It’s officially summer!!!  That means it’s time to start going to more concerts in the great outdoors.  Sure, the heat of New York City in the summer is absolutely terrible.  Don’t let that stop you from letting go and grabbing some friends, a Nalgene of hard alcohol, and a blanket for some urban camping.

There’s lots of places to see music during the summer in NYC.  The indoor venues keep going strong, but it’s the makeshift summertime venues that make for the best time.  The following are our 5 favorite summertime concert venues as well as some honorable mentions.

Good ole’ Williamsburg Waterfront!  On the shores of the East River, this summer venue makes for about as beautiful a sunset as they come.  Add to it the best lineup of any summer venues across the city and this is a spot not to miss.  I may miss McCarren Park Pool, but Williamsburg Waterfront is more than making up for its death.

Kid Cudi – July 6 (Buy)
Death From Above 1979 – July 22 (Buy)
They Might Be Giants – July 29 (Free)
Death Cab For Cutie – August 2 (Buy)
Sonic Youth – August 12 (Buy)
Bright Eyes – August 31 (Buy)
TV On The Radio / Broken Social Scene – September 8 (Buy)
Fleet Foxes / The Walkmen – September 24 (Buy)

I really don’t think I’d be picking this place if they didn’t have such an amazing lineup year in and year out.  Awful crowds aside, Central Park’s SummerStage puts the best music of today (Black Eyed Peas bitches!) on a stage in the best park in the best city in the world.  You can’t really ask for more right?

Reggie Watts – June 22 (Free)
Florence + The Machine – June 24 (Sold Out)
Lee Fields & The Expressions / Fitz & The Tantrums – June 25 (Free)
Ratatat – July 13 (Buy)
Wiz Khalifa / Big Sean / Chevy Woods – July 25 (Sold Out)
Lykke Li – August 1 (Sold Out)
Friendly Fires / The Naked and Famous / Cults – August 7 (Free)

Now here’s an interesting concept!  Get a few bands together, put them on a ship, and have them play their sets while circling the island of Manhattan.  I’m in!

Hollis Brown – June 25 (Buy)
Black Taxi / Blackbells / CHAPPO / Aboard The Jewel – July 7 (Buy)
Gang Gang Dance – July 21 (Buy)
Futurebirds – July 22 (Buy)
SNOWMINE / Dinosaur Feathers – August 11 (Buy)

As I wrote about last week, there’s a lot to love and hate about this Brooklyn outdoor space.  If you do it right, you will have the most relaxing, beautiful experience so make sure to read my ‘Dos and Don’ts of Prospect Park Bandshell’ before you head over.

The Books / Junip / Doveman – June 17 (Free)
The Feelies / Real Estate / Times New Viking – July 23 (Free)
Ra Ra Riot / Delicate Steve / Buke and Gass – August 5 (Free)
Animal Collective – July 12 (Sold Out)
Sufjan Stevens – August 2 (StubHub)
Bon Iver – August 10 (Sold Out)
Cut Copy / Foster The People / Midnight Magic – August 11 (StubHub)

Last, but not least, Governor’s Island.  This was, hands down, my favorite summer venue last year.  Converse’s Gone To Governors live concert series was incredible; the sound was great, the atmosphere even greater.

Only hitch is that this year, the concert series isn’t returning.  Keep a lookout for a show you’d like to see here because no matter what, it’s worth the trip.  There’s a ton to do on the island, so make sure to head over on the ferry extra early with a blanket and lounge around.

And here’s to those other venues, summer venues or not, that are simply amazing to visit during the sweltering months of June, July, August, and September.  Just because you weren’t in the top 5 doesn’t mean we don’t love you!

Brooklyn Bowl, Red Hook Park, South Street Seaport, Union Pool.  Add more below in the comments!