When it comes to summer music plans, jump on it.

Lollapalooza '10

Even though it is barely mid-April, savvy music fans know that now is the time to start finalizing some sort of concert and festival plans for the summer. Early bird deals, weekend passes and other time sensitive incentives and deals are in full fledge.

LOLLAPALOOZA

It's already too late to get the early bird passes for Chicago's most famous summer music fest (which sold out in a matter of hours), but full price weekend passes are on sale for $215. At first glance this price might seem a bit steep, but I give you my word that it's worth every cent (I don't blow my hard earned money made by telling people to be quiet in the library on just anything). The three day pass is your key into the festival perimeters of Grant Park from August 5-7 for seemingly endless possibilities of shows to go to. Stages are set up throughout the park with artists to cater to fans of all genres. This year's full lineup won't be released until the end of April, but rumored artists include Muse, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Girl Talk, Lykke Li, Best Coast and in a less amusing petition site, Rebecca Black.

PITCHFORK

The Chicago based indie music publication, Pitchfork Media's summer project, Pitchfork Music Festival, will mark it's 6th year at Union Park from July 15-17. Fans of indie-alt bands will appreciate this years lineup including Animal Collective, Neko Case, Fleet Foxes, Cut Copy, TV on the Radio and many more. The three day pass has already sold out, but individual days can be bought for $45 each. And don't let the indie aura throw you off, Pitchfork is a great, less expensive option for those who want the full festival experience.

She & Him concert from the  2010 Millennium Park series

MILLENNIUM PARK

Millennium Park's summer concert series is one of the most underrated Chicago resources. As with previous summers, every monday starting May 23, different artists will put on concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for - wait for it - FREE. This year's artists include Iron & Wine, Blonde Redhead, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Delicate Steve and many more. A short train ride and walk to the park makes this concert option an enticingly cheap evening. Food and drinks are permitted in the lawn, adding even more reason to make a night of it. Concerts typically start at 6:30 p.m. and can fill up quickly, so arrive at least half an hour early to set up camp.

It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Chicago's summer concert scene is bustling, but the options of venues and shows could be overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking for. Sites like Ticketmaster, OhMyRockness, MetroMix and LiveNation make finding concerts at any price and location easy. Never overlook public transportation as an easy option to take advantage of when it comes to getting downtown, especially if you're like me and fear the inevitable panic attack from merging in construction. Summer is arguably the best time of the year for concerts, so heed these tips and make the most of being in the epicenter of outdoor shows.