By Cillea Houghton

Spring has sprung, and that means summer is not far behind. With the hot sun, beach days, and constant flip-flop wearing comes music’s biggest acts hitting the road for summer concerts. Thankfully, New England will be graced with some of today’s most popular artists; check them out below (ticket prices include fees).

Paul McCartney – The superstar and legendary Beatles front man will take over Boston’s famed Fenway Park this summer for one night only. McCartney’s appearance is a rare treat and is bound to be a show you will not soon forget.

Tues., July 9: Fenway Park, Boston, MA at 6:30 p.m.; Tickets are currently sold out on Ticketmaster, but are available on StubHub starting at $145  

Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z – What could be the biggest show to hit Boston this summer comes from two of the world’s most well-known musicians. Those lucky enough to attend the concert are sure to be treated with an amazing show and Jay Z’s presence will only add to the excitement.

Sat., Aug. 10 and Sun., Aug. 11: Fenway Park, Boston MA at 7 p.m.; Tickets are $104.50 and $255

Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson – Two of the biggest pop acts today are teaming up for two local performances this summer. With a slew of hit songs like “This Love,” “One More Night,” and “Moves Like Jagger,” Maroon 5 is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Kelly Clarkson is no exception, with her powerhouse vocals and energetic songs.

Fri., Aug. 9: Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA  at 7 p.m.; Tickets are $38.50 – $116.30

Sat., Aug. 31: Comcast Theatre, Hartford, CT at 7 p.m.; Tickets are $32.50 – $116.30

Country Fest – Once again, Massachusetts’ craziest country music concert will take over Gillette Stadium. Kenny Chesney will headline the event for yet another year, along with Eric Church, Eli Young Band, and newcomer Kacey Musgraves. This is the hot spot for country fans in New England and never fails in providing them with a wild time.

Fri., Aug. 23 and Sat., Aug. 24: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA at 5 p.m.; Tickets are $66.55 – $281.10

Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert – Two of the most popular country stars are making a sure-to-be-epic appearance at Fenway Park this summer. Lambert has been scooping up awards left and right for her work over the past year, while Aldean’s latest album “Night Train” has spawned hits like “Take a Little Ride” and “1994,” which are sure to be fun concert numbers.

Fri., July 12 and Sat. July 13: Fenway Park, Boston, MA at 6:30 p.m.; Tickets are $69 – $89

Brad Paisley – The funny-man of country music will be making two New England stops this year. Paisley is notorious for his over-the-top stage shows that are a blast for the audience to take in. If his past tours are any indication of what’s to come this year, it’d be wise to make sure you’re in attendance.

Fri., May 17 (with Chris Young): Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA at 7 p.m; Tickets are $44 – $83

Sat., May 18 (with Young and Lee Brice): Comcast Theatre, Hartford, CT at 7 p.m.; Tickets are $41.25 – $80.50

Rascal Flatts (with The Band Perry and Cassadee Pope) – The band that brought hits like “Life is a Highway” and “What Hurts the Most” will be play two New England shows this summer. Along with them is the breakout group The Band Perry, whose two latest hits, “Better Dig Two” and “Done,” have helped launch them to the top of the country world. The Voice third season winner Cassadee Pope will also be performing.

Fri., June 14: Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA at 6 p.m.; Tickets are $43.60 – $82.35

Sat., June 15: Comcast Theatre, Hartford, CT at 6 p.m.; Tickets are $40.75 – $80  

These are just a few of the hottest concerts to be making their way to the area this summer. For more concert information, check out Ticketmaster or StubHub.