Summer is here, and that means free music in New York City! Many organizations and sponsors come together annually every summer to bring music fans face-to-face with some of their favorite artists, at no cost whatsoever.

Below, I’ve listed five free concerts worth checking out in the month of July.

1. Patti Smith and Her Band

When: Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 7PM
Where: Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park
As Part of: River to River NYC Festival

2. Wanda Jackson / Imelda May

When: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 7PM
Where: Central Park / Mainstage
As Part of: NY Summerstage

3. Dr. John & the Lower 911 / Chuck Brown / Red Baraat

When: Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 6:30PM
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell
As Part of: Celebrate Brooklyn!

4. The Radio Dept. with Asobi Seksu

When: Friday, July 15, 2011 at 7PM
Where: The Seaport
As Part of: River to River NYC Festival

5. Lower Dens / Dirty Beachers

When: Friday, July 1, 2011 at 7PM
Where: The Seaport
As Part of: River to River NYC Festival

A little about the sponsors:

*NY Summerstage is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing free arts and entertainment city-wide, in over 750 parks. Locations/stages include: Central Park/Mainstage (Rumsey Playfield)

*River to River NYC Festival is a performing arts festival housing events from June-September in Lower Manhattan. It is sponsored by Battery Park City Authority.

*Celebrate Brooklyn! is a performing arts festival program at the Prospect Park Bandshell, sponsored by BRIC Performing Arts.