It is time to dust off your picnic blankets. The Metropolitan Opera is officially bringing its breathtaking performances back to the great outdoors.
Presented in collaboration with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, this beloved summer concert series is popping up across the city.
You can catch rising opera stars singing under the open sky in all five boroughs this June.
What to expect
These performances are the perfect low-stress evening out. All recitals are completely free and absolutely no RSVP is necessary.
Because seating is not guaranteed, it is highly recommended to bring a picnic blanket to secure a cozy spot on the grass.
This year’s program is also extra special. As part of Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 festival, the talented vocalists will be performing works by American composers.
The 2026 summer schedule
The series features two different casts of incredible performers depending on the date you choose to attend.
Soprano Tessa McQueen, tenor Alex McKissick, and bass-baritone Lonwabo Mose will be accompanied by Mariam Bombrun at the piano for the first four neighborhood dates:
- Monday, June 8 at 7 PM: Williamsbridge Oval in the Bronx
- Wednesday, June 10 at 7 PM: Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens
- Friday, June 12 at 7 PM: Jackie Robinson Park in Manhattan
- Sunday, June 14 at 7 PM: Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island
Later in the week, soprano Emily Pogorelc, tenor Joshua Blue, and baritone Edward Nelson will join Met assistant conductor Dimitri Dover at the piano for the final two massive shows:
- Monday, June 15 at 8 PM: Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage at Central Park in Manhattan
- Wednesday, June 17 at 7 PM: Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn
What to know before you go
Worried about the summer weather? All recital events will be presented rain or shine.
The only exception is if the weather poses a direct danger to the audience or the performers. If a cancellation needs to happen, announcements will be posted directly on the Met website and their social media channels.
Gather your friends, pack some snacks, and get ready for a magical summer night of live music!
