.m. Other dates include June 7, Sept. 20 and Oct. 4. On Thursday, July 4, there will be a special festival from 5-8 p.m. 

Brightleaf Square Concert Series - From 7-9 p.m. every Friday, the Brightleaf Square Courtyard in Durham will offer live music. Shows run from May 10-Sept. 13.

Music in the Gardens at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham - This show isn't free, but worth checking out. Every Wednesday, new bands will be playing. Most shows are $12 for general admission. Shows are from June 5-July 31.

Oak City 7 at City Plaza in Raleigh - Alternating Thursdays from May 30 - Aug. 22 (except on July 4), check out great live music in downtown Raleigh's city plaza. 

Six Sundays in Spring in Wake Forest - From jazz to bluegrass, this series will be held on six consecutive Sundays through June 2 at the E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road in Wake Forest. The shows are from 3-7 p.m. 

PineCone's free summer concerts take place at a few different venues: Carroll Joyner Park in Wake Forest, Daniels Auditorium at the NC Museum of History, Sertoma Amphitheater and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Music ranges from bluegrass and Americana to rock and jazz.

Golden Belt live concert series in Durham - To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Gold Belt will host free outdoor concerts on Fridays from May-July.

Waverly Place in Cary is hosting Wind Down Wednesdays starting May 22 with Band of Oz. Enjoy some free music on the lawn with this 14-week concert series.

Downtown Clayton also hosts a concert series at Town Square. There is one free show a month through September.