SummerStage is officially celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. To mark the massive milestone, the festival is offering New Yorkers a very unique piece of history. For the first time, you can secure naming rights to a VIP seat at their flagship Central Park venue.
If you have some extra cash to spare, this is your chance to permanently bolt your love for the iconic outdoor music festival right onto a chair.
Leave your mark on NYC history
According to the City Parks Foundation, a $5,000 contribution buys you a personalized plaque on a seat in the Members Terrace. This exclusive lounge is located at stage right, offering some of the absolute best sightlines in the entire venue.
Whether you want to honor a loved one, commemorate a special occasion, or pay tribute to your favorite artist, the plaque is yours to customize. You get up to 40 characters to make your statement. The plaque will proudly remain on the seat for a full 10 years from the date it’s installed.
Keeping the music free for everyone
While $5,000 is definitely an investment, the money goes straight toward an amazing cause. SummerStage is free to attend, but it isn’t free to produce. The festival relies heavily on donors to keep its programming running.
Your contribution directly helps sustain New York’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival. Over the last four decades, these free concerts have reached more than seven million New Yorkers across all five boroughs. Your gift ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy free live music under the stars.
What to know before you donate
- Tax perks: The $5,000 gift is fully tax-deductible.
- Seating rules: Naming a seat is a commemorative honor. It does not guarantee that you will actually be able to sit in that specific seat during performances.
- Limited availability: The foundation notes that seats are limited, so you should act fast.
If you want to secure your spot in SummerStage history, you can email the City Parks Foundation at development@cityparksfoundation.org or visit their Name a Seat page.
Who would you name a Central Park VIP seat after?