Weekend & Monthly Events for Kids and Families, plus Summer Camp Guides:
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Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals in NYC All Summer Long
Picnic Performances in Bryant Park
Midtown West
Select dates from Friday, May 30-Friday, September 12, 2025
Picnic Performances are the perfect way to spend a summer evening, with 25 live and in-person music, dance, and theatrical shows. Bring a blanket and a picnic (of course). Visit the website here.
Jazz in the Park at Ralph Ellison Plaza
Washington Heights
Sundays from Sunday, June 1-Sunday, October 26, 2025
Community jazz concerts feature an array of local musicians and vocalists. Visit the website here.
BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Select dates from Saturday, June 7-Saturday, August 16, 2025
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 more than 40 years. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy! Visit the website here.
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Central Park
Tuesdays from Tuesday, June 10-Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. Visit the website here.
Jazz at Pier 84
Midtown West
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 11-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Celebrate all things jazz with music by local legends, combining smooth tunes with beautiful Hudson River Park evenings. Visit the website here.
Live at the Archway in Dumbo
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursdays from Thursday, June 12-Thursday, July 31, 2025
Live at the Archway is Dumbo's signature series that features dynamic musical performances, pop-up galleries, and interactive art experiences in a magical, only-in-Dumbo setting. Always free, always all-ages, and always rain or shine. Visit the website here.
Sounds at Sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fridays from Friday, June 13-Friday, August 8, 2025
Some of NYC’s finest musical talents share their vision of the present and future in music. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Visit the website here.
Big Summer Get Down Dance Parties in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Select dates from Saturday, June 14-Saturday, August 16, 2025
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts all-ages summer dance parties in the park. Visit the website here.
SummerStage in Central Park
Central Park – Mostly FREE
Select dates from Saturday, June 14-Tuesday, September 16, 2025
The City Parks Foundation's SummerStage returns in 2025 with tons of free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. Visit the website here.
RTA Summer Sunset Concert Series in Riverside Park
Upper West Side
Saturdays from Saturday, June 21-Saturday, August 9, 2025
Riverside Tennis Association hosts a weekly waterfront concert series. Visit the website here.
Summer Concerts at the Hudson Yards
Midtown West
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 25-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
This free eight-week series showcases rising artists across a variety of genres, bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable performances to the Public Square and Gardens. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or take advantage of the glorious concession stands. Visit the website here.
Broadway by the Boardwalk in Clinton Cove
Midtown West
Mondays from Monday, July 7-Monday, August 11, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Hippo Playground Summer Concert Series
Upper West Side
Wednesdays from Wednesday, July 23-Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Hippo Playground Summer Concert Series provides free kid-friendly jam sessions on select Wednesdays in July and August. Bring a blanket and a picnic! Visit the website here.
Boardwalk Blues at Pier 97
Midtown West
Tuesdays from Tuesday, July 29-Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Boardwalk Blues brings together blues and roots musicians from around the region to perform on Hudson River Park’s Pier 97. Visit the website here.
Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards
Midtown West
Select Saturdays through Saturday, October 18, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Tunes & Tales for Toddlers in Teardrop Park
Battery Park City
Mondays through Monday, October 27, 2025
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy interactive music-making, storytelling, and more entertainment at these weekly sessions in Teardrop Park. Visit the website here.
Free Concerts and Summer Music Festivals in NYC in June 2025
Rolie Polie Guacamole Album Release Party in Prospect Park
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Holy Guacamole! Brooklyn’s award-winning titans of kindie music celebrate the release of the band’s 12th album, On the Stoop, with a hometown show. Visit the website here.
Drums Along the Hudson: A Native American Festival in Inwood Hill Park
Inwood
Sunday, June 1, 2025
This annual event marks its 21st anniversary as Manhattan’s only open-air pow wow. The all-day event features Native American crafts, storytelling, and traditional food and dance. Visit the website here.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Central Park
Central Park
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
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! Visit the website here.
Pride Concerts at Brookfield Place
Financial District
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 4-Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Celebrate love and self-expression with live music and DJ sets at Portside on the Brookfield Place waterfront. Lunchtime DJ sets also celebrate Filipino culture in connection with Risa Puno’s art installation, Common Picnic: Halo-Halo Edition. Visit the website here.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Van Cortlandt Park
Riverdale, the Bronx
Thursday, June 5, 2025
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! Visit the website here.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Prospect Park
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, June 6, 2025
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! Visit the website here.
