You’ve probably heard New York City is expensive to visit. That’s true—but there are also plenty of activities you can find for free. Case in point: grooving to the rock, folk, jazz, hip hop—basically your favorite style of music—for free! And the best place to do this is at one of New York’s summer concerts.
In this blog post, we put together the 10 free summer concerts in NYC that you simply can’t miss 🎶
Summer for the City: Musical Story Time at Lincoln Center
Celebrate summer in the city with Lincoln center; they host a musical storytelling program at the Garden in Damrosch Park, with the upcoming one being on June 12. This show is perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike—making for a great family outing!
Credit: NY Times
Opening Night: Andra Day
The award-winning R&B star of screen kicks off the free season of SummerStage at one of New York’s most accessible outdoor performing arts festivals. From jazz and hip hop to Latin and global, SummerStage fills you with a bit of everything. You can catch this show on June 1 (for this year).
Bryant Park Picnic Performances
This series of events will kick off in late May—and continue through September. If you’re looking for one of the city’s beloved outdoor performing arts festivals, this is where to head. The soonest one you can catch is on May 31.
Credit: Bryant Park
Barefoot Dancing
Dreamin’ of kickin’ off those shoes and dancing Samba? 💃 This event is held at the Van Cortlandt House Museum, where you—and the whole family—can have a fun afternoon. This year, the upcoming event will be held on June 1.
Summer Concerts at the Hudson Yards
This is a new series of live outdoor concerts in the Public Square and Gardens (hosted by the Browery Presents). Mark the starting date for June 19. And be sure to bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy. Or perhaps, take advantage of those glorious concession stands 😉
Credit: Secret NYC
Sunset on the Hudson at Pier 45
Musical entertainment on the waterfront? We’re here for it! Starting May 31, these events are the perfect spot to catch a sunset—all while enjoying your favorite beats. You can also bring along your blanket to cozy up.
Open Studios: Fogo Azul in Brooklyn Bridge Park
The one’s an all-women, trans, and non-binary Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line. They perform a concert series at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 (with the upcoming one on July 14).
Credit: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Scandinavian Music Festival in Fort Tryon Park
You can also enjoy these (free) performances, hosted in Fort Tryon Park, with the Hudson River in the backdrop. It is in its 20th season, and you can catch it at the earliest on June 9.
New York Philharmonic Concerts In the Park: Central Park
These have been iconic ever since they started in 1965—especially because of how they transform parks throughout the city into picnickers! Get ready to hear the best classical music under the stars, starting 11 June.
Credit: Central Park
Porch Stomp on Governors Island
These performances turn the historic porches of Nolan Park into a space for education as well as performance. Here, you can enjoy traditional arts along with your favorite music; mark your calenders for June 15 🤍
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