Each summer, New York City transforms its parks into stages, offering people the chance to experience incredible live music without needing a ticket. NYC SummerStage is back for its 39th season, and this year’s schedule is packed with performances from artists across the world and across genres.

Whether you're into salsa, opera, or electronic music, NYC SummerStage concerts offer something for all kinds of music fans. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the season.

Presented by City Parks Foundation, SummerStage is New York’s top outdoor performing arts festival. It features a mix of free and benefit concerts in parks across the five boroughs, with performances ranging from music and dance to spoken word and opera.

The main location is Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, but events also take place in smaller neighborhood parks throughout the city. With more than 40 shows planned between June and October, most of which are free, SummerStage continues to bring world-class talent to public spaces all summer long.

A Quick Look Back: How SummerStage Started

Launched in 1986, SummerStage began with a few shows in Central Park and has grown into a citywide festival featuring music, dance, spoken word, and family programming across all five boroughs.

Most shows are free, thanks to private funding and donations. Ticketed benefit concerts help support over 100 free events each year, along with City Parks Foundation’s arts, education, and sports programs.

The 2025 season kicks off on May 17 and runs through October 5, beginning with a benefit show by Patrice Roberts and wrapping up with Aminé.

Main Venue: Central Park

Most shows are held at Rumsey Playfield, at East 71st Street and East Drive in Central Park. Doors typically open one hour before the show begins, so if you want a good spot, especially for free events, it’s a good idea to come early.

Citywide Events

SummerStage also travels beyond Central Park, bringing performances to parks in all five boroughs. These neighborhood shows typically begin right at the listed time, with no waiting period before entry.

SummerStage 2025 includes a wide range of artists and genres. The schedule brings together new voices and well-known names, with a special focus on celebrating diverse cultures, highlighting women in music, and providing international acts with a platform to showcase their talents.

Many of the shows are free, but there are also benefit concerts featuring popular headliners. These paid shows help support the entire season. From local legends to global stars, the mix of artists makes this one of the most varied lineups SummerStage has ever had.

Free Performances

Most NYC SummerStage concerts are free and open to the public. There’s no need to RSVP or get a ticket. Entry is first-come, first-served. On busy days, organizers may distribute wristbands or offer free tickets to help manage the crowd.

If you’re attending a free Central Park event, consider making a $5 donation to help support the program. You can donate at the entrance or at the information booth using cash or a card. Here are the SummerStage FAQs if you'd like to know more.

Benefit Concerts

Some concerts require tickets and are labeled as benefit events. These are hosted in partnership with Live Nation and help fund the rest of the season’s free programming. Artists in these shows tend to be big names, and tickets can sell out fast.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the SummerStage website. Just keep in mind that once you leave a benefit concert, re-entry isn’t allowed.

Every SummerStage performance offers something different, but a few stand out as must-see shows.

Opening Night: June 4

The season begins with a free show featuring jazz legend Marcus Miller, the energetic Tank and the Bangas, and the brass-heavy Soul Rebels. This show blends jazz, funk, and soul in a way that’s sure to get the crowd moving.

Latin Music Celebration

This year, there’s a strong Latin presence, with performances that reflect the genre’s variety and reach.

• Yandel Sinfónico Tour (June 7, Benefit): A mix of reggaeton and live orchestral music.
• Celia Cruz Celebration (August 9, Free): A lively tribute to one of Latin music’s biggest icons.
• Brazilian Music Showcase (August 31, Free): A night of music from Brazil, presented with the Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival.

Global Soundwaves

This season features artists from across the world, bringing fresh sounds and different traditions to the stage.

• The Aussie BBQ (June 14, Free): A mix of Australian acts, including Gordi and The Wiggles.
• Nordic Next (June 15, Free): A night of music from northern Europe, featuring Anna of the North.
• Taiwanese Waves (August 3, Free): A showcase of Taiwanese music and dance.

Dance and Electronic Nights

If you’re into beats and dancefloor energy, there are plenty of options this summer.

• Alan Walker (May 31, Benefit): Known for massive hits like “Faded,” this show promises a high-energy crowd.
• Dreamland Pride (June 29, Benefit): Featuring Gorgon City and Hayla, this event blends music with a celebration of Pride.
• Piano People (August 2, Benefit): South Africa’s amapiano sound takes the spotlight with DBN Gogo and Musa Keys.

Celebrating NYC's Roots

Many shows celebrate the city’s history, culture, and communities.

• New York Sings Yiddish (June 30, Free): A tribute to Jewish music and heritage.
• The Originals (August 10, Free): DJs Rich Medina, Stretch Armstrong, and Tony Touch bring a night of classic vinyl.
• Blacktronika Festival (August 16, Free): Focused on Black artists in electronic music, this event blends music, art, and history.

People of all ages are welcome at SummerStage events. If you’re bringing children, please note that some performances may include language or themes that are not suitable for younger audiences.

For benefit concerts, anyone aged 4 and up needs their own ticket, and some shows may have specific age restrictions. Always check the event page before buying tickets. The 2025 Brochure is also available!

To reach the Central Park venue, the 5th Avenue and 69th Street entrance is the most direct route. From there, it’s a short walk to Rumsey Playfield. To make your visit more enjoyable, bring a small bag, a blanket or towel to sit on, an empty water bottle to refill at the venue, and a basic camera for casual photos.

Certain items aren’t permitted inside, including alcohol (although beer and wine are sold on-site), large bags, coolers, glass containers, folding chairs, pets, skateboards, and professional camera or audio equipment, unless you have a press pass.

Some events this season are likely to draw big crowds. Here are a few shows that are already generating buzz:

• The Met Opera SummerStage (June 16, Free): A beautiful night of classical music under the trees.
• Camilo and Ela Taubert (July 12, Free): Colombian pop and heartfelt performances.
• Femi Kuti & The Positive Force (July 27, Free): High-energy Afrobeat from a musical legend.
• Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience (August 27, Free): A unique performance featuring storytelling and music.

Whether you're catching a show in Central Park or dancing in your neighborhood park, NYC SummerStage concerts are a perfect way to enjoy live music, warm nights, and the city’s creative energy. Grab your friends, mark your calendar, and get ready for a summer packed with unforgettable performances.

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