Summer Festivals in NYC: Your Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Fun

Summer in New York City bursts with countless events, making it the city’s most exhilarating and bustling season. From music festivals to open-air concerts there is always something happening. New York City turns into a vibrant playground of sounds and celebrations.

Many free and outdoor concerts, transform iconic locations like Randall’s Island, Central Park, and Governors Island into massive, lively parties drawing crowds from all over.

Navigating the plethora of summer activities in New York City can be an overwhelming task, but the excitement of discovering music festivals and summer concerts makes it worthwhile.

The city offers a rich array of free concerts throughout the season. While many of these events are announced closer to their dates, make sure you visit our site often as we will keep you updated with the latest happenings to ensure you do not miss any of the fun.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! [June 19 through August 17th]

Experience the essence of Brooklyn at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, New York City’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival held annually at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. This year, their theme “Raised By Brooklyn” celebrates the borough’s unique spirit, uniting diverse communities through music, dance, and laughter.

For 46 summers, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! has transformed the Lena Horne Bandshell into a vibrant tapestry of culture and sound. In 2024, they continue to amplify Brooklyn’s rich cultural mosaic, showcasing musical icons alongside local legends and emerging artists.

This gathering epitomizes the essence of community, where neighbors and generations come together to celebrate the collective spirit of being “Raised By Brooklyn.” Join in for an unforgettable celebration of our borough’s heritage and creativity.

Summer Festival in NYC: elrow XXL at The Brooklyn Mirage [July 20th]

The elrow XXL Summer Festival is NYC’s most eagerly awaited event, set for July 20th, 2024. This grand celebration of music, art, and immersive experiences will be held at The Brooklyn Mirage, an iconic outdoor venue renowned for its stunning skyline views and vibrant atmosphere.

Music Lineup: Expect a diverse mix of electronic dance music (EDM), house, techno, and more, with top DJs and artists from around the world delivering high-energy performances.

Themes and Decor: elrow events are known for their elaborate themes and interactive decor, transforming the venue into a different world with vibrant colors, oversized props, and unexpected surprises.

Costumes and Dress Code: Attendees are encouraged to dress creatively and embrace the theme, from glitter and neon to full-on costumes. Comfort is key, so wear shoes fit for dancing.

Immersive Experiences: Beyond the music, enjoy confetti showers, inflatable animals, and themed performers interacting with the crowd for a multisensory adventure.

Food and Drinks: The festival features food trucks, bars, and specialty cocktails, offering a variety of cuisines to keep you energized.

Join the elrow XXL Summer Festival and immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of music, magic, and community celebration!

MakeMusicNewYork

The Make Music New York Festival is a must-see event. Originating as the Fête de la Musique in France in 1982, this global phenomenon now takes place on June 21 each year across 1,000 cities in 120 countries.

Unlike traditional music festivals, Make Music is a celebration open to everyone. From seasoned professionals to budding amateurs, musicians of all ages and genres come together to fill the streets, parks, porches, and plazas of the city with their melodies.

On June 21, 2024, join this vibrant festival where music spills out into every corner of the community. Best of all, the entire event is open to the public and completely free of charge.

Summer Festival in NYC: Celebrating the River To River Festival [Through June 23rd]

This year’s River To River Festival is a cornerstone of New York City’s Summer Festival season, aligning with the LMCC’s 50th anniversary celebrations. To honor this milestone, the 2024 festival showcases LMCC residency and grants alumni from the Extended Life program. Expect an enthralling mix of dance, music, video, installation, and exhibitions that embody LMCC’s interdisciplinary and diverse spirit.

The 2024 River To River Festival will present 13 dynamic projects featuring live art, performances, and participatory events across Downtown New York’s public spaces. The festival delves into themes of resonance, reconsideration, and resistance, offering a thought-provoking experience for all attendees.

This year’s lineup includes a host of talented artists such as

• Mayfield Brooks
• Jesi Cook
• Leslie Cuyjet
• Miguel Gutierrez
• Kayla Hamilton and Kate Speer
• John P. Hastings
• NIC Kay
• Jaamil Olawale Kosoko
• Samita Sinha
• Elisabeth Smolarz
• Nattie Trogdon + Hollis Bartlett
• And stories from the Stoop & Billion Oyster Project.

Along with LMCC’s Workspace 2023-24 Artists-in-Residence: Francheska Alcántara, Blanka Amezkua, Lucas Baisch, Elvira Clayton, Francisco Donoso, SaraNoa Mark, Miriam Simun, Corinne Spencer, Alex Strada, Cici Wu, and Jessica Lagunas [On-Site Assistant, Workspace ’22-23].

All events are free and open to the public, although some performances and events with limited capacity require reservations. Tickets for all 2024 events are available on Eventbrite, except for Mayfield Brooks’s “Whale Fall Abyss” at the Wavertree, which can be reserved separately here.

Celebrate Independence Day: Jersey City’s Fireworks and Food Festival

While Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are undeniably spectacular, Jersey City offers its own vibrant celebration just across the Hudson River. The Fireworks and Food Festival is a full festival experience with delicious street food, live music, and more, all against the stunning backdrop of New York City’s skyline.

Located on Montgomery Street, this free event is ideal for families, locals, and visitors looking to enjoy the festivities. The festival features a variety of culinary delights from the Jersey City Night Market, alongside artisanal works and refreshing drinks. Music fills the air until 9:30 PM when the food stalls close and the sky lights up with a dazzling fireworks display.

For more information on Jersey City’s 4th of July Fireworks and Food Festival, visit the official event page and plan your unforgettable celebration.

Blue Note Jazz Festival [ June|July 2024]

Jazz enthusiasts, mark your calendars. Blue Note Jazz is a month-long festival that transforms New York City into a vibrant playground for jazz lovers, showcasing performances at various iconic venues.

