Summer concerts — Aug. thru Sept.

As August ushers in the dog days of summer with the sticky heat of monsoon season and the children begin to get restless, many local communities offer the perfect evening diversion for families: the summer concert series. Below is a sampling of what San Diego County has to offer. All concerts are free, unless otherwise noted. Visit event websites for more information on artists and activities.

Inland
El Cajon Dinner & a Concert
Friday’s through Sept. 25
6 to 8 p.m.
229 E. Main St.
Formerly known as Concerts on the Promenade, Dinner and a Concert includes a wide range of musical genres for families. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, food and drinks. Sponsored by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. The series concludes with a performance by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.
www.downtownelcajon.com

Santee Summer Concert Series
Thursdays through Aug. 27
6:30 to 8 p.m.
550 Park Center Drive
The series, held at the Town Center Community Park East (south of the YMCA), includes a Food Truck Rally where guests may purchase food. Additional activities are available for children.
www.ci.santee.ca.us

Lemon Grove Summer Concert Series
Thursday nights through Aug. 13
6:30 to 8 p.m.
7071 Mt. Vernon St.
Families are invited to bring picnics and barbecues to Berry Street Park. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed at the park, which is usually open to dogs.
www.lemongrove.ca.gov

2015 Summer Concert Series
Sundays through Aug. 16
5:30 to 7 p.m.
14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway
Held at Lake Poway, the concert series is sponsored by the city of Poway, Cymer, Marrokal Design and Remodeling, Cox, Toyota of Poway and Country Montessori School. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs, picnic dinners or snacks. Non-resident parking is $5.
www.poway.org

Central
Centennial International Summer Organ Festival
Monday nights through Aug. 31
7:30 to 9 p.m.
1549 El Prado, San Diego
Features a variety of internationally known artists performing on the nation’s largest outdoor pipe organ, located in Balboa Park.
www.spreckelsorgan.org

Coastal
Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series
Sunday nights through Sept. 6
Times vary weekly
Free, but donations accepted
601 Orange Ave.
Now in its 45th year, the family-oriented event is held in the tree-lined Spreckels Park in the heart of the island. Shuttles available from the Coronado Cays.
www.coronadoconcert.com

Del Mar Summer Twilight Concerts
7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18
4 p.m. Sept. 13
1600 Coast Blvd.
Launched in 1983, the Powerhouse Park shows include an on-site “build-your-own picnic” for purchase from Whole Foods. Parking is limited, but a pay lot is available across the street.
www.delmarfoundation.org

TGIF Concerts in the Park
Fridays through Aug. 21
6 p.m.
Various parks, Carlsbad
Sponsored by the city’s Cultural Arts Office, the concert series began in 1986. Each venue offers space for dancing and picnicking. Art activities are offered to children. Shuttles available.
www.carlsbadca.gov

La Jolla Concerts by the Sea
Sundays through Sept. 6
2 to 4 p.m.
1133 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla Concerts by the Sea, held at Ellen Browning Scripps Park above La Jolla Cove, has been providing free summer concerts to the community since 1984. A variety of food vendors are on site. Raffles are also held.
www.ljconcertsbythesea.org

Sunday Concerts@ Heritage Park
2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 2
4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 9
220 Peyri Road, Oceanside
Sponsored by Friends of Oceanside Parks, the concerts are held in Heritage Park. The final concert is open mike. Parking is limited at the venue, so carpooling is encouraged.
www.ci.oceanside.ca.us