The Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival is one of the most anticipated--free!--events each summer here in the city. This year marks the 49th season of the event and if you're looking for diversity in the arts, you need to start right here.

The festival runs from Wednesday, July 24 through August 11 and takes place outside on the beautiful plazas of Lincoln Center.

The highlights for this year include former Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy on July 26, Helen Gillet, a jazz-based cellist, singer, and improviser will open. The next evening, check out Look at My Soul: The Latin Shade of Texas Soul, which celebrates the musical contributions of Chicano soul singers and sessions musicians in the 50s and 60s, with guest vocalists Jonny Benavidez, Eric Burton, Kam Franklin, Johnny Hernandez, Ruben Rampos, and Paul Schaldaunder. Caribbean music takes center stage on July 28, when artists from the Caribbean Cultural Center celebrate the legacy of African influences on Puerto Rico's musical history.

And there's comedy! On Saturday, August 3, Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr. will take the stage with his friends. (Roy. Is. Hilarious.) And dance! Flamenco fans will love Jesús Carmona, considered to be a flamenco phenomenon on August 7.

H.E.R. and Samm Henshaw will perform with top students from Save the Music programs on August 9. The next night, the new queen of country soul, Yola, will open for Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Patty Griffin.

Phew! We only scratched the surface on the upcoming shows. Be aware that seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and, yes, there will be drinks (summer rosé, anyone?) at the Fun Bar and food trucks lingering to fill your tummy. Plus a special Kids Zone where the little ones can enjoy juice, snacks and games.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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