The summer season is approaching fast, and in New York, that means the return of some incredible outdoor events, including one of our favorites: the Bryant Park Picnic Performances!
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances 2025 line-up has just been announced. With more than 20 free concerts ranging from opera to jazz and more, the 2025 lineup will be a perfect way to spend a beautiful NY summer afternoon. Read on for all of the most important details about this free series 👇
My tip: check out the full list of artists and all parks featured at Free Concerts in the Parks here. And in addition to the free concerts, there are plenty of free movie viewings – you can find out more in my guide to Free Summer Movies in New York. Bryant Park is part of the action, too!
What to expect at the Bryant Park Picnic Performances?
Set in the iconic midtown park, the Bryant Park Picnic Performances bring live and in-person music, dance, and theater events to a gorgeous outdoor setting.
These performances are an accessible way to experience some of the professional-quality artistic offerings of the city. From collaborations with the American Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Hall to the New York City Opera and Contemporary Dance, the Bryant Park Picnic Performances are a creative and inclusive event for attendees of all agents.
Since this takes place at the park, it’s worth noting there is ample space for attendees, as well as free blankets for audience members who’d like to get comfortable on the grass.
When do the Bryant Park Picnic Performances take place?
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the free concerts start in New York. You can attend them on the lawn behind the New York Public Library until mid-September.
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
Concerts, performances, and dates 2025
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for May
- Mai 30 – 7 p.m.: Electric Root: The Sound of (Black) Music
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for June
June kicks things off with a total of nine different events. For more great events, check out my list of the best events in June in New York.
- June 5 – 7 p.m.: Contemporary dance: Limón Dance Company, EMERGE125, KAŌS Dance Collective
- June 6 – 7 p.m.: Contemporary dance: Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Gibney Company, and SYREN Modern Dance
- June 13 – 7 p.m.: Contemporary dance: Doug Varone and Dancers + Kyle Marshall Choreography
- June 14 – 7 p.m.: Jazzmobile: The Jimmy Heath Big Band
- June 20 – 7 p.m.: Emerging Music Festival, Day One
- June 21 – 6 p.m.: Emerging Music Festival, Day Two
- June 26 – 7 p.m.: New York City Opera: Opera Goes to Hollywood
- June 27 – 7 p.m.: New York City Opera: Opera Goes to Hollywood
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for July
In July you can expect four performances at Carnegie Hall Citywide. And you can find more than 40+ events in my article about July in New York.
- July 3 – 7 p.m.: New York Guitar Festival: Pedro Cortes Flamenco, Big Lazy, Marel Hidalgo
- July 4 – 7 p.m.: New York Guitar Festival: Louis Cato, Jackie Venson, Jontavious Willis
- July 11 – 7 p.m.: Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Knights with Julien Labro
- July 18 – 7 p.m.: Carnegie Hall Citywide: La Excelencia
- July 25 – 7 p.m.: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Cécile McLorin Salvant
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for August
There are seven different Bryant Park Picnic Performances in August. And in my article you’ll find over 50 of the best events for August in NYC.
- August 1 – 7 p.m.: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band
- August 8 – 7 p.m.: Carnegie Hall Citywide: Dez Duron
- August 15 – 7 p.m.: World Music Institute: Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East + Gamelan Dharma Swara
- August 16 – 7 p.m.: New York City Circus Festival
- August 22 – 7 p.m.: Belongó: Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
- August 29 – 7 p.m.: Accordions Around the World: Livia Mattos and more
- August 30 – 7 p.m.: The Town Hall: New York Loves Sly! With Steven Bernstein
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for September
And also in September you can still visit these events for free!
- September 4 – 7 p.m.: New York City Opera: Carmen
- September 5 – 7 p.m.: New York City Opera: Carmen
- September 12 – 7 p.m.: American Symphony Orchestra: New York Profiles
Related Events
If none of these dates work for you, check out these free summer concerts: