Grab a blanket. Grab a chair. Hop on your boat. Whatever the case may be, you’ve got lots of opportunities to catch some tunes under the wide open sky.
First Friday
Have dinner on the square. Get a wristband so you can carry your beer or wine over to the music. Listen to a free concert from country music singer Thomas Fountain, a North Georgia native with original music and a few awards in his pocket.
When: 8 p.m. June 2
Where: Downtown Gainesville square
How much: Free
A 17-piece swing band and singer Annie Sellick accompany Joe Gransden on the outdoor stage at the Smithgall Arts Center, and you can bring your dinner, drinks and lawn chairs. Easy B’s Kitchen also will be selling food at the event. If it rains, this will all move to the First Baptist Church sanctuary on Green Street.
When: 8 p.m. June 3
Where: The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center lawn, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville
How much: $28, $25 seniors, $20 students
Load up your pontoon boat — or whatever kind you’ve got — and come by water to this concert if you can. Old tunes from Van Morrison and Jimmy Buffett will be played by tribute bands. Domino starts up at 7:45 p.m. followed by Landsharks an hour later. Food trucks Mac the Cheese and Island Chef Cafe will be on hand if you’re hungry.
When: 6 p.m. June 3, gates open at 5 p.m.
Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville
How much: $20, children 12 and younger free
Home Grown Concert
Local bands David Anderson Band, Duke Brothers and Fowl Play will play bluegrass, country and southern rock music in this first time event, which also includes local farmers and vendors set up in the Roosevelt Square between the Hall County Courthouse and Brenau Downtown Center.
When: 6-9 p.m. June 10
Where: Roosevelt Square, Gainesville
How much: Free
The Atlanta Botanical Garden can bring in the big names like Vince Gill. The award-winning country singer is on his 18th album, “Down to My Last Bad Habit,” and performs as part of the annual Concerts in the Garden series. You can bring your lawn chairs to this one — if the legs are shorter than 10 inches and the back is below your neck — but leave the coolers at home. If you want dinner, pre-order it from Talk of the Town Catering; drinks are available for purchase on site. Park at Lakeview Academy, 796 Lakeview Drive, and catch a shuttle to the garden.
When: 8 p.m. June 10, gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville
How much: $53.50, $51.50 members
This performance isn’t just from the iconic orchestra, but also features Gainesville’s Robert Cantrell, who was a member of Gainesville High School’s Crimson Chorus. He’s now a bass-baritone with the Washington National Opera.
When: 8 p.m. June 16, gates open at 6 p.m.
Where: The Arts Council’s Smithgall Arts Center lawn, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville
How much: $35, $32 seniors, $28 students
A mix of familiar music from local bands at this annual concert supports the mission of Court-Appointed Special Advocates, which provides volunteers to represent the best interests of neglected and abused children in court. Pianist Sean VanMeter, Ted Tuck’s Pajama Party and Peggie Hoskins & Vertigo will bring a varied repertoire of songs. There’s also country band Pick Up Line and headliner Sandra Hall, a blues singer. Bring your food and drinks or buy dinner from Sweet Butts BBQ. There will also be kids’ activities.
When: June 24, gates open at 5 p.m.
Where: The Arts Council’s Smithgall Arts Center
How much: $25 in advance at http://mitchfarmerjunejam.org/buy-tickets/, $30 at the door, children 12 and younger free