Responding to Vogue’s recent article naming Durham the “hippest” city in NC, local writer Barry Saunders noted “the number of ways you can have fun without spending a lot of scratch.” Here are 4 free summer music series.

Music on the Lawn at American Tobacco Campus
Back Porch Music on the Lawn, alternate Thursdays through September 14 under the Lucky Strike water tower. Free admission, parking $6. Seldom Scene headlines August 31. Music starts at 6.

Brightleaf Square Summer Concert Series
Alternate Fridays through September 15. 7-9 pm.

DCP Concert Series
The new Durham Central Park Concert Series, each Friday June 23-August 25, 6-8 pm. Highlights include Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band August 4 and sacred steel guitar from the Allen Boys August 11.

Northgate Mall Music on the Plaza
Alternate Fridays through June 30, 6:30-9pm.

(Click each series bold heading for more info.)