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Free NYC Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Lincoln Center’s Family Programming takes center stage at Summer for the City. Photo by Mari Uchida
Lincoln Center’s Family Programming takes center stage at Summer for the City. Photo by Mari Uchida
6/12/23 - By Drew Kristofik

Free concerts and music festivals are a summer staple in NYC, and there are always loads of great performances to enjoy. We've rounded up all the best free concerts in New York City this June, July, and August, which are sure to keep the kids grooving all summer long.

There are summer concerts in the parks, playgrounds, piers, and plazas from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens, so scroll, click, and set reminders so you don't miss your favorites. Beloved annual summer concert series, like Summer on the Hudson Play Dates, Lincoln Center's Musical Storytimes, Summerstage, BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn, and the Hudson River Park's Blues Barbecue are all on the schedule, and we have a little something for the whole gamut of musical tastes, from jazz to rock, opera, folk, hip-hop, and classical.

Of course, you should bookmark our Family Activity Calendar and Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more family-friendly entertainment all summer long, and you'll find loads of no-cost fun on our list of 100 FREE things to do in NYC this summer with kids.

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Summer in the Square features engaging children’s programming, family-friendly movie nights, and more! Photo courtesy of Union Square Partnership
Summer in the Square features engaging children’s programming, family-friendly movie nights, and more! Photo courtesy of Union Square Partnership

Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals in NYC All Summer Long

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Central Park
Tuesdays from Tuesday, June 13-Tuesday, August 1
Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. READ MORE

Live at the Gantries Concert Series

Long Island City, Queens
Tuesdays, July 11-August 15
Concerts at the Gantries provide free outdoor summer entertainment featuring Queens-based musicians of diverse backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the borough through different genres of music.  READ MORE

Summer for the City: Musical Story Time at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 14-Wednesday, August 9
Lincoln Center celebrates Summer in the City with a free storytelling program in Damrosch Park. Curated by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, each story time event focuses on narratives perfect for all ages. READ MORE

Live at the Archway 2023

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 14-Wednesday, July 26
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.  READ MORE

Summer Concerts at the Wells Fargo Stage

Midtown West
Select Wednesdays through Wednesday, August 2
The Bowery Presents hosts a new series of live outdoor concerts in the Public Square and Gardens. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or take advantage of the glorious concession stands. READ MORE

Summer in the Square: Kids

Union Square
Thursdays from Thursday, June 15-Thursday, August 3
The Union Square Partnership’s Summer in the Square returns this year with more family fun than ever, including arts and crafts, musical performances, interactive story times, big yard games, and a bubble garden. READ MORE

3rd Annual Summer Music Series

Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Thursdays, June 22- July 27
Enjoy a series of concerts on the North Brooklyn waterfront, showcasing local musicians playing a wide variety of musical genres, including jazz, Latin, and traditional folk. READ MORE

Forest Park Summer Concert Series

Forest Park, Queens
Thursdays, July 6 - August 17
Bring a blanket and a picnic and settle back to hear tributes to some of the world's most iconic Broadway shows, musicians, and bands. READ MORE

Summer Fridays

Brooklyn Bridge Park
First Fridays through Friday, August 4
Every first Friday in the summer, performance and community hub Friends And Lovers activates the Greenway Terrace with a curated presentation of live music and chill vibes. READ MORE

Sunset on the Hudson

Greenwich Village
Fridays through Friday, August 25
Start the weekend with musical entertainment on the waterfront! Bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson Play Dates

Harlem
Second Saturdays through Saturday, August 12
Head to West Harlem Piers Park for a fun family-friendly event featuring a children’s entertainer, grab-and-go arts and crafts kits, and neighborhood fun! Each month brings a new performance. READ MORE

BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Select dates through Thursday, August 24
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! READ MORE

Bargemusic "Music in Motion" Family Concerts

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Select Saturdays through Saturday, August 26
Walk across the gangplank of the renovated coffee barge for a one-hour, family-friendly concert, including a Q&A session with the musicians. READ MORE

Picnic Performances in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Select dates through Thursday, September 14
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). READ MORE

City Park's SummerStage

Central Park–Mostly FREE
Select dates through Thursday, September 14
City Parks Foundation SummerStage returns in 2023 with free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. READ MORE

Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Third Saturdays through Saturday, September 23
Mozart for Munchkins puts on free Saturday morning 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. READ MORE

Live at Culture Lab's Free Outdoor Concerts

Long Island City, Queens
Select dates through Sunday, October 29
Culture Lab hosts a series of free outdoor concerts all summer long. Community members are invited to discover new sounds and bask in good vibrations. READ MORE
The Queens International Children’s Festival is a mixture of indoor and outdoor performances and educational activities. Photo courtesy of the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
The Queens International Children’s Festival is a mixture of indoor and outdoor performances and educational activities. Photo courtesy of the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

