Free Summer Concerts and Music Festivals
for Families in NYC in 2026

Jazz in the Park at Ralph Ellison Plaza
Washington Heights
Sundays from Sunday, May 17-Sunday, October 25, 2026
Community jazz concerts feature an array of local musicians and vocalists. Website

Picnic Performances in Bryant Park
Midtown West
Select dates from Thursday, June 4-Friday, September 11, 2026
Picnic Performances are the perfect way to spend a summer evening, with live and in-person music, dance, and theatrical shows. Bring a blanket and a picnic (of course). Website

BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Select dates from Thursday, June 4-Saturday, September 19, 2026
BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn is a free summer-long outdoor concert and performance series that has been presenting talent from around the world and around the block for 47 years. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy! Website

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Central Park
Every other Tuesday from Tuesday, June 9-Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. Website

SummerStage in Central Park
Central Park
Select dates from Wednesday, June 10-Wednesday, September 2, 2026
The City Parks Foundation's SummerStage returns in 2026 with tons of free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. Website

Jazz at Pier 84
Midtown West
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 17-Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Celebrate all things jazz with music by local legends, combining smooth tunes with beautiful Hudson River Park evenings. Website

RTA Summer Sunset Concert Series in Riverside Park
Upper West Side
Saturdays from Saturday, June 20-Saturday, August 8, 2026
Riverside Tennis Association hosts a weekly waterfront concert series. Website

Broadway by the Boardwalk in Clinton Cove
Midtown West
Mondays from Monday, July 13-Monday, August 10, 2026
When Broadway’s dark, the waterfront is alive! Mondays in July and early August, stop by Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove to see the greats perform. Website

Hippo Playground Summer Concert Series
Upper West Side
Wednesdays from Wednesday, July 22-Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The Hippo Playground Summer Concert Series provides free kid-friendly jam sessions on select Wednesdays in July and August. Bring a blanket and some snacks! Website

Tunes & Tales for Toddlers in Teardrop Park
Battery Park City
Mondays through Monday, October 26, 2026
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy interactive music-making, storytelling, and more entertainment at these weekly sessions in Teardrop Park. Website

Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards
Midtown West
Select Saturdays through Saturday, October 31, 2026
Mozart for Munchkins puts on free Saturday concerts that focus on a different style of music each week—classical, jazz, bluegrass, and more—performed by first-rate artists who have played the stages of Carnegie Hall, Broadway, Lincoln Center, and other top venues. Website

Harlem Meer Performance Festival
Central Park
Sundays from Sunday, July 12-Sunday, August 23, 2026:
Each summer, the Harlem Meer Performance Festival brings the best local talent to Central Park and delights thousands of attendees with its celebratory atmosphere. Enjoy sweeping views of the Harlem Meer and a variety of performances, featuring multicultural and family-friendly music, dance, and entertainment for all ages. Website

Bargemusic's Music in Motion Concerts
Brooklyn Heights
Saturdays and Sundays, Ongoing
Head to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse for these one-hour, family-friendly concerts, which include a Q&A session with the musicians. Website

Free Concerts and Summer Music Festivals in NYC in June 2026

Live Concerts at Hudson Yards
Midtown West
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Experience the energy of live music in the Public Square and Gardens with a free concert series featuring chart-topping talent. Website

Road to Broadway at Rockefeller Center
Midtown West
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Just steps from the Theater District, the Rink at Rockefeller Center transforms into an open-air stage featuring live performances from some of Broadway’s biggest shows, with each week offering a distinct lineup. Website

EcoTones at Madison Square Park
Flatiron
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Follow a guided “music trail” through the park, where small ensembles perform original chamber works near the trees and landscapes that inspired them. Beginning at Redbud Lawn, the trail concludes on the Oval Lawn with a full-ensemble performance by all 18 musicians. Website

Drums Along the Hudson: A Native American Festival in Inwood Hill Park
Inwood
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Drums Along the Hudson marks its 24th anniversary as Manhattan’s only open-air pow wow. The all-day event features Native American crafts, storytelling, and traditional food and dance. Website

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Williamsbridge Oval
Norwood, the Bronx
Monday, June 8, 2026
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops in Williamsbridge Oval. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features Tessa McQueen, Lonwabo Mose, Alex McKissick, and Mariam Bombrun. This event forms part of Carnegie Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival. Website

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Van Cortlandt Park
Riverdale, the Bronx
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! Website

Kindie Rock in Battery Park City
Battery Park City
Wednesdays through Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Shake all those wiggles out at Battery Park City's weekly kid concerts. Attendance is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. Website

