Listening to a free summer concert in Lake Placid. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

I taught my children at an early age that they didn’t need to spend money to have fun. Sometimes, it’s a matter of creating something yourself. Other times, it’s making time out of a busy schedule to attend a free event. Thankfully, our generous Adirondack communities and their sponsors are once again gifting us with free concerts, lovely music, talented musicians and a sense of community. Most of these free events take place outside, so bring a blanket or chair. We usually bring food and enjoy a picnic while listening to professional musicians perform. There are a few rain date locations, but most of the time it’s a matter of bringing the right equipment for the right weather. It’s the Adirondacks. Weather is all part of the experience.

Monday: Tupper Arts presents its annual Summer Sunset Series at the Tupper Lake Bandshell at Flanders Park. The regular season starts on July 7 at 7 p.m., but there is a special July 4th weekend celebration; check out tupperarts.org for more information.

Tuesday: Lake Placid kicks off the season tonight, July 1, celebrating Songs at Mirror Lake. Held each Tuesday through August from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mid’s Park Bandshell on Main Street. More information at songsatmirrorlake.org. Elizabethtown Social Center presents concerts on select Tuesdays on the lawn.

Wednesday: Saranac Lake’s Music on the Green starts July 2 and takes place each Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Riverside Park. The Lake Placid Sinfonietta’s Wednesday series takes place at Mid’s Park Bandshell starting at 7 p.m. and continues through August. More information at lakeplacidsinfonietta.org. Tupper Lake’s Summer Sunset Series is also held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Flanders Park Bandshell.

Thursday: Wilmington’s Thursday Night Concert Series takes place at Wilmington Town Beach from 6 to 9 p.m. starting July 3 and continues through August.

Saturday: The JEMS Concert Series in the Town of Jay takes place at the Historic Town Green, Parkside Road, each Saturday through Labor Day. The summer series kicks off July 5 with an indoor concert at the Amos and Julia Ward Theatre. More information at jemsgroup.org. There are many similar concert opportunities throughout the Adirondacks, from Inlet to Lake George. Each location showcases its unique beauty. We take advantage of these opportunities whenever possible. I hope you can take a break and enjoy one of the free community concerts. Music is good for the soul.