The Boston Harbor Hotel (https://www.bostonharborhotel.com/) needs no introduction to Bay Staters. It has stood as one of the city’s most luxurious and beautiful spots since back when you had to peer down from the old Expressway to see it.

From holiday events to wine expos to skating on their winter harborside rink and so much more, it’s the place you go for something special.

It’s also the spot for one of the city’s most fun and accessible summer-long events. This year, their “Summer in the City Series” returns for its 26th season, welcoming hotel guests, diners, cocktail sippers and even just passers-by to pull up a seat and take in great music harborside at one of the most scenic spots in Boston.

The Summer in the City Series runs Tuesday through Friday evenings from 6-10 p.m. until Aug. 28.

The setting is sublime: Out on the hotel’s harborside you find lots of outdoor seating for dining and cocktails looking out over a floating stage where all kinds of bands perform. The backdrop is the harbor and city itself.

The Odyssey Harbor Cruise ship comes and goes from there, as do many other water adventure boats. And since the walkway between the hotel itself and the dock area is a public thoroughfare, there’s a steady but not overwhelming stream of folks moving along.

There are many ways to take it all in. Reserve a dockside table ahead of time and order from the hotel’s amazing food and beverage choices. Want to go big? Treat yourself to a seafood tower and a signature cocktail.

Then there’s the hotel’s Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, which added more patio space this year, allowing for more al fresco dining with unobstructed views of the live waterfront performances.

Or you could make it more casual. Just steps away, the Harborwalk Terrace has been transformed with a picnic-style light bites menu, new signature cocktails and mocktails, and pitcher-sized shareable drinks — all designed for casual enjoyment under the stars.

And for simplicity itself, just show up and sit on the steps — no purchase required.

Bands vary from night to night, including, to name a few, fan favorites like Soul City, Country Wild Heart, and The Pulse of Boston. There will be dueling piano nights as well.

This year also features 10 brand-new artists — including an all-new Friday Night lineup spotlighting up-and-coming Berklee College of Music artists.

You can dress up or dress down.

On July 2, Boston Harborfest (https://www.bostonharborfest.com/) sets off fireworks over the harbor after dusk, as the Summer In the City Series goes on. The Soul Monstahs play that evening.

Of course, to really punch it up, book a room for the night. You can wake up to the morning sun on the harbor and do breakfast alfresco.

And here’s a cool secret: Park at the hotel’s parking garage (just past the main entrance) and get your parking ticket validated; you can get out of there for less than $20, depending on how long you stay.

Details on Summer in the City including a list of performers can be found at https://www.bostonharborhotel.com/summer-in-the-city/