It’s that time of year when kids go stir-crazy and parents begin the count down for back to school.

Beat the summer doldrums without breaking the bank at one of several free summertime events happening around Roseville.

From free movies to concerts and dance lessons, grab a picnic dinner and enjoy a free evening out and about with the family.

Movies in the Park

You don’t have to spend lots of money to enjoy a movie. Instead head to the park and watch a family movie under the stars.

Organized by the Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, Movie in the Park nights allow neighborhood communities to meet and socialize at their local park while enjoying free kid-friendly flicks.

RCONA President Mike Hazen said the community-building event helps promote Neighborhood Watch programs and safety throughout Roseville.

“It’s a chance for neighbors to come out and enjoy a summer evening together, get to know each other better and look out for one another,” Hazen said.

Featuring movies like “Bolt” and “The Tale of Despereaux” on a 30-foot screen, the RCONA Movies in the Park is ideal for summer evenings and dinners alfresco.

At a recent showing the Mlejnecky family staked their claim and feasted on hot dogs while they waited for the sun to set at Cresthaven Park.

“This is our family night tonight,” said Stefanie Mlejnecky a resident in the neighborhood surrounding the park. “It’s easy to set up a blanket and bring the kids out and the weather’s perfect.”

Several blankets over, Hannah Delvalle, 7, was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her neighborhood friends to join her on the playground.

“This is quite a treat for the kids,” said Hannah’s mother, Heidi Delvalle. “It’s not often they can watch a movie outside with all their friends. This is great.”

Know and go:

RCONA Movies in the Park

Next Showing: “Cars” at Maidu Park, July 17.

Movie begins at sundown

To find a showing in your area visit RCONA.org

Music in the Park

Roseville’s Music in the Park is back for a summer full of easy listening.

Kicking off last week, the triple digit heat did little to prevent families from enjoying the live music in Royer Park.

Now in its 17th year, Music in the Park is organized by volunteer efforts from the Performing Arts of Roseville and Robert C. Cooley.

“Roseville never had a venue providing free music to the community,” Cooley said. “Our hope was to bring a concert environment to a community gathering place.”

Many residents have seen now-famous bands like The Drifters and Jackie Greene performing in their own backyard courtesy of the free event.

“Concerts are so expensive these days,” said Music in the Park attendee Isabel Ortiz.

Isabel and her husband Ike are known for regularly attending Downtown Tuesday night events and Music in the Park and dancing to the live music.

Cooley said Music in the Park usually draws upward of 1,500 guests, many with picnic dinners as the Sunday event has become tradition for some families.

Megan and Mike Hadley said they enjoy attending the event with several of their neighbors to enjoy a picnic dinner.

“We’ve lived here for five years and love Music in the Park,” Megan Hadley said. “It’s great free family fun.”

Know and Go

Capitol Pops Concert Fourth of July celebration

Today at noon

Sunday, July 26

Sandra Dolores opens for Cuesta Drive

6.p.m

Royer Park

110 Park Drive

For a full schedule of performers rosevillemusicinthepark.com

Summer concerts at the Fountains

Beat the heat at the Fountains with a little swing, salsa and surf.

Bringing live music and entertainment three nights a week, the Fountains has amped up its summer entertainment schedule to appeal to the masses.

“Last year we were only one night a week,” said Liz Boznek Krohn, entertainment director at the Fountains. “This year we have the street fair, Karaoke, live music and dance lessons. There’s something for everyone.”

Melanie Greenwood, a former Disney dancer credited with choreographing Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” line dance, will teach lessons on Friday evenings for popular dance crazes like the Hustle and swing dance.

Even when dance lessons aren’t on the agenda a crowd often gathers for dancing to the live music or disc jockey.

At a recent Fountains concert Lauren Albury, 10, and Emily Province, 10, had originally come to the Fountains to run through the children’s water feature. But after realizing it had been shut off for the live band, the two opted to dance in their swimsuits and towels instead.

“The kids love it here, there’s live music and best of all it’s free,” said Phil Albury of Roseville.

Rocklin residents Paul and Sharon Adams said they recently had dinner at Fountains restaurant Tres Agaves when they decided to stop at a park bench and enjoy the music.

“It’s a nice evening and the music is wonderful,” Paul Adams said. “Not bad for a cheap date.”

Know and go

Today

5-7 p.m.

Black Tuesday Jazz Band

The Hucklebuck’s

Wednesday, July 8

7-9 p.m.

The Fountains at Roseville

For a complete listing of events Thefountainsatroseville.com