For those who have spent all winter dreaming of sitting on a blanket in the grass, sun on your face and a melody in the air, your patience is finally paying off.
New York City is shedding its winter coat, and the rhythmic heartbeat of the five boroughs is moving outdoors.
Summer is officially on its way, bringing a comprehensive lineup of music festivals, legendary concert series, and hidden community gems to our favorite city.
Whether you’re looking for a massive stadium-sized mosh pit, a sophisticated jazz evening under the stars, or a waterfront dance party at sunset, NYC has curated a world-class stage for every “muso.”
Here is your ultimate guide to navigating the sounds of the season.
🎸 Major Music Festivals & Headlining Events
- Long Play (May 1–3): A celebration of the experimental and avant-garde in Brooklyn. This year features Oneohtrix Point Never, Dirty Projectors, and the Billy Hart Quartet.
- Governors Ball (June 5–7): The city’s massive pop and indie flagship moves to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This year’s power-packed lineup is headlined by Lorde, Stray Kids, and A$AP Rocky.
- BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! (June–August): A Prospect Park staple for decades. Don’t miss the benefit show by Royel Otis on July 18, alongside a summer-long roster of free global icons.
- We Belong Here NYC (June 19–21): A premium dance music experience at the Brooklyn Army Terminal waterfront. Headliners include Kx5 (Kaskade & deadmau5), Eli Brown, Lane 8, and Above & Beyond.
- SummerStage Pride (June 28): A massive dance party at Rumsey Playfield (Central Park) featuring a headline set by Purple Disco Machine.
- Emerging Music Festival (Aug 22): A day of rising indie stars at Bryant Park.
- Sea.Hear.Now (Sept 19–20): While technically a short trip to the Asbury Park beachfront, this rock-heavy fest is a local favorite. Headliners include The Strokes and Mumford & Sons, plus sets by The War on Drugs and Chaka Khan.
🏟️ Outdoor Venue Series: The Big Tours
These iconic “sheds” and rooftops host the biggest names on their global summer tours. Here are some highlights.
The Rooftop at Pier 17 (Seaport District, Manhattan)
- May 2: MIKA (Spinning Out Tour)
- May 22–23: Belle & Sebastian (2-night stand)
- June 10: Lupe Fiasco (Food & Liquor 20th Anniversary)
- June 17: Jimmy Eat World w/ Thrice
- June 18–19: Young the Giant w/ Cold War Kids
- July 25: Passion Pit
- July 29: Wolf Alice
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (Long Island)
- June 23: James Taylor
- June 28: Jack Johnson
- July 2: Santana & The Doobie Brothers
- July 31: Rod Stewart
- Aug 25: Pitbull w/ Lil Jon
PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ)
- June 9: MGK (Machine Gun Kelly)
- June 19: Ashanti & Trey Songz
- July 12: “Weird Al” Yankovic
- July 15: The Pussycat Dolls
- July 22: Muse
Stone Pony Summer Stage (Asbury Park, NJ)
- June 21: Kurt Vile & The Violators
- July 5: Black Country, New Road
- Sept 23: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
🧺 Free Concert Series & Community Shows
New York’s parks offer high-quality music without the ticket price. Just bring a blanket and some snacks.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances (Midtown)
- May 28: Jazzmobile – Wycliffe Gordon and Friends (Season Opener)
- May 29: NYC Opera – American Classics featuring Latonia Moore
- June 18: Joe’s Pub – Joan As Police Woman & Britton & The Sting
- June 19: Juneteenth Celebration – The Unsung Collective
- July 3–31: Carnegie Hall Citywide Residency – Featuring The Knights, Aisha Jackson, and the NYC Ska Orchestra.
- Aug 7: NYC Opera – A special tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.
- Aug 22: Emerging Music Festival – A full day of rising indie/rock stars curated by AdHoc.
- Sept 4: Brass Festival – A New Orleans-style blowout with the New Breed Brass Band.
- Sept 11: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Tribute – A somber and beautiful classical season finale.
Citi Concert Series on TODAY (Midtown)
Dates: May 8 – Sept 25 | Location: Rockefeller Plaza (48th St & 5th Ave)
- May 8: Zara Larsson (Season Opener)
- May 22: Bleachers
- May 29: Charlie Puth
- June 5: Lizzo
- June 12: Niall Horan
- June 26: Melanie Martinez
- July 3: Maren Morris
- July 10: Megan Moroney
- July 24: Tyla
- July 29 (Wed): Mumford & Sons
- July 31: Shaboozey
- Aug 14: KATSEYE
- Sept 25: Brandi Carlile
Central Park SummerStage (Main Stage)
- Highlights: Catch high-energy free sets, with a lineup soon to be announced.
- Benefit Series: Special ticketed shows include Blues Traveler (Aug 15) and Marcus King (Sept 12).
- Jazz in the Park: Sundays at Ralph Ellison Plaza (Manhattan) throughout May and June.
- Summer on the Hudson: “Amplified Sundays” at Pier I (Riverside Park South) featuring Wayne Tucker and Dawn Drake.
- Staten Island Series: Faber Park hosts local legends like La Dee Streeter (May 16) and the Taikoza Drummers (June 13).
