Free concerts under the stars in Central Park? That can only mean one thing — NYC summer is almost here.
Well, almost. We’re not rushing past spring (it’s doing a lot of beautiful work right now), but it’s hard not to look ahead a little longingly when the city’s summer plans are already filling up calendars.
This year’s New York City summer lineup is looking especially stacked. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage is returning with a calendar that honors four decades of bringing world-class culture to the people.
With more than 60 free and benefit performances across all five boroughs, the series continues its tradition of transforming parks into stages for global music, local stories, and everything in between. The series stands as a long-running love letter to the city’s creative energy and diversity.
Here’s the lineup for the series FREE shows this summer!
The 40th Anniversary Season
To celebrate 40 years, SummerStage is highlighting its history as a cultural incubator.
The season kicks off on June 10 with soulful powerhouse Ledisi and culminates in an annual gala on September 10, with all proceeds supporting free arts, youth sports, and community programs throughout the city.
The 2026 Free Lineup (Central Park)
Mark your calendars—these shows are completely free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis:
- June 10: Ledisi / Spilata / DJ Kultured Child (Opening Night)
- June 15: Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital
- June 22: New York Sings Yiddish (The Shvesters, Yidlife Crisis, Yair Keydar, Riki Rose + others)
- June 24: Black Country, New Road / Horsegirl / Sharp Pins
- June 26: Laurie Anderson: Republic of Love with Sexmob
- July 1: SHABAKA / Kokoroko / Omar / Lovie
- July 8: Spoon / Ratboys / Bodega
- July 9: Shaggy
- July 12: Bastille Day Celebration (Black M / Laurent Voulzy / Michel Polnareff + others)
- July 15: Morocco Showcase (Hoba Hoba Spirit / Hamid El Kasri Dakhla / Casa Xpress / Mr ID)
- July 16: Mavis Staples / Brother Wallace
- July 26: Afro-Latinas (Luedji Luna / Susana Baca / Lady G + others)
- July 29: Julieta Venegas / Lasso
- July 30: UBB 40th Anniversary Hip-Hop Celebration
- August 1: Trueno / Milo J / J Noa
- August 2: WayV / The Either / Chopstix
- August 6: Andrew Bird with Wordless Music Orchestra
- August 7: Funk Flex Birthday R&B Picnic
- August 16: Taiwanese Waves 10th Anniversary Lineup
- August 23: Angélique Kidjo / DJ Freshy K
- September 2: Christian McBride / Mei Semones & Friends
Beyond Central Park
While Rumsey Playfield is the flagship, the 40th-anniversary celebration extends to 12 neighborhood parks across all five boroughs. Keep an eye out for free shows in:
- Brooklyn: Herbert Von King Park & Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Queens: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (Catch De La Soul + Pete Rock here on July 17!) & Socrates Sculpture Park
- The Bronx: Crotona Park
- Manhattan: Marcus Garvey Park & Jackie Robinson Park (Home to the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in late August)
What to Know Before You Go
- Admission: Free shows do not require tickets, but the venue will close once it reaches capacity. For popular acts like Shaggy or Mavis Staples, arriving early is essential.
- Entry: Doors typically open one hour before showtime. The main entrance for Central Park shows is at 69th Street and 5th Avenue.
- Prohibited Items: Leave the folding chairs, glass bottles, and coolers at home. Small bags are allowed but subject to search.
- Food & Drink: There are on-site vendors selling food and beverages (including beer and wine). Note that many stands are cash-only.
- Rain or Shine: The music plays on unless there is dangerous weather (like lightning). Check SummerStage’s social media for real-time updates.
Happy (almost) summer, NYC!
