There's definitely no shortage of things to do in NYC this summer. But after you've wisely spent your paycheck on the new seasonal cocktail menu at Huckleberry Bar, you'll need to find a cheaper way to have a good time. Luckily for you, we've got a list of the best free concerts this summer. Remember, some of these require advance arrangements, so check with the venue before showing up.

On Friday 6/27, The Cold War Kids hit the Prospect Park Bandshell, along with Elvis Perkins, and Sam Champion (hopefully, their  namesake will predict clear skies). Show starts at 7pm.

Sunday June 29th, The Hold Steady are playing at McCarren Park Pool along with The Loved Ones and J Roddy and The Business. So, keep your browser on their Myspace, because you can be damn sure the hardcore fans already know all of the lyrics to Stay Positive. Show starts at 12 noon.

Later that Sunday,  A Place to Bury Strangers, King Khan & His Shrines, and Black Acid, get together for a night of noisy psych rock, garage hollers, and half naked grown men at South Street Seaport. Show starts at 7pm.

If you are one of those lucky folks with summer Friday work hours, head over to Battery Park on 7/04 to see Sonic Youth and The Feelies. They might not look too good these days in bright sunlight, but close your eyes and it's 1986 all over again. Show at 3:30pm, tickets available at noon.

Hopefully by July 6th, you've found that special someone to spend the summer with. And, what could possibly be more romantic than seeing Ronnie Spector, the main Ronette and singer of such classics as "Baby, I Love You"? That's right, nothing. Also performing are members of The Rabbit Factory roster, which is filled with forgotten (but amazing) soul singers. Show is at 12 noon at McCarren Park Pool.

Okay, so the Breeders never did it for you like you wanted them to. But, whether you were let down by Kim Deal's post-Pixies band or not, they're still worth checking out. Well, on Sunday 7/13 at McCarren Park Pool, you've got a chance, and if you yell for Tony's Theme loud enough you never know...

I've already exhausted myself praising Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, so I'm just going to say that if you don't see him this summer you are dead to me. That's right, I will ignore you on the street. I will delete your number from my iPhone. Make your decision before Thursday 7/17, and get your butt to Castle Clinton. Show starts at 7pm.

Try not to get an open container ticket on Saturday July 19 at this year's Siren Festival on Coney Island. It's tempting to down Budweiser tall boys and sing along to Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, but resist the urge. A couple of rides on the Cyclone and you'll feel just as wasted.  Trust me. Also playing are Broken Social Scene, The Helio Sequence, Beach House, Times New Viking, Jaguar Love, The Dodos, Annuals, Film School, Parts and Labor, Dragons of Zynth, and These Are Powers. Show starts at 11am.

Sunday 8/03 marks the second free summer show by King Khan & His Shrines, and it's a show not worth missing. Add The Black Lips and Deerhunter, and you're guaranteed to see your local record store employees drunkenly stumbling around the McCarren Park Pool. Show starts at 12 noon.

Although the lineup feels more McCarren Park Pool than Central Park Summerstage, Battles will, in fact, take the stage for a free show along with Black Dice and Gang Gang Dance on Saturday 8/16. Show at 3pm.

What better way to wind up the free summer schedule than with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings? The new queen of soul is headlining a bill that also features Manahan Street Band and Naomi Shelton & Gospel Queens at Central Park Summerstage sockin' it to 'em at 3pm.