Free spring/summer outdoor concerts in Atlanta

It’s time for music under the stars with the many free concert series that take place in the metro area in the springtime.

Take note, some events start in April, other will begin in next month. In all cases except one (Centennial Park now charges $5 for Wednesday Wind Down), the events are free of charge to anyone with blankets and lawn chairs. If you wish to reserve a table, you will pay a fee.

Be sure to check the websites linked in each listing for line-up changes, weather cancellations and additional information. And for information about ticketed concerts and music festivals this spring and summer, visit the AJC's Atlanta Music Scene blog with Melissa Ruggieri.

Atlanta Jazz Festival: On Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-24, the Atlanta Jazz Festival takes over Piedmont Park with contemporary, traditional, swing & latin jazz music. The festival is free and open to the public. This year the line-up includes Kathleen Bertrand, Julie Dexter, Stanley Jordan and Diane Schuur. Festival hours in Piedmont Park are Friday, May 22 from 6 -11 p.m.; Saturday, May 23 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, May 24 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. For the full schedule visit www.atlantafestivals.com. 

Vernon Brock helps set up the International Jazz stage at Piedmont Park on Friday afternoon May 24, 2013 in preparation for the Atlanta Jazz Festival that runs Saturday through Monday. BEN GRAY / BGRAY@AJC.COM

Vernon Brock helps set up the International Jazz stage at Piedmont Park on Friday afternoon May 24, 2013 in preparation for the Atlanta Jazz Festival that runs Saturday through Monday. BEN GRAY / BGRAY@AJC.COM

Centennial Olympic Park Wednesday Wind Down: Every Wednesday, April – September, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Southern Company Amphitheater in Centennial Olympic Park you can hear live jazz and contemporary music from local and touring artists. The concerts have been free 16 years, but this year you will have to pay a $5 fee for entry (premium shows are more). Doors open at 4 p.m. and the box office is open from 3 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Or purchase tickets online until 7 p.m. the day of show. For the full schedule visit the website.

Chamblee Summer Concert Series: This free series features live music in Peachtree Park next to city hall (the July 4th concert is held in Keswick Park.) Concerts are from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Peachtree Park, 5468 Peachtree Road next to City Hall except the July 4th Concert in Keswick Park. The lineup this year includes:

• May 22: China Grove
• July 4: Rupert's Orchestra
• July 24: Drivin' N Cryin'
• August 28: Ricochet

Decatur Concerts (three events): This month, catch the last of the Oakhurst Jazz Nights from 7 – 9 p.m. Remaining performances include April 23: Frank Barnham and April 30: The Nick Longo Band. Performances take place lawn on the lawn in front of The Solarium at 321 W. Hill St. Next month, two additional free music series kick off. Enjoy free music on Wednesdays at noon in the months of May and September for the Blue Sky concert series. And on Saturdays at 7 p.m. in May And September, visit Concerts on the Square. For more information on these events and for a full lineup, visit www.decaturdba.com.

Douglasville Wednesday Wind Down series: This event runs each Wednesday from , 7 – 9 p.m., June 3 – July 29 at O'Neal Plaza, 6695 Church Street, Douglasville. The lineup is as follows:

• June 3: Joel Cruickshank
• June 10:RSVP Atlanta
• June 17: AGM Band
• June 24: Kasper and the 911 Band
• July 1: Karisma
• July 8: TBD
• July 15: TBD
• July 22: TBD

Lawrenceville Summer Concert Series: Visit the Lawrenceville lawn for music under the starts beginning May 29 at 7 p.m. The event takes place the last Friday of each month through September. Parking is free in the downtown District. Bring a picnic or visit the food trucks on site. The concerts are free, but you can get tables for a fee if you wish by calling the Visitor's Center at 678-226-2639. The current schedule follows. Visit the website for updates and additional information:

• May 29: Connor Christian & Southern Gothic, opening acts at 7pm
• June 26: Abbey Road LIVE! at 8 p.m.
• July 31: The Daniel Lee Band at 8 p.m.
• August 28: Shawn Mullins at 8 p.m.
• September 25: Reuben's Bell, opening acts at 7 p.m.

Mall of Georgia Monthly Music Jam: On the first Friday of each month, April-November, enjoy local entertainment at the Hennessy Cadillac Village Stage at Mall of Georgia. The lineup is as follows:

• April 3: The Woody's Band
• May 1: Joe Hall Band Acoustic
• June 5: White Winged Dove Duo
• July 3: Pippy Thomas
• August 7: The Woody's Unplugged
• September 4: White Winged Dove Duo
• October 2: Fire & the Knife Duo
• November 6: The Woody's Unplugged

Marietta Glover Park Concert Series: At 8 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month from April through September (and on May 30) catch this free concert series on Marietta Square. Reserve tables starting at $45 or bring blankets and lawn chairs. Here are the current bands: