Thanks to all of our fantastic parks, New Yorkers have plenty of choices for where to spend time outdoors during the warm weather months. And besides enjoying picnics, games or just lounging, you can also hear some incredible music performances in NYC parks this summer, and all for free.
Many cultural institutions partner with local parks to bring musical sounds to the public when the weather warms up, and so many have recently been announced that we had to put them all in one, easy-to-read spot so you can start planning out your summer.
Here are all of the free concerts coming to NYC this summer, outdoors:
1. Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America will kick off in late May and run through September on The Lawn! All performances are free and open to the public, with no advanced tickets required. Plus, they will also be live streamed on Bryant Park’s social media and website if you can’t make it in person.
July
- July 26 – Carnegie Hall Citywide: Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup
August
- August 2 – Carnegie Hall Citywide: La Excelencia
- August 9 – Joe’s Pub: Broadway en Spanglish: Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca
- August 10 – New Victory Theater: Ephrat Asherie + Barkin/Selissen Project
- August 16 – World Music Institute: Gyedu-Blay Ambolley
- August 23 – New York City Opera: Tosca
- August 24 – New York City Opera: Tosca
- August 30 – Asian American Arts Alliance: Vijay Iyer Trio
- August 31 – Contemporary Dance: Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, and Reed Luplau
September
- September 5 – Accordions Around the World
- September 6 – American Symphony Orchestra: Beyond the Hall
- September 12 – Harlem Stage: Uptown Nights
- September 13 – The Town Hall and Belongó: The Man with a Golden Horn
See more info on their website here.
2. Broadway in Bryant Park
Get up close to your favorite Broadway stars in Bryant Park, as many of the theater favorites will be performing their hits on stage. Hundreds of fans will flock to the lawn to hear Broadway’s biggest names perform tracks from top musicals happening right now. See the remaining lineup below:
- July 25 (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm): Performances by “Chicago”, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”, “The Book of Mormon”, “The Great Gatsby”, “The Notebook”
- August 1 (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm): Performances by “& Juliet”, “A Wonderful World”, “SIX The Musical”, “The Outsiders”, “Wicked”
3. Global Citizen Festival
The 12th iteration of Global Citizen Festival is returning to NYC this year and this mega-concert gives New Yorkers a chance to see some of big music’s names for free! The show is fundraiser-type of show that aims to raise money to end poverty. Fans can earn tickets by taking action in their community but signing petitions, making donations, taking quizzes, and more! This year’s lineup includes Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Rauw Alejandro, and more. To learn all the details, head here.
4. Rise Up NYC
This returning concert series is inspiring New Yorkers to unite and uplift the city, bringing some of music’s acclaimed artists to perform in an intimate setting. It’s a “free concert series that fosters camaraderie among New Yorkers and brings enjoyment to our beloved city,” says Mayor Eric Adams. The lineup includes Chrisette Michele, Maxi Priest, Mary Mary, Ja Rule, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Wyclef Jean, and many more. See the remaining dates below:
Manhattan:
- Saturday, August 3: Apollo Theatre (253 West 125th Street)
Brooklyn:
- Friday, August 9: Wingate Park (Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street & Rutland Road)
- Saturday, August 10: Wingate Park (Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street & Rutland Road)
- Sunday, August 11: Wingate Park (Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street & Rutland Road)
Queens:
- Saturday, August 24: Roy Wilkins Park (Merrick Boulevard & Baisley Boulevard)
- Sunday, August 25: Roy Wilkins Park (Merrick Boulevard & Baisley Boulevard)
Bronx:
- Thursday, August 1: Crotona Park (Crotona Avenue & Claremont Parkway)
- Friday, August 2: Crotona Park (Crotona Avenue & Claremont Parkway)
- Saturday, August 3: Crotona Park (Crotona Avenue & Claremont Parkway)
- Tuesday, August 20: Orchard Beach (One Orchard Beach Road)
- Wednesday, August 21: Orchard Beach (One Orchard Beach Road)
Staten Island:
- Saturday, August 11: Stapleton Waterfront Park (Water Street & Prospect Street)
- Wednesday, August 14: Midland Beach Parking Lot 8 (Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue)
- Thursday, August 15: Midland Beach Parking Lot 8 (Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue)
5. Backyard at Hudson Yards
Back by popular demand, Hudson Yards’ return of their free concert series on the Wells Fargo Stage will happen starting in June! The live outdoor concerts happen every Wednesday at 6 pm through August 7 in the Public Square & Gardens. Doors open at 5 pm. See the remaining lineup below:
- July 31 – Beach Weather w/ special guest Gigi Perez
- August 7 – Keke Palmer
6. Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City
The 3rd annual “Summer for the City” event series is returning to Lincoln Center this summer, bringing over 200 free and fun events to NYC. There will be plenty of things to do including silent discos under the giant disco ball, comedy and jazz at The Underground at Jaffe Drive, outdoor film screenings in Damrosch Park, and of course…free concerts! Check out some of our standouts below:
- Big Umbrella Day: An all-day event with relaxed spaces, specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences through multi-sensory experiences, performances, and workshops.
- India Week: A week long of performances showcasing the country’s music, dance, art, and cuisine.
- MVP: A multimedia tribute concert to film director Melvin Van Peebles, led by his son Mario.
- WNYC’s Public Song Project: The People’s Concert: An open invitation for anyone to create music using material from the public domain, with special performances and guests.
This is just a taste! You can see the full schedule on the Summer for the City website here.
7. SummerStage
The annual SummerStage lineup is back for the 2024 season, with a massive lineup of free performances coming to all five boroughs! While the event series’ largest stage resides in Central Park, there are plenty of other stages around NYC hosting free shows this summer. Check them out below:
July
- July 28 – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Sidonie / Balkan Paradise Orchestra / Lau Noah / DJ Turmix in association with the Institut Ramon Llull (Central Park)
August
- August 1 – Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party: Ice T / MOP / Schoolly D / Peter Gunz & Lord Tariq / Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud / CL Smooth / Joeski Love / D.J. Breakout / Funky Four + 1 More / Ultramagnetic MCs / DJ Chuck Chillout & Kool Chip / NINE / Al B. Sure! / Music by Funk Flex / Hosted By Ralph McDaniels & Bugsy Buggs (Crotona Park)
- August 2 – Tedsmooth’s Freestyle Jam feat. Coro / C-Bank / DJ Serg / Anthony Mangini / Tedsmooth / Strafe (Crotona Park)
- August 3 – The Originals (Central Park)
- August 3 – King Promise / Dan Price the Artist / DJ Faddah in association with GhanaFest-NY (Crotona Park)
- August 4 – Galactic featuring Irma Thomas / The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr (Central Park)
- August 4 – NEMS Presents: GORILLAFEST Featuring Ghostface Killah / DJ Drewski & Friends / Statik Selektah / Scram Jones / Tony Touch and Friends (Coney Island Amphitheater)
- August 10 – VP Records 45th Anniversary (Central Park)
- August 11 – WBLS 50th Anniversary Celebration: Jon B / Vivian Green / Meli’sa Morgan / Horace Brown / Jeff Redd / Funk Flex (Coney Island Amphitheater)
- August 17 – Palmwine Festival NYC: Show Dem Camp feat. The Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music (Central Park)
- August 17 – The Soapbox Presents: The Life of the Party (Marcus Garvey Park)
- August 18 – Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels Video Music Box (Marcus Garvey Park)
- August 18 – Funk Flex Birthday Party with Live performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo & Funk Flex (Central Park)
- August 22 – Brazilian Day: Alcione / Larissa Luz / DJ Malfeitona / Film screening: “Gerson King Combo” in association with 28th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival (Central Park)
- August 23 – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Christian McBride Big Band / Wallace Roney Jr in partnership with Jazzmobile (Marcus Garvey Park)
- August 24 – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Louis Hayes / SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter ft. Huntertones / Ekep Nkwelle / Alexis Lombre / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener (Marcus Garvey Park)
- August 25 – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Louis Hayes / SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter ft. Huntertones / Ekep Nkwelle / Alexis Lombre / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener (Tompkins Square Park)
- August 27 – Snail Mail / Tim Heidecker / Fenne Lily (Central Park)
September
- September 9 – WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration (Central Park)
October
- October 20 – The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir presented in association with EG productions (Coney Island Amphitheater)
8. TSQ Live
Nearly 100 public performances and events are coming to Times Square this summer, as TSQ Live kicks off a lineup of DJ sets, live music, and dance workshops. Check them out below and see full info here:
DJ Sets
- Tuesdays, 5 pm
- Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th & 46th Streets
- An eclectic assortment of music from some of the city’s most popular nightclubs and collectives, including FEMME HOUSE, New York Modular Society, Matinée Social Club, Project 91 x Analog, Soul Summit Music, and Elsewhere.
Live Music
- Various dates/times
- Various locations
- A yearly tradition and the heart of TSQ LIVE, live music accompanies the event’s programming throughout the summer. The live music portion of programming promotes the festive summer energy the bustling hot city requires.
Jazz in Times Square
- Thursdays, 5 pm
- Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th & 46th Streets
- Includes performances by Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Headhunters, and Sungazer.
Summer Friday Concerts
- Fridays, 6 pm
- Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th & 46th Streets
- Check out the trendiest up-and-coming talent including musicians from NYC including Des Rocks, JORDY, Molly Grace, Marcin, Greg Bank$, and Third Reprise.
9. Hudson River Park
Hudson River’s Jazz at Pier 84 continues to go on throughout the end of summer, and their massive Blues BBQ Festival is set for mid-August.
Jazz at Pier 84
Listen to smooth tunes in partnership with the Jazz Foundation of America. Catch the show at 7 pm at Pier 84 (Hell’s Kitchen) on the following dates:
- Every Wednesday, June 5 – August 28
Blues BBQ Festival, Pier 76 at W 34 St.
Head to the fan-favorite Blues BBQ Festival for beer, BBQ, and blues music. The lineup has not yet been announced, but in the past has featured artists such as Jackie Venson, Dwayne Dopsie, and Walter Wolfman Washington.
- August 10, 1 pm – 9 pm, Pier 76
You can find out more specifics on their website here.