Free Concerts and Summer Music Festivals in NYC in June 2023

Queens Rising: A Celebration of Arts & Culture

Multiple Queens Locations
Various dates through Saturday, June 24
Queens Rising NYC is an independent, month-long initiative celebrating the borough’s diverse arts, culinary, and creative communities, bringing together more than 100 programming partners to host, promote, and highlight a diverse roster of events and activities. READ MORE

Concert in the Playground Series

Tribeca
Tuesday, June 13 and Tuesday, June 20
Enjoy live music from Washington Market Park’s gazebo! The audience takes over the park lawn for dancing and picnicking, listening to music that both kids and adults enjoy. Bring a blanket, snacks, and dancing shoes! READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts In the Park: Van Cortlandt Park

Riverdale, the Bronx
Tuesday, June 13
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! READ MORE

Miller Theater Pop-Up Concert: Longleash

Morningside Heights
Tuesday, June 13
Free and fun Pop-Up Concerts provide the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with today’s most exciting new music. Sit onstage and mingle with the musicians and fellow concertgoers after the show. READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Central Park

Central Park
Wednesday, June 14
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! READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Cunningham Park

Fresh Meadows, Queens
Thursday, June 15
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return after two years, 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! READ MORE

Feel the World Dancing! Young People's Chorus of New York

Upper West Side
Thursday, June 15
Over 1,000 singers from the Young People's Chorus of New York City's Schools Program raise their voices in song to celebrate our great city and the world around us. READ MORE

Rite of Summer: Jazz WaHi Com­posers Sex­tet

Governors Island
Friday, June 16
Rite of Summer, now in its 12th season on Governors Island, is a classical contemporary music festival that takes place over three weekends spread across the summer months. The festival features many of NYC’s most engaging and innovative artists and ensembles.  READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, June 16
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! READ MORE

Porch Stomp

Governors Island
Saturday, June 17
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. READ MORE

Summer for the City: Shamarr Allen

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 17
Shamarr Allen performs a kid-friendly concert with influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk, blues, and country. Arrive early for a hands-on, creative family workshop led by Lincoln Center's teaching artists.  READ MORE

Make Music New York

Citywide
Wednesday, June 21
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. READ MORE

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Attacca Quartet

Riverdale, the Bronx
Thursday, June 22
Wave Hill welcomes the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet for a free concert on the Great Lawn. Bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Friday, June 23
The Met’s free concert series in New York City parks returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park with an evening of favorite arias and duets.  READ MORE

Así Soy: The Los Angeles Rainbow Mariachi

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 24
Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, the world's first LGBTQIA+ mariachi group, presents the sounds of Mexico through the queer Mexican-American lens. READ MORE

Brooklyn Americana Music Festival

Brooklyn Bridge Park–Mostly FREE
Friday, June 23-Sunday, June 25
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. READ MORE

Queens International Children's Festival

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, June 24-Sunday, June 25
The Queens International Children's Festival returns with free entertainment and activities for the entire family. High-quality arts performances and craft activities, live music and dance performances, a magic show, and more await. READ MORE

Steel Pan Day in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 25
Celebrate National Caribbean-American Heritage Month at a concert featuring the only instrument invented in the 20th century. This concert features live performances by Hearts of Steel, alongside steel pan musicians from Little Caribbean and beyond. READ MORE

Miller Theater Pop-Up Concert: Piano + 1

Morningside Heights
Tuesday, June 27
These free and fun pop-up concerts provide the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with today’s most exciting new music. Sit onstage and mingle with the musicians and fellow concertgoers after the show. READ MORE

Metropolitan Opera Summer Stage

Long Island City, Queens
Wednesday, June 28
Bring a blanket and a picnic and swoon to some of opera's most iconic music under a summer evening sky.  READ MORE

Lalo-palooza in the Park

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Thursdays through June 29
Tap your toes at Lalo-palooza, a free outdoor music series where families can groove to tunes from award-winning children's performer Suzi Shelton and participate in fun, kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Locomotive Lawn Live

Upper West Side
Thursdays through Thursday, June 29
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. READ MORE
The popular Big Umbrella Festival takes over the Lincoln Center campus for one day only on Saturday, July 1. Photo by John Altdorfer
The popular Big Umbrella Festival takes over the Lincoln Center campus for one day only on Saturday, July 1. Photo by John Altdorfer

Family-Friendly Free Concerts in NYC in July 2023

Big Umbrella Festival

Upper West Side
Saturday, July 1
The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free one-day campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences, performances, installations, and workshops specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences and their families. READ MORE

Gather Round: Celebrating Street Dance and 50 Years of Hip-Hop

Midtown West
Wednesdays from Wednesday, July 5-Wednesday, July 26
Celebrate street dance and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with performances by different artistic groups highlighting beatboxing, breaking, flexn, krumping, live bands, DJ sets, and MCs. READ MORE

