The summer season is approaching fast, and in New York, that means the return of some incredible outdoor events, including one of our favorites: the Bryant Park Picnic Performances!
My tip: check out the full list of artists and all parks featured at Free Concerts in the Parks here. And in addition to the free concerts, there are plenty of free movie viewings – you can find out more in my guide to Free Summer Movies in New York. Bryant Park is part of the action, too!
What to expect at the Bryant Park Picnic Performances?
Set in the iconic midtown park, the Bryant Park Picnic Performances bring live and in-person music, dance, and theater events to a gorgeous outdoor setting.
These performances are an accessible way to experience some of the professional-quality artistic offerings of the city. From collaborations with the American Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Hall to the New York City Opera and Contemporary Dance, the Bryant Park Picnic Performances are a creative and inclusive event for attendees of all agents.
Since this takes place at the park, it’s worth noting there is ample space for attendees, as well as free blankets for audience members who’d like to get comfortable on the grass.
When do the Bryant Park Picnic Performances take place?
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the free concerts start in New York. You can attend them on the lawn behind the New York Public Library until mid-September.
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
These are the concerts, performances, and dates in 2026
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for May
- Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – Jazzmobile: Wycliffe Gordon and Friends
- Friday, May 29, 2026, 7:00 PM – New York City Opera: American Classics
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for June
June kicks things off with a total of nine different events. For more great events, check out my list of the best events in June in New York.
- Thursday, June 4, 2026, 7:00 PM – Contemporary Dance: Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Terk Lewis, White Wave Dance
- Friday, June 5, 2026, 7:00 PM – Contemporary Dance: Dancing for the Wild
- Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – Contemporary Dance: It’s Showtime NYC!, SOLE Defined, Robin Dunn
- Friday, June 12, 2026, 7:00 PM – World Music Institute: World of Percussion Re-Imagined
- Thursday, June 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – Joe’s Pub: Joan As Police Woman, Britton & The Sting
- Friday, June 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – The Unsung Collective
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for July
In July you can expect four performances at Carnegie Hall Citywide. And you can find more than 40+ events in my article about July in New York.
- Friday, July 3, 2026, 7:00 PM – Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Knights
- Friday, July 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – Carnegie Hall Citywide: Aisha Jackson
- Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – Carnegie Hall Citywide: Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas
- Friday, July 24, 2026, 7:00 PM – Carnegie Hall Citywide: NYC Ska Orchestra
- Friday, July 31, 2026, 7:00 PM – Carnegie Hall Citywide: El Laberinto del Coco
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for August
There are seven different Bryant Park Picnic Performances in August. And in my article you’ll find over 50 of the best events for August in NYC.
- Friday, August 7, 2026, 7:00 PM – New York City Opera: Celebration of Ella Fitzgerald
- Friday, August 14, 2026, 7:00 PM – New York Guitar Festival
- Saturday, August 15, 2026, 7:00 PM – New York Guitar Festival
- Friday, August 21, 2026, 7:00 PM – Choir Festival
- Saturday, August 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – Emerging Music Festival
- Friday, August 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – Accordion Festival
- Saturday, August 29, 2026, 5:00 PM – Parallel Exit: Sunset Circus
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for September
And also in September you can still visit these events for free!
- Thursday, September 3, 2026, 7:00 PM – Asian American Arts Alliance: Grace Kelly, Ashni
- Friday, September 4, 2026, 7:00 PM – Brass Festival
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – Dance Party All-Stars
- Friday, September 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – Tribute Concert: 25th Anniversary of September 11th
Related Events
If none of these dates work for you, check out these free summer concerts:
