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, so this list is guaranteed 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 Sounds at Sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bryant Park's Picnic Performances, SummerStage, and BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn 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.
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Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals in NYC All Summer Long
Select dates from Friday, May 30-Friday, September 12, 2025
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
Sundays from Sunday, June 1-Sunday, October 26, 2025
Community jazz concerts feature an array of local musicians and vocalists. Read More
Select dates from Saturday, June 7-Saturday, August 16, 2025
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
Tuesdays from Tuesday, June 10-Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. Read More
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 11-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Celebrate all things jazz with music by local legends, combining smooth tunes with beautiful Hudson River Park evenings. Read More
Thursdays from Thursday, June 12-Thursday, July 31, 2025
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
Fridays from Friday, June 13-Friday, August 8, 2025
Some of NYC’s finest musical talents share their vision of the present and future in music. Bring a blanket and a picnic Read More
Select dates from Saturday, June 14-Saturday, August 16, 2025
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts all-ages summer dance parties in the park. Read More
Select dates from Saturday, June 14-Tuesday, September 16, 2025
The City Parks Foundation's SummerStage returns in 2025 with tons of free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. Read More
Saturdays from Saturday, June 21-Saturday, August 9, 2025
Riverside Tennis Association hosts a weekly waterfront concert series. Read More
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 25-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
This free eight-week series showcases rising artists across a variety of genres, bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable performances to the Public Square and Gardens. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or take advantage of the glorious concession stands. Read More
Mondays from Monday, July 7-Monday, August 11, 2025
When Broadway’s dark, the waterfront is alive! Mondays in July and early August, stop by Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove to see the greats perform. Read More
Wednesdays from Wednesday, July 23-Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Hippo Playground Summer Concert Series provides free kid-friendly jam sessions on select Wednesdays in July and August. Bring a blanket and some snacks! Read More
Tuesdays from Tuesday, July 29-Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Boardwalk Blues brings together blues and roots musicians from around the region to perform on Hudson River Park’s Pier 97. Read More
Select Saturdays through Saturday, October 18, 2025
Mozart for Munchkins puts on free Saturday 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
Mondays through Monday, October 27, 2025
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy interactive music-making, storytelling, and more entertainment at these weekly sessions in Teardrop Park. Read More
Free Concerts and Summer Music Festivals in NYC in June 2025
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Holy Guacamole! Brooklyn’s award-winning titans of kindie music celebrate the release of the band’s 12th album, On the Stoop, with a hometown show. Read More
Sunday, June 1, 2025
This annual event marks its 21st anniversary as Manhattan’s only open-air pow wow. The all-day event features Native American crafts, storytelling, and traditional food and dance. Read More
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks have become an iconic New York summer experience since they began in 1965, 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
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 4-Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Celebrate love and self-expression with live music and DJ sets at Portside on the Brookfield Place waterfront. Lunchtime DJ sets also celebrate Filipino culture in connection with Risa Puno’s art installation, Common Picnic: Halo-Halo Edition. Read More
Thursday, June 5, 2025
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
Friday, June 6, 2025
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
Saturday, June 7, 2025
EsplanadeFriends hosts a free live music event on the East River waterfront. Enjoy live samba with Embola Carambola featuring Malaya Sol, plus samba instruction by Luciana Da Silva. Enjoy free icees from Delicioso Coco Helado, plus craft activities for kids—all with a spectacular water view! Read More
Saturday, June 7, 2025
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
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The New York Philharmonic performs Britten's String Quartet No 1. Read More
Monday, June 9, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Jackie Robinson Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Read More
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops in Williamsbridge Oval. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Read More
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Dummer LaFrae Sci reads Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills. Alongside the reading, Sci performs an interactive sonic storytime with electric music instruments, field recording, and samples. Read More
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Weaving the textured sounds of his trombone and soulful voice with sincere storytelling, Trevor Turla’s sound is inspired by an amalgamation of American music, from jazz, to rock, and beyond. Read More
Thursdays through Thursday, June 12, 2025
Enjoy an interactive, family-friendly concert series featuring award‑winning children’s performer Suzi Shelton and special guests staged in this beloved park. The entertainment includes giant bubbles, dancing, and sing‑alongs in the heart of Park Slope. Read More
Friday, June 13, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Stapleton Waterfront Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Read More
Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 15, 2025
NYC KidsFest brings performances from some of New York City’s most innovative and talented artists into public spaces for all to enjoy. Catch sets by Divi Roxx and Ray de Jesus and enjoy face painting, balloon animals, science fun, and storytelling! Read More
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Brooklyn Bridge Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, and baritone Benjamin Taylor, accompanied by Howard Watkins. Read More
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Head to Riverside Park for an outdoor party featuring a children’s entertainer, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun. Read More