Taikoza

Washington Heights
Thursday, July 6
Using the thunderous rhythms of the ancestral Taiko drums and the magical sounds of the bamboo flutes, Taikoza brings big drums, powerful rhythms, and electrifying, room-thumping energy to create a highly visual performance. READ MORE

Taikoza

Lower East Side
Monday, July 10
Using the thunderous rhythms of the ancestral Taiko drums and the magical sounds of the bamboo flutes, Taikoza brings big drums, powerful rhythms, and electrifying, room-thumping energy to create a highly visual performance. READ MORE

Summer Fam Jam

Union Square/Gramercy
Wednesdays, July 12-26
Bring the whole family together for some fun tunes performed by very family-friendly bands. READ MORE

In Harmony

Upper West Side
Saturday, July 15
Students from music schools across the boroughs perform an interactive performance in the new David Geffen Hall. Arrive early for a hands-on, creative pre-show family workshop led by Lincoln Center's teaching artists.  READ MORE

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Aeolus Quartet

Union Square/Gramercy
Wednesday, July 19
The award-winning ensemble places new and lesser-known works side by side with the time-honored masterworks of the medium. READ MORE

Rite of Summer: Dublin Guitar Quintet

Governors Island
Saturday, July 22
Rite of Summer, now in its 12th season on Governors Island, is a classical contemporary music festival that takes place over three weekends spread across the summer months. The festival features many of NYC’s most engaging and innovative artists and ensembles.  READ MORE

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Aizuri Quartet

Union Square/Gramercy
Wednesday, July 26
Spread out on the Oval lawn for a free performance by the Grammy- and internationally award–winning Aizuri Quartet./p> READ MORE

Élage Diouf

Upper West Side
Saturday, July 29
Senegalese-born master percussionist, author, composer, and performer Élage Diouf shares his unique hybrid of pop, world, blues, folk, and asiko. READ MORE

Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York Presents Guelaguetza 2023

Long Island City, Queens
Sunday, July 30
Immerse yourself in one of the most vivid expressions of Mexican culture as the 11th annual Guelaguetza Festival New York City returns to Socrates Sculpture Park. READ MORE

Summer Music Festivals and Free Concerts in NYC in August 2023

Hegazy

Upper West Side
Saturday, August 5
Hegazy, a New York-based duo featuring Egyptian-Italian singer-songwriters and twin sisters Leila and Omnia Hegazy, come to David Geffen Hall for a family-friendly concert. READ MORE

The Art of the Cypher

Upper West Side
Saturday, August 12
Dr. Chris Emdin, founder of #HipHopEd, hosts a rap Cypher and hip-hop celebration featuring some of our city’s talented teen rappers selected especially for their exceptional rap prowess. READ MORE

Hudson River Park's Blues Barbecue

Hudson Yards
Saturday, August 19
The 23rd annual Hudson River Park Blues Barbecue Festival returns to Hudson River Park's Pier 76 for a day filled with smoky goodness and great music. Local 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. READ MORE

Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongues

Harlem
Sunday, August 20
A celebration of 50 years of hip-hop features the Native Tongues, Monie Love, Chi Ali, and Dres from Black Sheep. NYC radio mainstay DJ Red Alert is on the 1s and 2s and Ralph McDaniels, the NYC institution and host of the long-running public television show “Video Music Box,” hosts. READ MORE

Rite of Summer: PUBLI­Quar­tet

Governors Island
Friday, August 25
Rite of Summer, now in its 12th season on Governors Island, is a classical contemporary music festival that takes place over three weekends spread across the summer months. The festival features many of NYC’s most engaging and innovative artists and ensembles.  READ MORE

Charlie Parker Jazz Fest

Harlem
Friday, August 15-Saturday, August 26
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the late saxophonist, returns for its 31st year with a three-day celebration of live jazz in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived. READ MORE

Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford

East Village
Sunday, August 27
Introduce the kids to a group of all-star musicians, led by alto saxophonist and bandleader Charles McPherson, who famously performed with Charles Mingus in the ‘60s. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Central Park - Naumburg Bandshell
Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens
Bushwick Inlet Park - Soccer Fields
George Seuffert Bandshell
Various locations in Queens
Miller Theater at Columbia University
Multiple locations in Brooklyn
Jamaica Performing Arts Center
Miller Theater at Columbia University
Old Stone House at JJ Byrne Playground
Hudson River Park - Pier 76

About the Author

Drew Kristofik

Drew Kristofik's early career editing teen magazines somehow morphed into a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a very long sojourn at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick online and then Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com local. She was a founding member of the WebbyAward winning GoCityKids, has written for Family Fun Magazine, Vanity Fair, and New York, and her novel for middle schoolers, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. She strives to keep the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar packed and accurate, and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
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