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Socrates Sculpture Park
Long Island City, Queens
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Socrates Sculpture Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features rising young opera stars from the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Website

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Central Park
Central Park
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks have become an iconic New York summer experience since they began in 1965, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! Website

Music Storytime with Antonio Truyois at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Pianist, composer and educator Antonio Truyols, accompanied by his artistic collaborators Gizem Yucel and Vanessa Imani, presents a musical storytime program. Website

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Cunningham Park
Fresh Meadows, Queens
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! Website

Sing with Suzi in JJ Byrne Playground
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Thursdays through Thursday, June 11, 2026
Enjoy an interactive, family-friendly concert series featuring award‑winning children’s performer Suzi Shelton and special guests staged in this beloved park. The entertainment includes giant bubbles, dancing, and sing‑alongs in the heart of Park Slope. Website

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Jackie Robinson Park
Harlem
Friday, June 12, 2026
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Jackie Robinson Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features Tessa McQueen, Lonwabo Mose, Alex McKissick, and Mariam Bombrun. This event forms part of Carnegie Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival. Website

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Prospect Park
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, June 12, 2026
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! Website

NYC KidsFest in Harlem
Multiple Harlem Locations
Friday, June 12-Sunday, June 14, 2026
NYC KidsFest brings performances from some of New York City’s most innovative and talented artists into public spaces for all to enjoy. Catch sets by Divi Roxx and Ray de Jesus and enjoy face painting, balloon animals, science fun, and storytelling! Website

Park Avenue Melodies: Violin Concert at the Skyscraper Museum
Battery Park City
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Violin duo Miolina performs a mix of classical favorites and contemporary works in special concert inspired by the museum's current exhibition, The Invention of Park Avenue. At the end of the concert, audience members have the chance to see a violin up close and even play a few notes themselves. Website

Music on the Esplanade
Upper East Side
Sunday, June 14, 2026
EsplanadeFriends presents a fun afternoon of Latin dance tunes! Talia Castro-Pozo brings her dancing expertise to perform and show everyone how to move with the music. Live percussion gets everyone moving to Latin dance rhythms. Plus: Enjoy free kids' activities and ice cream. Website

New York Philharmonic Concerts In the Park: Indoor Concert on Staten Island
St. George, Staten Island
Sunday, June 14, 2026
The New York Philharmonic performs Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet and Brahms’s Clarinet Quintet. Website

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Staten Island
Stapleton Heights, Staten Island
Sunday, June 14, 2026
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops on Staten Island! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features rising young opera stars from the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Website

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Central Park
Central Park
Monday, June 15, 2026
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Rumsey Playfield. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, and baritone Benjamin Taylor, accompanied by Howard Watkins. Website

Kindie Pride Party at Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
NYC’s own Suzi Shelton, Lavender Blues, and Esther Crow, along with Austin’s Strawbitty Yops, present a joyful Pride Month celebration and share songs of love, acceptance, and joy for the LGBTQ+ community—during Pride and all year long! Sing, dance, and celebrate the beauty of being exactly who you are. Website

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Brooklyn Bridge Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features Tessa McQueen, Lonwabo Mose, Alex McKissick, and Mariam Bombrun. This event forms part of Carnegie Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival. Website

Art Is All Around Concert Series at the Red Cube
Financial District
Wednesdays through Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The Alliance for Downtown New York presents music and dance performances featuring jazz, blues, funk, salsa, cha-cha-cha, soul and pop music along with exciting tap, swing and modern jazz dancing. Website

Swedish Midsummer Festival in Rockefeller Park
Battery Park City
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Rockefeller Park is the setting for a unique celebration of the summer solstice. Learn traditional Swedish folk dances and join in a lively dance around the midsummer pole. Website

Ngano: Storytelling through Song with Dr. Tanyaradzwa at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Led by Zimbabwean composer, singer, and scholar Dr. Tanyaradzwa, young audiences clap, sing in call-and-response, move, and even help create music together using playful rhythms and simple melodies inspired by Indigenous Zimbabwean traditions. Website

Porch Stomp on Governors Island
Governors Island
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Porch Stomp invites dozens of folk bands, artists, and performing arts organizations to use the historic porches of Nolan Park as a space for performance and education, highlighting artistry ranging from traditional folk to old-time blues, roots, bluegrass, and Americana. Website

Brooklyn Juneteenth Celebration at 300 Ashland
Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Vibe to live music, dance, spoken word, and celebrate freedom through individual expression. Website

Make Music New York
Citywide
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Make Music New York puts the beat under city feet as musicians of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, physical capabilities, and skill levels represent New York City’s remarkable creativity and diversity. Website

