Though Central Park’s SummerStage didn’t officially kick off its 2026 season until this past May, it’s been teasing its milestone 40th anniversary celebration since February—and now the party just got even bigger! 🎶
Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage has announced an exciting expansion to this year’s lineup, bringing even more free performances, artists, and venues to parks across New York City.
Over the past four decades, the beloved outdoor performing arts festival has welcomed more than seven million fans—and with even more shows joining the schedule this summer, that number is only expected to climb.
Here are the newest additions to this year’s SummerStage lineup:
New 2026 Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage lineup additions
🎤 July 9: Shaggy’s Yaad Live — Central Park
- Shaggy returns to Central Park with a free reggae-filled celebration
- Newly added performers include Robin Thicke, dancehall duo Tanto Metro & Devonte, Rayvon, Noah Powah, Nesta, Amber Lee, Matthew Malcom, Shuga, and surprise guests
- Plus DJ sets from Tropical Blendz and Afrique, hosted by DJ Norie, Roxy Romeo, and Li’l Nat
🎤 July 11: MIKE’s Young World — Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
- The hip-hop showcase returns for its fifth year with even more underground talent and genre icons
- New additions include Max B, ERISTHEPLANET, Thirteendegrees, Niontay, Salimata, Black Noi$e, and a live performance from MIKE with the Band of the Century
🇲🇦 July 15: Morocco: From Dakhla to Casablanca — Central Park
- A free celebration of contemporary Moroccan music featuring Hoba Hoba Spirit, Hamid El Kasri Dakhla, Casa Xpress, and Mr ID
🎶 August 8 & 9: Snug Harbor Cultural Center — Staten Island
- SummerStage is bringing more free performances to Staten Island with Funk Flex’s birthday bash featuring Crystal Waters, Cynthia, DJ Frankie Cutlass, and more
- The following day brings jazz, salsa, and Latin rhythms with Bobby Sanabria, Charlie Aponte, Judy Santos, DJs Connie and Medina, and more
🌳 August 15: Southside, We Outside! — Baisley Pond Park, Queens
- SummerStage heads to Baisley Pond Park for the first time with a free block party-style event featuring live music, a night market, and community programming
🎧 August 20: Ted Smooth’s 40th Anniversary Old School Jam — Marcus Garvey Park
- Harlem’s celebration of classic NYC hip-hop and R&B culture will feature DJ Hollywood, Miss Jones, Ralph McDaniels, Cynthia, Strafe, Greg Nice, Brucie B, KR3TS Dance Company, and more
How to see a show
The vast majority of shows are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. However, Benefit Shows–which fund the free programming–require a ticket.
The complete SummerStage schedule–along with ticketing information–can be found on the official SummerStage website.
