Make this your go-to guide on where to find live music this summer — just grab a blanket or a chair and go! Many of these concerts are free, kid- and dog-friendly and offer food for purchase. Want more to do? Here’s our events calendar.

Anne Springs Close Greenway
This nature preserve in nearby Fort Mill, S.C., hosts live music every Thursday night through July, from 6-9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase — bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. $6 per adult, $4 ages 5-12, members and children 4 and younger are free. $5 parking per vehicle. ascgreenway.org

Beats ’N Bites
This concert series in downtown Matthews offers live tunes and food-truck fare on the last Friday of each month. Park and food trucks open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. No pets or outside alcoholic beverages allowed. matthewsnc.gov

Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops
June 11, 18, 25 and July 2
Pack your picnic and join friends and neighbors on Sundays at Symphony Park for live music and fireworks, as Summer Pops celebrates 40 years. Adult ticket prices are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate in June; $18 in advance, $25 at the gate in July. A subscription package is new this year. charlottesymphony.org

Fridays at Camp North End
This ongoing event each Friday centers around live music, food, new public art and goods from local businesses. 5-9 p.m. camp.nc/events

Jammin’ by the Tracks
June – August
Head to downtown Waxhaw and relax under the Water Tower on the first and third Fridays of the month, 7-9 p.m. waxhaw.com

Jazz at the Garden
Saturday, July 1
Bring your lawn chair and a picnic to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and enjoy jazz from Marcus Johnson. Large coolers, alcoholic beverages, tents and umbrellas are not permitted, 6-8 p.m, purchase tickets online. dsbg.org/event

Music at the Met
Thursdays through Oct. 5
Head to the patio (beside Dressler’s) for live acoustic music by local musicians. Food and drink from surrounding restaurants is available for purchase. Free parking and free admission. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. metropolitanclt.com/events

MoRa’s Summer Breeze
June 15, July 20, Aug. 17
Formerly known as Thursdays Live, MoRa continues live music offerings throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and hear some great bands around the Embrace Sculpture at the corner of Monroe Road and Conference Drive. Dogs allowed. moraclt.org/events

Summer Concert Series at StoneCrest at Piper Glen
Friday and Saturdays, throughout summer
There’s a full lineup through September 9. Concerts take place by the fountain stage, with additional peformances added on some evenings at the plaza corner. Outside food and drink are not permitted. shopstonecrest.com/events-2

Whitewater Center River Jam 
Sit back and relax with live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night through September. Music genres range from bluegrass to funk. Leashed dogs allowed, no outside food or drink permitted, parking is $6. whitewater.org/things-to-do

-SP