Where to see live outdoor music in NYC this summer
New York City will soon come alive with the sound of music, played on lush green spaces and iconic public parks across the five boroughs. We’ve rounded up some of the best options for a soothing sonic backdrop to your summer plans, from classical music in Central Park and jazz at sunset along the Hudson River to rock and hip-hop in Brooklyn’s backyard.
Free shows
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City
Although a newcomer to New York City’s summer live music scene, Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City has quickly become one of the borough’s premier events over the past three years. For its fourth year, the festival will offer hundreds of free events, showcasing dance, theater, opera, and more, in celebration of NYC’s rich cultural diversity. The festival will activate every corner of the iconic arts center’s campus, with events held across both indoor and outdoor spaces.
The vibrant dance floor at Josie Robertson Plaza, centered around its sparkling 10-foot disco ball, offers the perfect space for live music, a dance party, or both, while the speakeasy-inspired venue Underground at Jaffe Drive is a smaller space for more intimate performances.
Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage
Starting next month, Capital One’s SummerStage will host more than 70 free performances in 13 parks across all five boroughs. The 39th season features a star-studded lineup of culture-defining artists across genres like salsa, jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, dance, opera, pop, soul, and more. The festival officially kicks off on June 4 with a performance by Grammy-winning jazz bassist Marcus Miller, who will be joined by Tank and The Bangas and the brass ensemble The Soul Rebels.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Bryant Park’s acclaimed Picnic Performances outdoor festival is back in Midtown for its fifth consecutive season of free summer entertainment. Presented by Bank of America, this year’s series features 25 exciting concerts, kicking off on May 30 with The Sound of (Black) Music. Running through September 12, the festival will transform the park into one of the city’s top open-air venues, hosting spectacular live music, dance, and more.
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
The oldest continuously running free outdoor classical music series at Central Park’s iconic Naumburg Bandshell is preparing for its 120th year. The Naumburg Orchestral Concerts will bring live music to the park, with all performances free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. This season opens on June 10 with a performance by The Knights, who will play selections from Vivaldi, Bach, and other classical greats. For those unable to attend in person, all concerts will be broadcast live and streamed on WQXR.
TSQ Live
More than 80 free, open-air performances will take place in Times Square this summer, as part of the Times Square Alliance’s annual TSQ Live series. Running through September, this year’s lineup features programming from acclaimed institutions like Ailey Extension, Carnegie Hall Citywide, Elsewhere, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and MTA Music Under New York. The popular Summer Friday concert series will also be back, spotlighting artists with new releases. In addition, Open Call returns, offering performers of all kinds a chance to apply to take the TSQ Live stage.
Hudson River Park
Another season of free live entertainment and events is set for Hudson River Park this summer. Running through September, the park will transform into a vibrant hub for live performances, featuring everything from world-class blues and jazz musicians to dance parties. As part of the festivities, Riverfront Rhythms will bring an exciting lineup to the park: “Broadway By The Boardwalk” will showcase Broadway talent performing original pieces, personal favorites, and theater staples, while “Jazz at Pier 84” will offer a star-studded cast of musicians at sunset.
Pier 45 will host a special Juneteenth celebration, curated by the Ladies of Hip Hop, while The Bad Juices and Papi Juice will host a Pride celebration at Pier 46. Blues fans can enjoy sunset concerts featuring blues and roots musicians at Pier 97. The Blues BBQ Festival will also return for its 25th year, offering incredible live music and delicious eats from top local pitmasters at Pier 76.
Backyard at Hudson Yards
Enjoy free live music in Hudson Yards’ backyard this summer with a star-studded lineup. Presented by Wells Fargo, this year’s concert series will take place every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from June 25 to August 13, featuring performances by Marc Scibilia, The Knocks, Cian Ducrot, Paul Russell, and more. Hudson Yards will also be screening games, movies, tournaments, and events on its massive 30-foot Big Screen, free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Other activities include power hours, free wellness experiences, family-friendly events, and “paw play” days for puppy meet-ups.
