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NOTE: SummerStage will not take place in May and June 2020. There may be performances later in the summer or fall so please check back for updates.
This post is about Summerstage, a series of free concerts held in Central Park every summer. We include information about how to attend a show, a list of who is performing and other free music options throughout NYC.
Every summer since 1986, a series of free concerts called Summerstage has been held in Central Park.
Though most of the shows are in Central Park, there are also concerts scheduled in over 15 additional parks throughout the 5 boroughs.
The Summerstage line-up is diverse and includes everything from afro-punk, Latin jazz, soul, hip-hop, avant-garde, and good old rock and roll.
They also have stand-up comedy, dance performances and sometimes Broadway musical performances.
A few shows require paid tickets, but those are benefit shows to raise money to keep the rest of the concerts free.
If you are heading to a show, why not make time before to explore Central Park?
Consider joining us on of one of our pay-what-you-wish tours. We also have a GPS-led Audio Tour of Central Park which you can take any time.
The stage is located in Central Park at Rumsey Playfield near 5th Avenue and 72nd Street.
No tickets are necessary if it is a free show. Admission is given on a first-come, first-served basis, so entry is not guaranteed.
Benefit shows require a ticket. These shows cost around $50-65.
Some extra spectacular with multiple top performers, shows may cost $100 and up.
Your bags will be searched on entry. You cannot bring:
TIP: If you have large bags, a bicycle, luggage or anything else you cant bring into the concert, you can find inexpensive hourly storage in the area.
See our post about where to store luggage and more in NYC.
SummerStage will not take place in May and June. There may be performances later in the summer or fall so please check back for updates.
See the Summerstage website for more details.
Look at our guide to Summer in NYC and our monthly posts:
Also, see our post on hundreds of free things to do in New York.
Don’t forget that NYC Street & Subway Performers are always free!
FREE TOURS BY FOOT IS THE ORIGINAL PAY-WHAT-YOU-LIKE WALKING TOUR. OUR GUIDES HAVE GIVEN TOURS TO OVER 3 MILLION GUESTS AROUND THE WORLD.”
Free Tours by foot is the original PAY-WHAT-YOU-LIKE walking tour.
OUR guides have given tours to over 3 million guests around the world.