Live Music, Free Ice Cream and Kids Activities on The East River Waterfront Esplanade
Upper East Side
Saturday, June 7, 2025
EsplanadeFriends hosts a free live music event on the East River waterfront. Enjoy live samba with Embola Carambola featuring Malaya Sol, plus samba Instruction by Luciana Da Silva. Enjoy free icees from Delicioso Coco Helado, plus craft activities for kids—all with a spectacular water view! Visit the website here.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Cunningham Park
Fresh Meadows, Queens
Saturday, June 7, 2025
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! Visit the website here.
New York Philharmonic Concerts In the Park: Indoor Concert on Staten Island
St. George, Staten Island
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The New York Philharmonic performs Britten's String Quartet No 1. Visit the website here.
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Jackie Robinson Park
Harlem
Monday, June 9, 2025
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 three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Visit the website here.
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Williamsbridge Oval
Norwood, the Bronx
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops in Williamsbridge Oval. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Visit the website here.
Music Storytime With LaFrae Sci at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Dummer LaFrae Sci reads Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills. Alongside the reading, Sci performs an interactive sonic storytime with electric music instruments, field recording, and samples. Visit the website here.
Trevor Turla in Battery Park City
Battery Park City
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Weaving the textured sounds of his trombone and soulful voice with sincere storytelling, Trevor Turla’s sound is inspired by an amalgamation of American music, from jazz, to rock, and beyond. Visit the website here.
Sing with Suzi in JJ Byrne Playground
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Thursdays through Thursday, June 12, 2025
An interactive, family-friendly concert series featuring award‑winning children’s performer Suzi Shelton and special guests, complete with giant bubbles, dancing, and sing‑alongs in the heart of Park Slope. Visit the website here.
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Stapleton Waterfront ParkStapleton Heights, Staten Island
Friday, June 13, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Stapleton Waterfront Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Visit the website here.
NYC KidsFest
Multiple Harlem Locations
Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 15, 2025
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! Visit the website here.
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
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 three of today’s most exciting young stars—soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, and baritone Benjamin Taylor, accompanied by Howard Watkins. Visit the website here.
Play Date Featuring Zing! in Riverside Park
Harlem
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Head to Riverside Park for an outdoor party featuring a children’s entertainer, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun. Visit the website here.
Summer for the City: Caribbean Day at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Lincoln Center honors the culture, creativity, and craft of our island neighbors. Stop by for a wide selection of programming across campus that starts in the early afternoon and goes all night, including a concert for families and all ages that features steel-pan performance; a Caribbean Masquerade mask-making workshop; a pop-up market; and a culminating concert party at Damrosch Park. Visit the website here.
Lettuce and Styles P at the Coney Island Amphitheater
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
An American funk jam band formed in the early ‘90s by teenagers at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Lettuce draws its name from its members’ pleas to local clubs for gigs (“Let us play”). Visit the website here.
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Socrates Sculpture Park
Long Island City, Queens
Sunday, June 15, 2025
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 three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Visit the website here.
Lavender Blues' FREE Summer Concert at the 96th Street Library
Upper East Side
Monday, June 16, 2025
A hip-hop concert for families features interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies! Visit the website here.
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Central Park
Central Park
Monday, June 16, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Oh Sankofa: Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Thursday, June 19, 2025
The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration at Lincoln Center draws inspiration from the rich traditions of African and African-American folklore, exploring themes of cultural identity, societal norms, and significant historical events through the lens of African folklore. Visit the website here.
Swedish Midsummer Festival in Rockefeller Park
Battery Park City
Friday, June 20, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Make Music New York
Citywide
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Mumu Fresh at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Maimouna Youssef, aka “Mumu Fresh,” is a multifaceted artist whose influences range from jazz, gospel, and traditional African and Indigenous music to Hip-Hop, soul, rock, and experimental acapella fusion. Visit the website here.
Porch Stomp on Governors Island
Governors Island
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
2025 Independence Day Celebration in Astoria Park
Astoria, Queens
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Jazz and Swing Band, Fleur Seule, plays a concert of standards and classic swing, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Visit the website here.
Pride Celebration with The Bad Judies in Hudson River Park
Greenwich Village
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Bad Judies and Papi Juice perform on Pier 46, mashing up classic hits and more. Visit the website here.
GorillaFest at the Coney Island Amphitheater
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Coney Island’s own Gorilla NEMS assembles an impressive cast of talented music makers to represent New York City hip-hop to the fullest during this musical fest near the sea. Visit the website here.
Locomotive Lawn Live in Riverside Park
Upper West Side
Thursdays through Thursday, June 26, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Community Field Day in Rockefeller Park
Battery Park City
Friday, June 27, 2025
School’s out for the summer! Families are invited to join a paydate with Divinity Roxx and Friends in Rockefeller Park. Take part in field games, activities with local organizations, and a tug-of-war. Plus, enjoy face-painting, water play, and so much more! Visit the website here.