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Lincoln Center honors the culture, creativity, and craft of our island neighbors. Stop by for a wide selection of programming across campus that starts in the early afternoon and goes all night Read More
Saturday, June 14, 2025
An American funk jam band formed in the early ‘90s by teenagers at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Lettuce draws its name from its members’ pleas to local clubs for gigs (“Let us play”). Read More
Sunday, June 15, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Socrates Sculpture Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. Read More
Monday, June 16, 2025
A hip-hop concert for families features interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies! Read More
Monday, June 16, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Rumsey Playfield. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, and baritone Benjamin Taylor, accompanied by Howard Watkins. Read More
Thursday, June 19, 2025
The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration at Lincoln Center draws inspiration from the rich traditions of African and African-American folklore, exploring themes of cultural identity, societal norms, and significant historical events through the lens of African folklore. Read More
Friday, June 20, 2025
Rockefeller Park is the setting for a unique celebration of the summer solstice. Learn traditional Swedish folk dances and join in a lively dance around the midsummer pole. Read More
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Maimouna Youssef, aka “Mumu Fresh,” is a multifaceted artist whose influences range from jazz, gospel, and traditional African and Indigenous music to hip-hop, soul, rock, and experimental acapella fusion. Read More
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The jazz and swing band, Fleur Seule, plays a concert of standards and classic swing, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Read More
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Bad Judies and Papi Juice perform on Pier 46, mashing up classic hits and more. Read More
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Coney Island’s own Gorilla NEMS assembles an impressive cast of talented music makers to represent New York City hip-hop to the fullest during this musical fest near the sea. Read More
Thursdays through Thursday, June 26, 2025
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
Friday, June 27, 2025
School’s out for the summer! Families are invited to join a paydate with Divinity Roxx and Friends in Rockefeller Park. Take part in field games, activities with local organizations, and a tug-of-war. Plus, enjoy face-painting, water play, and so much more! Read More
Fridays through Friday, June 27, 2025
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads a weekly singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun in NY Harbor. Read More
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Missy D, a hip-hop, rap, soul, and bilingual artist based in Vancouver, performs, backed by a dynamic hip-hop band. Read More
Monday, June 30, 2025
Central Park once again plays host to a celebration of Jewish heritage, featuring a wide range of talent and a massive sing-along. Read More
Family-Friendly Free Concerts in NYC in July 2025
Thursdays from Thursday, July 3-Thursday, July 24, 2025
Enjoy music, storytelling, and theater performances at Pier 1 all July long during this free Summer on the Hudson Performance series. Programming is geared toward ages 7 and younger. Stroller parking is provided nearby. Read More
Tuesdays, July 8-29, 2025 (No concert July 22)
Free, live music returns to Cobble Hill Park, a summer tradition for neighbors of all ages. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Read More
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Award-winning singer-songwriter Suzi Shelton and accomplished musician Christopher Johnson perform songs from Shelton’s beloved Cinnamon Bear coloring book. Read More
Thursday, July 10, 2025
This hip-hop concert for families features the interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies of Lavender Blues! Read More
Thursdays from Thursday, July 10-Thursday, July 31, 2025
Spread a blanket out on the great lawn, crack open a picnic dinner, and bask in Astoria's summer concert series. Read More
Thursdays from Thursday, July 10-Thursday, July 31, 2025
The River & Blues Concert Series is a beloved annual tradition in Battery Park. Enjoy incredible musical talent framed by summer sunsets on the Hudson. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Read More
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Perelman Performing Arts Center NYC brings together families and artists for a day-long takeover of its indoor and outdoor spaces. Enjoy workshops, performances, interactive creation stations, dance battles, live music, and more. Read More
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Lincoln Center spotlights the rich creative history of one of the most populous cities in China with a campus-wide Shanghai Day! Read More
Summer Music Festivals and Free Concerts in NYC in August 2025
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Martha Diaz, executive director of the Hip-Hop Education Center, presents a hip-hop-themed storytime led by Easy AD from the hip-hop group Cold Crush Brothers. Easy AD reads a children’s book from the I Am Hip Hop series, which illustrates hip-hop culture. Read More
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
This hip-hop concert for families features an interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies of Lavender Blues! Read More
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Brooklyn Rider and Mexican-born jazz singer Magos Herrera take audiences of all ages on a multi-sensory, participatory journey inside the world of a string quartet, with music that celebrates the Latin American songbook. Read More
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The first fully women-led music festival in Latin America returns to Summer for the City for the second year in a row, with individual live concert sets from an internationally sourced, all-women lineup of pan-Latin powerhouses. Read More
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The 25th annual Hudson River Park Blues Barbecue Festival returns to Pier 76 for a day filled with smoky goodness and great music. Pit powerhouses like Bark BBQ, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Jase’s BBQ, Kimchi Smoke, and Tikkun BBQ fire up their smokers while you take in live blues and roots performances. Read More
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Hip-hop institution, Funk Flex, a radio and club mainstay who’s helped break some of New York’s biggest artists and biggest hits, hosts his birthday party on Coney Island with a coterie of throwback R&B artists from the ‘90s. Read More
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
This hip-hop concert for families features interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies! Read More