2026 Independence Day Celebration in Astoria Park
Astoria, Queens
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Allyson Briggs and Dan Gabel, bring this 18 piece big band for a concert of standards and classic swing, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Website

Louis Armstrong House Museum Big Band at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Swing with the Louis Armstrong House Museum (LAHM) Big Band and the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers! Move to some of the best jazz around and dance with the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers as they show off some boppin’ steps! Website

Locomotive Lawn Live in Riverside Park
Upper West Side
Thursdays through Thursday, June 25, 2026
Moosiki Kids Musical Storytime fosters a love of reading at a young age with musical stories and sing-along encouragement on the comfy and danceable turf lawn by the big locomotive. Website

Sunset Singing Circle at the Irish Hunger Memorial
Battery Park City
Fridays through Friday, June 26, 2026
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads a weekly singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun in NY Harbor. Website

Chelsea Music Festival: Every Storybook Counts at Pier 57
Chelsea
Saturday, June 27, 2026
The Chelsea Music fest's family program presents activities that highlight American composers, interactive storytelling with music, and bookmaking! Website

Pierce Freelon at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Two-time Grammy-nominee Pierce Freelon, creator of the popular PBS Kids podcast, Jamming on the Job, shares his story and performs a mash-up of hip-hop, electronic jazz, and soul. Website

Family-Friendly Free Concerts in NYC in July 2026

Music Storytime with Intersection Music and Arts at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
In celebration of America's 250th Birthday, help bring to life Ian Falconer’s Olivia Forms A Band! Enjoy the story and join the band by singing along and playing rhythm sticks and shakers. Website

K-Pop Dance Night at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
From nostalgic K-pop classics to today’s biggest hits and explosive electronic drops, this silent disco transforms Lincoln Center into a global dance floor. Website

Children's Performance Series in Riverside Park
Harlem
Thursdays from Thursday, July 2-Thursday, July 23, 2026
Head to Riverside Park for music, storytelling, and theatre for young audiences. Website

Boardwalk Blues at Pier 97
Midtown West
Tuesdays from Tuesday, July 7-Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Boardwalk Blues brings together blues and roots musicians from around the region to perform on Hudson River Park’s Pier 97. Website

Carnegie Hall Citywide in Madison Square Park
Flatiron
Wednesdays from Wednesday, July 8-Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Carnegie Hall presents a series of evening concerts in Madison Square Park. Website

River & Blues Concerts in Wagner Park
Battery Park City
Thursdays from Thursday, July 9-Thursday, July 30, 2026
The River & Blues Concert Series is a beloved annual tradition in Battery Park. Enjoy incredible musical talent framed by summer sunsets on the Hudson. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Website

Summer Sounds in Carl Schurz Park
Upper East Side
Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Free music in Carl Schurz Park! Find it on the John Finley Walk at the top of the East 86th Street staircase. Website

Summer Arts Institute Concert at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, July 18, 2026
A free concert showcases New York City Public Schools Summer Arts Institute (SAI) student artists performing chamber music selections. Website

Brooklyn Americana Music Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Friday, July 24, 2026
Americana musicians perform original and traditional songs on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, ukulele, and more, spanning a range of genres including country, folk, blues, old-time, bluegrass, and jazz. Website

Summer Music Festivals and Free Concerts in NYC in August 2026

NoMad Jazz Festival in Madison Square Park
Flatiron
Sunday, August 2-Saturday, August 8, 2026
The NoMad Jazz Festival returns to Madison Square Park, with dance-worthy sets, tap performances, morning kids’ programming, and pop-up cultural moments. Website

Music Storytime with Divinity Roxx at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Divinity Roxx, a multi-talented, two-time Grammy-nominated artist and musician, performs genre-spanning elements of funk, hip-hop, and rock, breaking conventional barriers and inspiring musicians worldwide. Website

Hudson River Park's Blues Barbecue at Pier 76
Midtown West
Saturday, August 15, 2026
The 26th annual Hudson River Park Blues Barbecue Festival returns to Pier 76 for a day filled with smoky goodness and great music. Pit powerhouses like Bark BBQ, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Jase’s BBQ, Kimchi Smoke, and Tikkun BBQ fire up their smokers while you take in live blues and roots performances. Website

Herbert Holler's Freedom Party in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 29, 2026
NYC’s longest-running throwback dance party comes outdoors, as Herbert spins hip-hop, R&B, reggae, house, rock, disco and pop, from the '60s through the 2000s. Sing along and hit the dance floor as the sun sets at the Pier 6 Plaza. Website

 

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