Riverside Park’s Summer on the Hudson
Riverside Park’s beloved Summer on the Hudson free outdoor concert series is back in full swing, celebrating its 23rd year with nearly 400 free performances scheduled through October. The popular festival has expanded its footprint along the waterfront, now stretching from 59th to 181st Street, and is debuting two exciting new events: Vinyl Nights, a dance party celebrating vintage records, and the Riverside Comedy Club, bringing laughs to the waterfront.
Nomad Jazz Festival
A new jazz movement is coming to Madison Square Park this summer, shining a spotlight on established and emerging jazz musicians from across the globe. Taking place on August 9 and 10, the inaugural Nomad Jazz Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of live music, family-friendly events, and community celebrations, completely free and open to the public. The festival lineup, curated by The Jazz Gallery’s Rio Sakairi, features acclaimed artists such as Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane Quartet, and the Roy Hargrove Big Band, among others. Leading up to the main event, the Nomad and Flatiron neighborhoods will come alive with special performances, community events, and jazz-themed festivities from August 3 to 8 to build excitement for the weekend celebration.
CultureLab LIC
The Lot, located at TF Cornerstone’s new Malt Drive development in Long Island City, is hosting free outdoor concerts again this summer. Running every weekend through September, the concert series brings a stacked lineup to the Queens waterfront neighborhood, enlivening the bright sunny streets with the sounds of live music. A full schedule of this year’s season can be found here.
Dumbo’s Live at the Archway
Under the iconic Manhattan Bridge Archway in Dumbo, the Live at the Archway concert series returns with seven weeks of free concerts and visual art exhibitions every Thursday from June 12 to July 31. The season kicks off with headliners Marie & Bayou Juju, bringing a mix of traditional and original Louisiana music to Brooklyn, with an opening set by Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line Fogo Azul. The lineup continues with multi-disciplinary artist Cleo Reed on June 19, a special guest band to be announced soon on June 26, American Samba group Os Clavelitos on July 10, afro-funk ensemble Kaleta and the Super Yamba Band on July 17, singer-songwriter Sug Daniels on July 24, and psychedelic cumbia outfit Chica Libre closing out the series on July 31.
Carnegie Hall Citywide
The world-famous Carnegie Hall Citywide Series returns this year, bringing spectacular free performances to venues across New York City. The series features artists from a wide variety of genres, including classical, jazz, Latin music, and much more. This season, Carnegie Hall continues its collaboration with Bryant Park Picnic Performances, presenting five free concerts on Fridays throughout July and August. The Hall is also partnering with Madison Square Park to curate an exciting three-concert series in July, along with additional performances at Wave Hill in the Bronx, Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island, and the South Bronx.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
The city’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival returns to the iconic Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park for another electrifying season. For over 46 years, the annual concert series has brought renowned artists from all corners of the globe together for a massive celebration of the arts. While most of the shows are free, four ticketed benefit concerts will raise funds for the nonprofit behind the series. The opening benefit on June 9 features Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe as co-headliners. The season’s 14 free shows begin the following week with a June 13 showcase of Haitian singer-songwriters Mélissa Laveaux, Nathalie “TALIE” Cerin, and Riva Nyri Précil, followed by a diverse lineup including punk band Gogol Bordello on August 2 and alternative rock group Dinosaur Jr. on July 17.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park
A summer tradition since 1965, the New York Philharmonic’s “Concerts in the Parks” series turns public green spaces across the city into open-air concert halls, inviting friends and families to relax under the stars and enjoy free live performances. The world-famous ensemble will be helmed by renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Running from June 4 to 7, the series will visit Central Park on the 4th, Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx on the 5th, Prospect Park in Brooklyn on the 6th, and Cunningham Park in Queens on the 7th. Each evening concludes with a dazzling fireworks display. A free indoor concert at Staten Island’s St. George Theatre will follow on June 8.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a lineup of 50 free and low-cost events from May through October. The season offers something for everyone, from arts and culture to fitness, film, and family-friendly fun. Music lovers can catch Sounds at Sunset, the park’s popular Friday night concert series, or enjoy free weekly chamber performances by Bargemusic at the park’s Boathouse. Other highlights include a June 15 performance by the Metropolitan Opera at Pier 1, part of Capital One’s SummerStage series, and a June 27 concert by the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra featuring French classical music by Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, and Berlioz.
