It’s that time again. The time when you can’t go to a single Target without seeing signs about back-to-school shopping. The time when your book list is up and excited teachers are e-mailing you about what you can start reading to a get a kick-start on their course. If all this is making you absolutely groan and you could time-travel back to the beginning of June, now is the time to squeeze in the last good dose of music-related fun. During the last few weeks of summer vacation, check out these events that will have you rolling into the school year relaxed and ready to tackle anything that might come your way. Most of the events are completely free, so they’re a great way to check out some new music without having to pay a hefty fee for a ticket.

Poncho Sanchez

Aug. 25 @ Culver City Music Festival; culvercity.org

The Culver City Music Festival is already in its 17th year, and the free concerts are something you should definitely take advantage of. This summer had a variety of acts blasting their sounds out onto the lawn of the Culver City City Hall, and on Thursday the final act will take the stage. As part of the Jazz Bakery Moveable Feast, you can witness the talent of percussionist Poncho Sanchez. Sanchez will be joined by a Latin Jazz band, and there is always a small area near the stage reserved for those with the itch to dance. So bring along a blanket, dinner and a few friends and enjoy a free and exciting show.

Jessica Fichot

Aug. 26 @ Levitt Pavilion; levittpavilionpasadena.org

The Levitt Pavilion concert series is also closing out its long list of free concerts. Having recorded plenty of children’s songs and having the dexterity to play the accordion and toy piano, Jessica Fichot is quite a quirky act with sounds that range from jazz to folk. Taking inspiration from her upbringing in the American, Chinese and French cultures, her music infuses different sounds to create tracks with snippets of each language. And the Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park makes for a cozy and very fun venue to see her perform. Snacks and blankets are also completely welcome.

Charles Bradley

Aug. 27 @ The Getty Center; getty.edu

If you’re in the mood for some funk or soul music, you can find it perhaps in the least likely of places – the Getty Center. The Getty’s Saturdays Off the 405 program lets you discover new music while taking full advantage of their food and “Getty-tinis.” One of the last acts in the series will be Charles Bradley, a singer whose distinctive voice hails back to decades back when soul music was first taking root. Bradley’s husky, soulful voice is captivating on his tracks and will most likely sound even better live.

Justo Almario Afro-Colombian Ensemble

Aug. 27 @ LACMA; lacma.org

The Getty Center isn’t the only place merging art with music. LACMA’s series “Latin Sounds” will next introduce Justo Almario, a composer and saxophonist who combines sounds from genres like Afro-Cuban and jazz. His ensemble is sure to bring a variety of sounds that will make it hard for you to stay in your seat. With more than 40 years in the music industry, you can rest assured Almario is a talented and experienced musician who knows how to give a good show.

John Doe

Aug. 31 @ The Grammy Museum; grammymuseum.org

Despite rock band X having been founded a few decades ago, bassist and vocalist John Doe is still very active in the music world. Doe will visit the Grammy Museum to discuss the founding of X, his acting career and much more. He will also perform after the discussion, so this is a sure way to catch a rare, intimate performance. His new solo album, Keeper, will be released the day before his appearance and is his first solo album since 2007. While you’re at the museum, you can also peruse the various exhibitions currently housed there and explore L.A. Live.