Boston-area summer arts guide

Hello, summer

Are you ready to turn off the heat and step out into the warm summer air? Get ready for outdoor concerts, musical festivals, and other art happenings this summer that will make this season that much more exciting.

Want more? Search more summer events. Don’t forget to check out alfresco dining options, things to do on the waterfront, and our Boston Visitors’ Guide.

Tanglewood

Although Tanglewood is a keenly awaited musical event every year, this summer’s musical extravaganza will be extra special: New Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor Andris Nelsons will give his first performance with the orchestra on July 27.

Lenox, 617-266-1200, www.bso.org

Summer Arts Weekend

The second annual event will feature a weekend of music, food, arts, and culture. On Saturday, July 27, catch a performance by New York-based Red Baraat.

July 26-28, Copley Square Park. www.summerartsweekend.com

Outside the Box festival

The Boston Arts Summer Institute is organizing “Outside the Box’’ — a free eight-day festival in July that will bring outdoor performances, live music, comedy, and more.

The outdoor festival will be spread throughout the city and will take advantage of Boston’s most popular destinations, including the Hatch Shell, Boston Common, City Hall Plaza, and Copley Square.

Pictured is Strange Fruit, an Australian company that performs using 15-foot flexible poles, who will be at Outside the Box this summer in Boston.

Outside the Box, Boston, July 12-21, www.outsidetheboxboston.org

Newport Jazz Festival

The very popular Newport Jazz Festival returns this summer, and will include big names like Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole, and more. A week earlier, catch the jazz festival’s sister event, the Newport Folk Festival.

Pictured: Pat Metheny performed at the Newport Jazz Festival on Aug. 4, 2012.

Aug. 2-4. International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams State Park, Newport, R.I. 800-745-3000, www.newportjazzfest.net

The annual African Festival of Boston

Take advantage of Boston’s rich diversity at New England’s largest African festival and enjoy the arts, culture, music, and food of Africa.

July 6. City Hall Plaza. 857-249-3831, www.africanfestivalofboston.org

Americanarama Festival of Music

Yes, you heard right: Bob Dylan (pictured), My Morning Jacket, Wilco, and more artists will be performing at this summer blockbuster event.

July 20, Comcast Center, Mansfield. 800-745-3000,www.americanaramafestivalofmusic.net

Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5

Get ready for a night of top 40 hits with these two big names known for their chartbusting hits. Whether you’re a fan of Clarkson’s “Stronger’’ or Maroon 5’s “Payphone,’’ get ready for a night of singalongs.

Aug. 9. Comcast Center. 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com

Shakespeare on the Common

We take it you’ll want to spend some time on the Boston Common this summer. What better way than to take in some Shakespeare while you’re at it? The summer’s Shakespeare on the Common will return, this time with “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.’’

A crowd takes in a scene in the first act of a performance of “Macbeth” on Boston Common in 2003.

July 6-28, Boston Common, Shakespeare on the Common.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra

There is something great about listening to classical music in the warm summer weather. And for free? Even better. The Boston Landmarks Orchestra, led by music director Christopher Wilkins, will start its free concerts on Wednesday nights at the Hatch Shell.

July 17-Aug. 28. 617-987-2000, www.landmarksorchestra.org

Hippie Chic at the MFA

Feeling nostalgic for the 1970s? Check out the fashion of counterculture at the MFA’s summer exhibtion, Hippie Chic. The exhibition will feature about 50 ensembles made of materials reminiscent of that time period (tie-dye and fringe, of course).

July 16-Nov. 11. Museum of Fine Arts. 617-267-9300, www.mfa.org

Want more? Search more summer events. Don’t forget to check out alfresco dining options, things to do on the waterfront, and our Boston Visitors’ Guide.