The summer season is fast approaching, and that means the return of amazing outdoor events, including some of our favorite shows in New York: Bryant Park Picnic!
My tips: See a full list of all parks and artists featured in free concerts in the parks here. and furthermore At a free concert You can watch a lot of movies for free – Find out more in our guide to free summer movies in New York. Bryant Park is also part of the action!
What to expect from the Bryant Park Picnic performance?
Located in the iconic Midtown Park, Bryant Park Picnic Performances presents live music, dance and theater events in a stunning outdoor setting.
These performances are an accessible way to experience the city’s professional-quality art. From collaborations with the American Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Hall to the New York City Opera and contemporary dance, Bryant Park Picnic Performances are creative and inclusive events for attendees of all agents.
It’s worth noting that since the event takes place in a park, there’s plenty of space for attendees and complimentary blankets are also provided for spectators who want to relax comfortably on the grass.
When does the Bryant Park Picnic performance take place?
Free concerts begin in New York just in time for Memorial Day weekend. It can be viewed on the lawn behind the New York Public Library until mid-September.
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We’ve selected 50 of the best places, events, and activities that showcase the diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, I never get bored with this city. And with our recommendations, you too will have a really great time in New York and have plenty of time left for your next visit. If you haven’t planned a trip yet, peruse this list and you’ll get lost!
Concerts, performances and dates for 2026 are as follows:
May Bryant Park Picnic Performance Lineup
- 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
June Bryant Park Picnic Performance Lineup
June begins with a total of 9 different events. For more great events, check out our list of the best events in New York in June.
- Thursday, June 4, 2026, 7:00 PM – Contemporary Dance: Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Terk Lewis, White Wave Dance
- Friday, June 5, 2026, 7pm – 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, 7pm – World Music Institute: The World of Percussion Instruments Reimagined
- 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
July Bryant Park Picnic Performance Lineup
You can catch four performances at Carnegie Hall Citywide in July. 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 – Citywide Carnegie Hall: Aisha Jackson
- Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – Citywide Carnegie Hall: 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
August Bryant Park Picnic Performance Lineup
There are seven Bryant Park Picnic performances in August. In my article, you will find 50+ of the best August events in NYC.
- Friday, August 7, 2026, 7:00 PM – New York City Opera: Celebrating 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 – Chorus Festival
- Saturday, August 22, 2026, 6pm – Emerging Music Festival
- Friday, August 28, 2026, 7pm – Accordion Festival
- Saturday, August 29, 2026 5:00 PM – Parallel Exit: Sunset Circus
September Bryant Park Picnic Performance Lineup
And you can visit these events for free in September too!
- Thursday, September 3, 2026 7:00 PM – Asian American Arts Alliance: Grace Kelly, Ashni
- Friday, September 4, 2026, 7pm – Brass Festival
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – Dance Party All-Stars
- Friday, September 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – Memorial Concert: 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks
Related Events
If none of these dates are what you’re looking for, check out these free summer concerts:
