THE good news is that it’s free. The bad news is that it’s al fresco – which is Latin for bring an umbrella.

The 36th season of the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, now running through Aug. 27, offers a little something for everyone, is a genuine Frisbee of a freebee, and unlike some “free” events we might mention, it doesn’t try to hit you up for pricey “patron tickets” in order to exert your freedom.

There are – according to the press release – more than 100 free dance, music, spoken-word, special events and interactive family programs including an exciting roster of international, U.S. and New York-based dance artists and ensembles.

Specially recommended are the Martha Graham Dance Company at the Damrosch Park Bandshell on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. and on Aug. 25 and 26 both at 8 p.m. Also, Garth Fagan Dance, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and is still run by Fagan, the Tony Award-winning choreographer of Broadway’s “The Lion King.”

The Graham troupe – as beleaguered as ever – is the longest established dance company in the English-speaking world, and is also celebrating an anniversary, its 80th, but rather sadly.

During this season it miserably managed to scrape up just one other New York City performance, and its schedule has the 80th anniversary highlight dancing on some cruise ship. Better catch Damrosch Park!

Moving to a happier turn of events, last Thusday night – most of the events are one-off affairs – at the Josie Robertson Plaza (the stage is erected plonk over the Center’s Fountain) was a competition for female hip-hop break dancers, “We B*Girlz,” with crews from London, Philadelphia, New York City and New Jersey all battling it out for glory and a small cash prize.

Break dancing – and even its politer development, hip-hop – was, when it started more than 25 years ago, mostly a male thing.

Perhaps it should have remained that way. Girls may make make better swans in “Swan Lake” but they sure ain’t better at break dancing. By the way, the gals from New York City won.

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LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS, WE BE*GIRLZ HIP-HOP CHALLENGE

The various plazas of Lincoln Center and the Damrosch Park Bandshell at 65th and Broadway. (212) 875-5766. Runs through Aug. 27.