This Thursday marks the start of the Art Walks in downtown Saranac Lake and serves as kind of a kickoff of all the wonderful free things offered during the summer season here.

The Art Walks are a self-guided tour exploring the village’s many artists, musicians, performers and businesses. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday from June to September, the streets around Broadway and Main boast the many cultural offerings Saranac Lake possesses.

In addition to the Third Thursday Art Walks, most first Fridays of the month, local art galleries host free opening receptions for that month’s featured artist or show.

Kicking off next Wednesday with the band JigJam is the Music on the Green series at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Green. Featuring local musicians as well as regional and national acts, this free music series is family-friendly and welcomes blankets and lawn chairs in a homey setting right in downtown Saranac Lake.

Songs at Mirror Lake is another free, all-ages music series that kicks off Tuesday, July 2 with the David Bromberg Quintet. The series hosts performances from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 13 at Mid’s Park on Main Street, Lake Placid, with access for boaters to listen from the water. There’s also room on the lawn for children to dance and play.

Also in the Mid’s Park bandshell is the Lake Placid Sinfonietta’s Park Series, which kicks off Thursday, July 4 and continues each Wednesday through Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. These performances are a chance to catch a world-class orchestra perform for free.

The Summer Sunset Series will debut Wednesday, July 3 in Tupper Lake’s new bandshell at its Municipal Park during the village’s Independence Day celebration (which it hosts the day before Fourth of July annually). The free series will continue each Tuesday through Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. in the portion of the park at the bottom of Mill Street, which boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets around. The bandshell is also located directly next to Little Logger Park, making it fun for both children and adults alike.

There are many other great free things to do here this summer; these are just a few that take place in the middle of town. Maybe we’ll see you at one of them.