Here are all the free concerts you can catch at Bryant Park this summer

New York City's musical love language? Free summer concerts—some of the them across the city's most most incredible parks. Case in point: the annual Bryant Park Picnic Performances lineup presented by Bank of America.

This year, the shenanigans kick off on Friday, May 30, when illustrious institutions like the New York City Opera and Carnegie Hall Citywide will put on a wide range of 25 free performances, 15 of which will be livestreamed as well (just in case you can't make it to them all).  

“Picnic Performances highlights incredible talent and creates a space where the community can enjoy live music, dance and performances together,” said Connie Verducci, market executive at Bank of America New York City, in an official statement. “We look forward to sharing another unforgettable summer of art and culture with New Yorkers and visitors alike in partnership with Bryant Park.”

RECOMMENDED: Here are all the free performances and events you can catch at Hudson River Park this spring and summer

2025 Bryant Park Picnic Performances summer lineup

ELECTRIC ROOT

Friday, May 30 (7 - 8:15pm): The Sound of (Black) Music                            

CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Thursday, June 5 (7 - 9pm): Limón Dance Company, EMERGE125, KAŌS Dance Collective

Friday, June 6 (7 - 9pm): Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Gibney Company, Syren Dance

Friday, June 13 (7 - 9pm): Doug Varone and Dancers and Kyle Marshall Choreography  

JAZZMOBILE 

Saturday June 14 (7 - 8:30pm): The Jimmy Heath Big Band with Music Director Antonio Hart

EMERGING MUSIC FESTIVAL

Friday, June 20 (7 - 10pm): Folk Night: Why Bonnie, Tasha, Marem Ladson

Saturday, June 21 (6 - 10pm): Disiniblud, additional artists TBA  

NEW YORK CITY OPERA

Thursday, June 26 at (7 - 8:15pm): Opera Goes to Hollywood

Friday, June 27 at (7 - 8:15pm): Opera Goes to Hollywood

Thursday, September 4 (7 - 9pm): Carmen

Friday, September 5 (7 - 9pm): Carmen

NEW YORK GUITAR FESTIVAL

Thursday, July 3 (7 - 9:30pm): Pedro Cortes Flamenco, Big Lazy, Marel Hidalgo

Friday, July 4 (7 - 9:30pm): | Louis Cato, Jackie Venson, Jontavious Willis  

CARNEGIE HALL CITYWIDE

Friday, July 11 (7 - 8:30pm): The Knights with Julian Labro

Friday July 18 (7 - 8:30pm): La Excelencia

Friday July 25 (7 - 8:30pm): Cécile McLorin Salvant

Friday August 1 (7 - 8:30pm): Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band

Friday August 8 (7 - 8:30pm): Dez Duron

WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE 

Friday August 15 (7 - 9pm): Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East + Gamelan Dharma Swara  

NEW YORK CITY CIRCUS FESTIVAL

Saturday August 16 (7 - 9:30pm): Sxip Shirey Sound Action Ensemble, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, ABCirque, Hybrid Movement Co., Dzul Dance, Company 29 and Minty Fresh Circus

BELONGÓ

Friday, August 22 (7 - 8:30pm): Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

ACCORDIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Friday, August 29 (7 - 10pm): featuring Livia Mattos from Brazil, among others

THE TOWN HALL

Saturday, August 30 (7pm - 8:30pm): New York Loves Sly! Feat. Steven Bernstein

AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Friday, September 12 (7 - 8:15pm): New York Profiles

As per usual, free seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early and bring your blanket to sit on. You may want to take some cash along, too, because the Hester Street Fair will be on deck with culinary offerings as well. You're always welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks as well. 

You can see more of the lineup at bryantpark.org. See you on the lawn!