10. DUMBO’s Live at the Archway Series
The DUMBO Improvement District’s annual Live at the Archway series returns this summer, set beneath the iconic setting of the Manhattan Bridge Archway on Thursdays at 6 pm through August 15, featuring Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman (July 25), Gentleman Brawlers (August 1), alternative singer-songwriter Tracy Bonham (August 8), and a concert presented in collaboration with Queerchella (August 15).
11. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
New York City’s longest-running, free, outdoor performing arts festival is returning to the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park this summer, and the lineup is officially out! Check out the remaining calendar below:
July
- July 26 – Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE
- July 27 – Watchhouse, Black Belt Eagle Scout
August
- August 2 – Meshell Ndegeocello – No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, Talibah Safiya
- August 9 – Jesse Royal, Anant Pradhan & Larry McDonald, Ayanna Heaven
- August 10 – Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul, Sinkane, Ushka
Learn more on BRIC’s website.
12. Sounds at Sunset at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is getting a series of free concerts that take place on Friday evenings across the summer season at Pier 3 Plaza! Check out the lineup below:
July
- July 26 – Brooklyn Americana Music (7 – 9:30 pm)
August
- August 2 – PAAK Appreciation (7 – 9:30 pm)
September
- September 20 – Igmar Thomas & Musical Guests (7 – 9:30 pm)
Learn more about the Sounds at Sunset Series here!
13. Battery Park City River & Blues Festival
The long-celebrated NYC summer tradition River & Blues Concert Series is coming back this July to celebrate its 25th year. With breathtaking views of Hudson River sunsets as a backdrop this, refreshing waterfront breezes spot will welcome the very best of Global and American folk, roots and blues music. Shows are select Thursdays in July and the first Thursday of August, with doors at 6:30 pm and show at 7 pm! See lineup below:
- July 25 – Leela James
- August 1 – Abraham Alexander
Where: Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City (Enter at Chambers St. & River Terrace)
14. Summer Thunder at Union Pool
Popular Williamsburg bar Union Pool is bringing back their 12th annual “Summer Thunder” series which is an entire summer’s worth of daytime entertainment. Check out the remaining lineup below and remember to get there early because it’s first-come first-served.
- July 28 – Ayanna Heaven Presents Good Ting: with Red Fox, Screechy Dan, & more TBA
- August 4 – Rahill
- August 11 – Winged Wheel (members of Tyvek, Spray Paint, Matchess ++ Steve Shelley and more)
- August 18 – Kid Congo Powers
- August 25 – To be announced
15. Broadway Rhythm
The Garment District Alliance’s weekly programming is returning for 2024 with free musical performances on the Broadway plazas between 39th and 40th Streets. They’ll happen on Wednesdays from 12 – 2 pm through September 25! Check out the full lineup below:
- July 31 – NYC Jazz Underground (Jazz Celebration)
- August 7 – Tony Boka (Jazz Guitar) & Jason Green (Blues and Bluegrass Guitar)
- August 14 – The Opera Collective (Opera for the People)
- August 21 – Diverse Concert Artists (Classical and Pop Strings)
- August 28 – Underground Horns (Funky Brass)
- September 4 – Erik Jacobson (Classical Cello) and Samoa Wilson (American Folk Songs)
- September 11 – G Wyll (R&B) and Gabriel Aldort (New Orleans Stride)
- September 18 – Yut Chia (Pop Electric Violin)
- September 25 – Felipa Pavani Band (Pop Rock Celebration)
Free Concerts You Missed
Here are all of the free concerts in NYC that have already passed. Stay tuned for next year!
16. New York Philharmonic’s “Concert in the Parks”
Conductor Thomas Wilkins led the New York Philharmonic through a week long of free concert events in June in different parks across NYC! The program included Beethoven’s Egmont Overture; Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor; Elgar’s Wand of Youth Overture; the New York Premiere of Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances; Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol; and works by New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers Dalya Shaman and David Wright. See the passed dates below:
- Tuesday, June 11 at 8 pm: Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx. Enter the park from Broadway, near West 251st Street. Concert site is on the Parade Grounds towards the south.
- Wednesday, June 12 at 8 pm: Central Park, Great Lawn, Manhattan. Westside entrances: West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West. Eastside entrances: East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue
- Thursday, June 13 at 8 pm: Cunningham Park, Queens. Enter at 193rd Street, near 81st Avenue or Union Turnpike. Concert site is at 193rd Street Field.
- Friday, June 14 at 8 pm: Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Enter at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West at 9th Street, or Bartel-Pritchard Circle at the intersection of Prospect Park West, Prospect Park Southwest, and 15th Street.
- Sunday, June 18 at 4 pm: St. George Theatre, Staten Island
17. Carnegie Hall Citywide at Madison Square Park
Part of the Carnegie Hall Citywide Series, free string quartet performances were held on Wednesdays on Madison Square Park’s Oval Lawn at 6 pm.
- Wednesday, July 10: 2022 Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador
- Wednesday, July 17: Grammy Award–nominated JACK Quartet
- Wednesday, July 24: Rising local NYC jazz vocalist Ekep Nkwelle