The 28th edition offers a staggering 150 shows from artists across all genres. Tickets went on sale yesterday for big shows including Harry Connick Jr., Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis, and Keith Jarrett . The Spaghetti Western Orchestra plays a tribute show to legendary Italian soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone and more than 20 Afro beat acts gather to pay tribute on the 10th anniversary of the death of Fela Kuti . Tightwads more interested in spending on beer and beaver tails can check out the 350 free shows that take place across the city during the festival.
One of the first green music festivals, this ninth edition is completely powered by solar panels. Fortunately there is no shortage of sunlight to bake Kit Carson Park at the end of June. Eco-conscious performers include the John Butler Trio, Paula Cole, Los Lobos, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. In addition to the music, exhibitors also show the newest advances in solar energy in the Solar Village, and, more important, hand out solar-baked cookies. Camping is available near the concert location for $45; a three-day festival pass is $85.
This series of nightly concerts takes place al fresco in the gorgeous Piazza Grande in the Alpine town of Locarno. A progressive (and top shelf) list of acts perform, including the Beastie Boys, Pink, Avril Lavigne, Peter Gabriel, and Muse. Although the concerts take place outside, they are not free. Tickets are $118 for each show. If you're able to linger in Switzerland through July, the Moon and Stars Festival can serve as a tasty companion to the Montreux Jazz Festival , which runs July 6- 21 and features sets from Rufus Wainwright, Keren Ann, Jeff Beck, Norah Jones, Wilco, and dozens more.
moonandstarslocarno.ch, montreux jazz.com.
More than 50 bands play these two great cities, swapping venues over the course of the weekend. The line up s at Boadilla del Monte in Madrid and Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona feature Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Scissor Sisters, LCD Soundsystem, Badly Drawn Boy, and a DJ set from Belle and Sebastian. Tickets for the weekend (until June 30) are $140.
The annual festival gives a stage to Finnish bands such as Sweatmaster, Dead by Gun, the Valkyrians, and Sturm und Drang to perform. Because no one outside Finland has heard of these bands, thankfully the festival at Ruissalo Park also features sets from acts with international appeal such as the Flaming Lips, the Magic Numbers, the Pipettes, John Legend, and the Hives . Tickets for the three day festival are $120. Single day passes are $60.
Events sometimes are canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; call or check online to confirm. Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com. 
