The Tito Puente Latin Music Series returns for its 17th year tonight, July 10, bringing free salsa and Latin jazz to Boston parks every Thursday through August 14.

Cuban singer-songwriter Bárbara Zamora Vargas opens the series at 7 p.m. at O'Day Playground (85 West Newton Street). Known for her work with the legendary all-female orchestra Anacaona, Vargas will perform a mix of bolero, salsa, and traditional Cuban son.

"For 17 years, this music series has brought the soul of Latin music to Boston's parks, transforming summer nights into vibrant celebrations of culture, rhythm, and community," said Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), which organizes the series.

The six-concert series features artists from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, plus rising local talent. Highlights include Grammy-nominated Costa Rican artist Manolo Mairena y la Pura Vida (July 24 at LoPresti Park), Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholar Kristalis y Las Nenas del Swing (July 31 at Mission Hill Playground), and Puerto Rican powerhouse Jesús Pagán at the finale on Boston Common (August 14).

All concerts run 7-9 p.m., are free and wheelchair accessible, with no rain dates. The series is presented by IBA in partnership with Berklee College of Music, Boston Parks and Recreation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

More information: ibaboston.org or @ibaboston on social media.