Concerts in the Courtyard

Some of Boston's best summer concerts happen behind museum walls, or in this case, inside one of the city's most beautiful courtyards. The Museum of Fine Arts' annual Concerts in the Courtyard series brings artists from Boston and around the world to the Calderwood Courtyard for Thursday night performances that span everything from Afro-fusion and Arabic psychedelic rock to Puerto Rican folk, blues rock, indie folk, and jazz. The intimate setting keeps the focus on the music, with blankets and low chairs replacing rows of traditional seats. Food, beer, wine, and cocktails are available once the doors open, making it easy to settle in before the first notes. Each week features a different artist, so the series rewards repeat visits throughout the summer. It's one of those rare concerts where the venue is every bit as memorable as the performers.