Sunset Singing Circle Featuring Terre Roche
Battery Park City
Fridays through Friday, June 27, 2025
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads a weekly singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun in NY Harbor. Visit the website here.
Summer for the City: 1,2,3, Let's Go with Missy D at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Missy D, a hip-hop, rap, soul, and bilingual artist based in Vancouver, performs, backed by a dynamic hip-hop band. Visit the website here.
New York Sings Yiddish in Central Park
Central Park
Monday, June 30, 2025
Central Park once again plays host to a celebration of Jewish heritage, featuring a wide range of talent and a massive sing-along. Visit the website here.
Family-Friendly Free Concerts in NYC in July 2025
Children’s Performance Series in Riverside Park
Upper West Side
Thursdays from Thursday, July 3-Thursday, July 24, 2025
Enjoy music, storytelling, and theater performances at Pier 1 all July long during this free Summer on the Hudson Performance series. Programming is geared toward ages 7 and younger. Stroller parking is provided nearby. Visit the website here.
Music Storytime at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Award-winning singer-songwriter Suzi Shelton and accomplished musician Christopher Johnson perform songs from Shelton’s beloved Cinnamon Bear coloring book. Visit the website here.
Lavender Blues' Concert at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
Midtown East
Thursday, July 10, 2025
This hip-hop concert for families features the interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies of Lavender Blues! Visit the website here.
2025 Waterfront Concerts in Astoria Park
Astoria, Queens
Thursdays from Thursday, July 10-Thursday, July 31, 2025
Spread a blanket out on the great lawn, crack open a picnic dinner, and bask in Astoria's summer concert series. Visit the website here.
River & Blues Concerts in Rockefeller Park
Battery Park City
Thursdays from Thursday, July 10-Thursday, July 31, 2025
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. Visit the website here.
Family Day at Perelman Performing Arts Center
Financial District
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Perelman Performing Arts Center NYC brings together families and artists for a day-long takeover of its indoor and outdoor spaces. Enjoy workshops, performances, interactive creation stations, dance battles, live music, and more. Visit the website here.
Summer for the City: Shanghai Day at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Lincoln Center spotlights the rich creative history of one of the most populous cities in China with a campus-spanning Shanghai Day! The genre-spanning celebration includes a high-energy music carnival with street dancing, a sizzling jazz concert featuring virtuoso trumpeter Li Xiaochuan, and a silent disco party with DJs. Audiences can also enjoy a musical theater show that explores the faces of the Chinese zodiac, and a participatory crafts market. Visit the website here.
Summer Music Festivals and Free Concerts in NYC in August 2025
Music Storytime with Easy AD at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Martha Diaz, executive director of the Hip-Hop Education Center, presents a hip-hop-themed storytime led by Easy AD from the hip-hop group Cold Crush Brothers. Easy AD reads a children’s book from the I Am Hip Hop series, which illustrates hip-hop culture. Visit the website here.
Lavender Blues Concert at the Countee Cullen Library
Harlem
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
This hip-hop concert for families features an interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies of Lavender Blues! Visit the website here.
Family Concert: A String Quartet at Play at Geffen Hall
Upper West Side
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Brooklyn Rider and Mexican-born jazz singer Magos Herrera take audiences of all ages on a multi-sensory, participatory journey inside the world of a string quartet, with music that celebrates the Latin American songbook. Visit the website here.
Summer for the City: Ruidosa Fest at Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The first fully women-led music festival in Latin America returns to Summer for the City for the second year in a row, with individual live concert sets from an internationally sourced, all-women lineup of pan-Latin powerhouses. Visit the website here.
Hudson River Park's Blues Barbecue at Pier 76
Midtown West
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The 25th annual Hudson River Park Blues Barbecue Festival returns to Pier 76 for a day filled with smoky goodness and great music. Pit powerhouses like Blue Smoke, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Jase’s BBQ, Kimchi Smoke, and Big Papa Smokem fire up their smokers while you take in live blues and roots performances. Visit the website here.
Funk Flex Birthday Park at the Coney Island Amphitheater
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Hip-hop institution, Funk Flex, a radio and club mainstay who’s helped break some of New York’s biggest artists and biggest hits, hosts his birthday party on Coney Island with a coterie of throwback R&B artists from the ‘90s. Visit the website here.
Lavender Blues at Bloomingdale Library
West Harlem
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
This hip-hop concert for families features interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies! Visit the website here.
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