Not many things in life are free, but for music lovers in San Diego County this summer, free concerts abound.

Various cities, communities and entities are organizing sponsored summer music concerts that have complimentary admission and are family-friendly shows.

Here is an ultimate guide to San Diego’s summer concert series happening from Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 20.

Allied Gardens

The all-ages summer concerts are returning to Allied Gardens Park. This year, there will be four free concerts, happening on the first Friday of the month from June through September. The four musical acts are Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers on June 5, Mochilero on July 3, That Beatles Cover Band on Aug. 7 and Cassie B on Sept. 4. 6 to 8 p.m. June 5, July 3, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. 5155 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego. 6 to 8 p.m. agfirstfridays.com 

Balboa Park

A mix of local musicians and cover bands from genres such has Latin, rock, country, jazz and more are playing at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park this summer. Concerts will be one hour long during the midweek. Some of the performers scheduled are Mariachi Continental de San Diego, Bayou Brothers, San Diego Jazz Orchestra, That Beatles Cover Band, Santana Ways and Latin Sol. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. June 16 to Aug. 27. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American East Road, San Diego. balboapark.org/twilight-concerts 

Carlsbad

The city of Carlsbad is presenting nine free community concerts at three of its parks this year. The summer concerts series kicks off with country music cover band The Pistol Blonde at Stagecoach Community Park on June 19. Other confirmed musicians include Sabrosas Latin Orchestra at Calvera Hills Community Park on July 24 and Daring Greatly at Alga Norte Community Park on Aug. 21. The public events will also feature pop-up art vendors and dance lessons. 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays. June 19 through Aug. 21, except July 3. carlsbadca.gov/departments/cultural-arts/performing-arts/tgif-concerts-in-the-parks

Coronado

Over the next five months, 17 concerts will be hosted at Spreckels Park as part of Coronado’s 56th season of concerts in the promenade. This year’s event begins May 24 with the Coronado Concert Band at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Busted Spurs at 6:30 p.m. Also scheduled include Blue Breeze on June 7, Nate Nathan & the McDaddy O’s on July 5, a military appreciation concert on Aug. 23 and The Suenamis on Sept. 6. Start times of shows vary. Sundays. May 24 through Sept. 6. 601 Orange Ave., Coronado. coronadoconcert.com/coronado-concert-schedule

El Cajon

Prescott Promenade will be the home to free concerts this summer in El Cajon. Music on Main is downtown El Cajon’s annual event that spotlights local singers and cover bands. Some of the featured artists this year are Heart of Rock and Roll on June 5, a Selena tribute band called Amor Prohibido on July 17 and The Soul Persuaders on Aug. 28. 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday. June 5 to Aug. 28. 200 E. Main St., El Cajon. downtownelcajon.com 

Escondido

Escondido is organizing free concerts throughout the year as part of its Hidden City Sounds event series. This summer, there are four concerts planned. Sara Petite and Bryan Cleary take the stage with country music and line dancing lessons on June 12, Honey Buckets and Vulcan Mountain Boys perform bluegrass on July 10, Bill Magee Blues Band and the Anthony Cullins Trio be highlighted on Aug. 14 and Daring Greatly and Lonesome Roses play rock music on Sept. 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. 340 North. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org/hidden-city-sounds-free-concert-summer-series

La Jolla

The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla is presenting its Concerts by the Sea series at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This year, there will be four shows featuring Southern California bands. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays July 12 to Aug. 2. Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. kiwanisclublajolla.org/event/concerts-by-the-sea

La Mesa

Six complimentary concerts are on the agenda in La Mesa this summer and launch on Father’s Day. Harry Griffen Park will host the free shows commencing with The San Diego Concert Band on June 21. Also scheduled to perform are the Crimson Collar Band featuring a county dance party on July 12 and Low Poly Cactus will close out the summer concert series on July 26. 6 p.m. Sundays. June 21 through July 26. Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa. lamesaparks.org 

Mission Valley

For those who enjoy a little music while they shop, the Mission Valley Mall is hosting live shows for free this summer. Three days a week, there will be live music playing on the main shopping level, including cover bands to solo artists playing original music. 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. 3 to 6 pm. Saturdays. May 23 through Sept. 7. 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego. mission-valley.com

Point Loma

Cover and tribute bands take the stage at Point Loma’s summer concert series. For five Saturdays in July and August, the public is invited to listen to the George Harrison tribute band By George, yacht rock covers by Band Overboard, country music by The Highwayman Show, Motown and doo-wop music from The Legends and the Taylor Swift cover band Swift Nation. There will also be food for sale at these performances. 5:30 p.m. Saturday. July 11 to Aug. 8. Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. pointlomasummerconcerts.org 

Poway

Lake Poway will be home to five summer concerts this year. The city of Poway is bringing the musical acts, which start with the top 40 country cover band Pickleback Shine on June 21. There will also be hot food, ice cream, wine and beer available for sale at the shows. The public can bring chairs and blankets and event organizers suggest arriving early for the best seats. 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 21 and 28, July 19, Aug. 2 and 16. Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway. poway.org 

San Diego County’s Waterfront Park

SD Melanin is bringing back its Blanket Sounds to Waterfront Park this summer. This pop-up community event series brings live music, DJs, children’s art activities, vendors and more. The public is invited to bring their blankets and listen to various musicians bringing a variety of music genres and beats. Outside food and beverages are allowed and there will also be food vendors selling at the events. Glass containers or bottles are not allowed. Pets are prohibited as well. 3 p.m. June 7, July 26, Aug. 30 and Sept. 20. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. blanketsounds.org 

Santee

For over 30 years, the city of Santee has organized summer concerts, and this year they will be held at Town Center Community Park East. The concert series begins with The Pistol Blonde on June 11. Other performers on the bill include 80s cover band The Cheez Whiz on July 9, The Detroit Underground on July 30 and The Sea Monks on Aug. 6, when the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office hosts its National Night Out event. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. June 11 through Aug. 13, except July 2. Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee. cityofsanteeca.gov/city-special-events/santee-summer-concerts

Scripps Ranch

Hoyt Park will be the backdrop to Scripps Ranch’s Symphony in the Park concert series on the second Sundays of this summer. The four scheduled acts are The Mar Dels, The Heroes, Rolling Heartbreakers and Big Time Operator. 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. Hoyt Park, 10711 Canyon Lake Drive, San Diego. symphonyinthepark.org

Solana Beach

The city of Solana Beach’s 40th anniversary celebration is part of this year’s Concert at the Cove summer series. On July 2, the city will honor its 40th birthday with performances by 80s tribute bands Betamaxx and Atomic Groove. Also performing this summer are yacht rock band High Tide Society, rhythm and blues group Salty Papa and country band Barbwire. Attendees can bring food, chairs and blankets. Alcohol, tobacco, pets and barbecues are not permitted at the shows. 6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays. June 11 to Aug. 6. Fletcher Cover Park. 111 South Sierra Ave., Solana Beach. cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov/en/Concerts-at-the-Cove 

University Heights

The University Heights Community Association is presenting its 28th summer concert series at the Old Trolley Barn Park. A mix of bands and local musicians is expected to perform at each of the two-hour shows in July. An estimated 1,000 people are anticipated to attend, according to event organizers. Different food trucks are also scheduled to be selling meals at these free shows. 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays. July 3, 10, 17 and 24. Old Trolley Barn Park, 1943 Adams Ave., San Diego. uhsd.org