<\/p>\n
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is the biggest free summer concert (Lainey Wilson! Chance The Rapper! Trombone Shorty!). But is it the best? And why doesn\u2019t it come with a free showing of \u201cHamilton?\u201d Great questions, let\u2019s try to answer them in our guide to free summer music, movies, and theater.<\/p>\n
Berklee College of Music presents hundreds of free concerts this summer. Yes, you read that right, students, faculty, and alumni will put on literally hundreds of shows at the Boston Public Library, on the Boston Harbor Islands, and across the city. You can take in every iteration of Latin jazz on half a dozen Tuesdays with the Tito Puente Latin Music Series. You can dine and dance (or just listen) at the Tiny Stage Series at Time Out Market. Come see some stars before that are stars (past students who have played include Esperanza Spalding, Betty Who and Sierra Hull). Full schedule at berklee.edu\/events\/summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you need more symphonic music on the Esplanade than the Pops can provide, head to the Hatch Shell on Wednesday nights between July 22 and Aug. 12. The always awesome Landmarks Orchestra will be doing a range of new and old classics \u2014 Verdi\u2019s \u201cRequiem,\u201d selections from \u201cWest Side Story,\u201d Max Richter\u2019s reimagining of Vivaldi\u2019s \u201cFour Seasons,\u201d and more. landmarksorchestra.org<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t want big? Don\u2019t need an orchestra? The Lilypad in Inman Square invites you to come by for lunch (byob but they have drinks). The intimate and wonderful jazz\/rock\/outsider music club recently launched a free noon concert series. Sit inside, hang outside, whatever works. The club just wants to put a little more music in your life. lilypadinman.com<\/a><\/p>\n Right, summer features loads of free movie screenings too. The Coolidge is doing a series at the Charles River Speedway in Brighton. The Brattle is curating a series on MIT\u2019s campus. To see the filmed version of \u201cHamilton,\u201d head to the Esplanade on July 10. The showing is part of the Department of Conservation & Recreation\u2019s Movies in the Parks program. For a score more films in and around the city, go to mass.gov\/info-details\/dcr-movies-in-the-parks<\/a><\/p>\n If a taped version of \u201cHamilton\u201d doesn\u2019t satisfy your theater fix, go see \u201cA Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream.\u201d Shakespeare\u2019s ultimate summer crowd pleaser will be put on by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company July 22 \u2013 Aug. 9 on, well, the Common. commshakes.org<\/a>.<\/p>\nBoston Landmarks Orchestra at the Hatch Shell<\/h4>\n
Lilypad at lunchtime<\/h4>\n
But what about \u201cHamilton?\u201d<\/h4>\n
Free theater in person!<\/h4>\n