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Each year, SummerStage is one of the most anticipated free events of the summer, bringing dozens of free, outdoor concerts across different parks to sun-starved New Yorkers from June through October.
To celebrate its 39th year, the festival is focusing on diversity and will showcase a mix of established and emerging artists and DJs playing an array of genres that include jazz, hip-hop, indie-rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about SummerStage’s 2025 festival, including the full lineup.
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Where will SummerStage be?
This year’s SummerFest will happen across a variety of parks, including Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, St. Mary’s Park and Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park on Staten Island and, of course, SummerStage’s flagship venue, Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
What’s the theme this year?
This year’s lineup focuses on diversity, women performers and artists from around the world.
When does the season start?
The 2025 season will open on Wednesday, June 4, in Central Park with a free show showcasing the best of New Orleans jazz with headliner Marcus Miller. On June 14, The Aussie BBQ is bringing Australian hip-hop duo Flewnt and Inkabee, indie-pop artist Gordi, singer-songwriter Grace Cummings, electronic music duo PINES and garage rock trio The Grogans.
The annual Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) will come back to Central Park for two performances—one on July 9 with Colombian singer Morat and the band Planta Industrial. On July 12, LAMC will close with Latin GRAMMY award winning artist Camilo.
Then, on July 10, icon and bounce queen Big Freedia will perform at Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy for peak summer party vibes.
Here are some of the highlights from the just-released lineup:
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Janai Brugger / Jack Swanson / Benjamin Taylor with pianist Howard Watkins
June 16, at 7pm
Janai Brugger / Jack Swanson / Benjamin Taylor with pianist Howard Watkins
Central Park (Free)
Juneteenth with Noname / Ravyn Lenar / Fana Hues
June 18 at 5pm
Central Park
Dreamland Pride: Headlining DJ TBA / Anne
June 29 at 6pm
Louise / HAYLA
Central Park
Kes
July 5 & 6 at 6pm
Central Park
Hip-Hop Appreciation Park Jam and Barbecue Curated by Doug E. Fresh and Funk Flex
August 1 at 6pm
Crotona Park (Free)
Taiwanese Waves: Bulareyaung Dance Company / ABAO + Nanguaq Girls / Enno Cheng
August 3 at 5pm
Central Park (Free)
Tony Vega / La Excelencia / Ariacne Trujilo
August 8 at 6pm
Coney Island Amphitheater (Free)
Blacktronica Festival: Black Quantum Futurism featuring Moor Mother and Rasheedah Phillips / Vijay Iyer, Shana Redmond and LaFrae Sci / Joy Guidry & Niecy Blues / Sonic Messengers / King Britt
August 17 at 7pm
Marcus Garvey Park (Free)
Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues in partnership with Park Avenue Artists
August 27 at 7pm
Central Park (Free)
You can get the full lineup, updates on concerts and get tickets to SummerStage's events on the website.