Battery Park City River & Blues
A cherished NYC tradition for over 25 years, the River & Blues concert series returns to Battery Park City’s Rockefeller Park this summer for another unforgettable season. The series will present four free concerts by acclaimed global and American folk, roots, and blues musicians set against a picturesque sunset over the Hudson River. Featured artists this year include Maggie Rose on July 10, Amythyst Kiah on July 17, the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance on July 24, and Lady Blackbird on July 31. You can learn more about the festival here.
Ticketed events
Forest Hills Stadium
After nearly seeing its entire summer concert lineup canceled due to a long-standing dispute with neighborhood residents, the shows will go on at historic Forest Hills Stadium. Once the home of the U.S. Open and later a stage for legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Frank Sinatra, the iconic venue is set to return with another exciting season of live music and cultural programming. Artists set to grace the stage at the storied venue this year include Mumford & Sons, who kicked off the stadium’s reopening in 2013 after decades of sitting idle, as well as Phish, The Black Keys, Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes, Pulp, and others.
Notably, from September 26 to 28, the stadium will host the “All Things Go” festival, featuring three jam-packed days of incredible live music. Headliners include Lucy Dacus, Doechii, and Clairo, with supporting acts like Djo, Gigi Perez, Remi Wolf, The Marías, and more.
Seaport Concert Series
Experience live music in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting, with the stunning Manhattan skyline as your backdrop at The Rooftop at Pier 17. Launched in 2018, the Seaport Concert Series has earned a reputation as one of the city’s premier music events, beloved for its scenic perch five stories above the East River. This year’s lineup includes Trivium, Bullet for My Valentine, Peter Cat Recording Co., The Kooks, 311, The Fray, and many more.
The Brooklyn Mirage
East Williamsburg’s renowned outdoor venue, the Brooklyn Mirage, is reopening after a multi-million dollar renovation, with plenty in store for concertgoers. Although the season got off to a rocky start, with its first week of sold-out shows canceled due to missed inspection deadlines, the acclaimed venue is set to bounce back with a packed schedule of unforgettable performances. Now featuring even more stunning visuals, cutting-edge sound, and a bold new architectural design, this year’s lineup includes major acts like Deadmau5, Alesso, The Chainsmokers, and more.
The Governors Ball
Gov Ball returns to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park from June 6 to 8, bringing three days of star-studded performances. Day one features Tyler, The Creator, alongside Benson Boone, Mk.Gee, The Backseat Lovers, and T-Pain. Olivia Rodrigo headlines day two, joined by Feid, Conan Gray, and Young Miko. Hozier tops the bill on day three, with Glass Animals, Mt. Joy, Clairo, and others supporting. Tickets start at $179 and can be purchased here.
LadyLand
Hosted at Under the K Bridge Park, LadyLand returns bigger than ever, spotlighting top queer talent and global gay icons. This year’s outdoor music festival and Pride bash expands to two days with three stages, welcoming even more artists, dancing, and Pride weekend energy. Cardi B headlines day one, joined by Cobrah, Sukihana, Danny Tenaglia, and more. Day two features FKA Twigs, with support from Pabllo Vittar, Boris, Eartheater, and others. General admission tickets start at $79 and can be purchased here.
Little Island Concert Series
Manhattan’s offshore park at Pier 55 kicks off its seasonal performance series this summer. From June through September, the vibrant waterfront oasis will host over 100 shows featuring 300 artists across music, dance, and opera, with a mix of free and ticketed events, the latter of which costs just $25.
Performances will take place across the park’s three open-air venues—the Amph, the Glade, and the Playground—each offering a distinct atmosphere to complement the experience. The season opens with the world premiere of Dan Schlosberg’s “The Counterfeit Opera: A Beggar’s Opera for a Grifter’s City,” followed by a slew of highly anticipated performances, according to the New York Times.
RELATED:
