Summer can feel high-pressure when you want to spend as much time outside as possible. If you’re looking to soak in the nice weather but want a break from hiking, boating, fishing and generally being quite so active, live music can be the perfect activity.

These family friendly and (mostly) free concerts could be the perfect way to spend your evenings outside.

Waterville

Waterville Creates and the Waterville Opera House have come together for another summer of Waterville Rocks. The free concert series has scheduled shows on July 10, 24, 31 and Aug. 7 at Head of Falls off Front Street.

The events feature a beer garden and food truck, which open at 6 p.m., and bands including The Shizzle and Zepparella, who will come on at 7 p.m. each night. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and if it rains the show will be moved inside the opera house at 1 Common St.

Oakland

Shows at Waterfront Park are set for 6-8 p.m. Thursdays weekly until Aug. 6 (or Aug. 13 if the town needs a rain date) at 22 Old Belgrade Ave. Featuring artists include Scott Cole Trio, Rivertown and South Side Blues Band.

Artists perform in the gazebo while spectators can gather round with chairs and blankets. Heroes on Wheels is scheduled to be onsite during the free event.

Belgrade

Find a similar free concert series from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 3 on the Village Green, 1203 West Road. Performers such as the Wild, Fully Funktional and Primo Cubano have shows coming up.

Winslow

Thursdays are a busy night on the Kennebec River, with another free summer concert series at Fort Halifax Park. These are planned for 6-7:30 p.m. July 9, 23, 30, Aug. 6 and 20, with one extra show on Friday, Aug. 21. Upcoming performers include a traditional Scottish band and Bella Ann, a Winslow-based singer songwriter.

Sidney

There’s a departure from the free summer concert series, in favor of bigger shows at Bowl in the Pines, which calls itself central Maine’s premiere outdoor music venue. Ticket prices range from just over $25 up to over $150, though most cost between $60 and $80.

Shows are planned throughout the weeks, and upcoming performers include Ziggy Marley, Andy Grammer and Spin Doctors.

Tickets are available for purchase online.