They say music soothes the savage beast, but it's also pretty good at entertaining the easily bored child. Free (or almost free) outdoor concert series fill Los Angeles and Orange County parks and open spaces all summer long, so odds are you won't have to travel far to find an under-the-stars event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies.

This year offers many returning favorites, plus a few changes: The Downtown Stage concerts in Pershing Square are still free, but now they are limited to 21 and older (excuse for a Moms Night out perhaps?); Santa Monica's Twlight on the Pier series doesn't kick in until near the end of the summer this year, but the Tiny Porch series anticipates returning to Peter Strauss Ranch in spite of damage from last fall's Woolsey Fires.

Once again Arcadia Summer Concerts and Summer Movies are joining for a combined event, and of course there are plenty of standalone free outdoor movie series all summer as well.

Click through for complete details, including dates and bands. And check back often, because we continue adding and updating concerts throughout the season!