With a mission to unite the finest global and local jazz talent, the festival aims to immerse the city in the soulful rhythms and improvisational brilliance of jazz music. This is an event you simply cannot afford to miss if jazz is your passion.

In 2024, the festival will feature over 50 events, with many days packed with multiple performances.

Summer Stage Festival

Dive into the captivating atmosphere of SummerStage in New York City this June, where the city pulses with a rich tapestry of performances. With an eclectic lineup featuring live music, dance, theater, and more, SummerStage has become a dynamic cultural epicenter.

While some events may require tickets, the diverse offerings ensure there’s something for everyone.

As the sun brightens and the days stretch longer, embrace the chance to enjoy outdoor entertainment in the city’s heart. Whether you are passionate about music, enchanted by dance, or captivated by theater, attending a SummerStage event will spark your senses and create unforgettable summer memories.

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Jazz Age Lawn Party

Step back in time at the Jazz Age Lawn Party, a vibrant and family-friendly event that brings the Roaring Twenties to life. Now in its 19th year revel in the captivating performances of an orchestra dedicated to the Hot Jazz of the 1920s, delight in the dazzling routines of a dance troupe embodying the spirit of the era, and be entertained by vaudeville acts, and much more.

Adding to the charm, this Prohibition-themed celebration offers an enticing selection of summer cocktails and drinks, ensuring that your taste buds are as delighted as your senses.

Dates:

• August 10, 2024 [Saturday]
• August 11, 2024 [Sunday]

Bryant Park Picnic Performances

One of New York City’s summer highlights is the free Bryant Park Film Festival and picnic performances, offering a perfect blend of outdoor cinema and live music. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Bryant Park transforms into a cultural oasis where people gather with their own blankets and chairs to enjoy movies under the stars and concerts by the New York Philharmonic.

Just a short stroll from Times Square, Bryant Park is a green haven, surrounded by tall trees that provide a sense of seclusion while keeping you at the center of the city’s vibrant energy. It is an idyllic spot to unwind and soak up the arts, making it a must-visit destination during the summer months.

Summer on the Hudson

Summer on the Hudson is the annual outdoor arts and culture festival held in Riverside Park and West Harlem Piers Park, stretching from 59th Street to 181st Street along the scenic Hudson River.

Running from May to October, this vibrant festival offers various events, including live concerts, dance performances, open-air movies, DJ dance parties, children’s shows, educational workshops, special day-long festivals, wellness activities, and more.

All events are free and open to the public, with no registration required unless otherwise specified.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, becoming available 1-2 hours before each event. Please note that in case of heavy rain, events will be canceled.

MoMA PS1 Warm-Up

MoMA PS1’s renowned summer music series, Warm Up, returns in 2024, mapping the evolution of electronic music from its historical roots to contemporary innovations. This year’s program showcases the vibrant scenes from New York City’s independent clubs and nightlife venues, along with a stellar lineup of musicians from Detroit, São Paulo, Miami, Los Angeles, London, and beyond.

Each event is an exhilarating mix of DJ sets and live performances, progressing from experimental soundscapes to pulsating dancefloor beats.

This season’s lineup features an impressive array of artists, including:

• Detroit techno legend Terrence Dixon,
• queer nightlife trailblazer KIM AHN,
• Paris-based electronica producer Emma DJ,
• Atlanta’s Underground & Black founder Ash Lauryn,
• and the avant-garde collective Tongue in the Mind, a collaboration between Juliana Huxtable, Jealous Orgasm, and Via App.

Other highlights include São Paulo’s Mamba Negra co-founder Cashu, rising Miami trance duo SoFTT, Hyperdub label founder Kode9, and Jersey club sensation UNIIQU3. The full lineup is detailed on their website. Advance tickets are now available.

Entering its 26th year, Warm Up 2024 will take place in the MoMA PS1 courtyard, featuring a newly commissioned stage design by artist Stewart Uoo, known for his work in Greater New York.

This year’s host committee comprises New York-based artists integral to the city’s interdisciplinary music and performance networks: Korakrit Arunanondchai [Ghost/BKK], E. Jane [MHYSA], Tom Laprade [Montez Press Radio], Oscar Nñ [Papi Juice], and Jen Sillen [Rash/Club Cringe].

Dates:

• Jul 12, 2024 [Saturday]
• [Friday] July 19, 2024 
• July 26, 2024 [Friday]
• August 2, 2024 [Friday]
• [Friday] August 9, 2024  
• August 16, 2024 [Friday]

The hours are from 4 to 10 PM

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Summer Festival in NYC: Accordions Around the World

As part of NYC’s vibrant Summer Festival lineup, the annual celebration of accordionists, “Accordions Around the World,” returns with a standout roster. This year features a rare New York City performance by three-time Grammy-nominated Zydeco star Dwayne Dopsie, along with Latin funk from Afro Dominicano and the dynamic Haitian ensemble Lakou Mizik, curated by Ariana Hellerman.

Dwayne Dopsie, a 2024 Grammy Award nominee and winner of “America’s Hottest Accordion,” brings his high-energy Zydeco to the festival. Hailing from a legendary Zydeco family, Dwayne has crafted a unique style that both honors tradition and pioneers new sounds. Inspired by his father, Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., he has been playing the accordion since age seven and has performed globally, infusing his music with heart and soul.

Afro Dominicano blends Dominican folkloric styles with pop influences, creating a fusion of merengue, bachata, samba, reggae, punk, and R&B. Their energetic performances and heartfelt ballads offer a genuine human connection, making their music a true celebration of Afro-Caribbean soul.

Lakou Mizik, a powerhouse Haitian roots collective, combines soulful energy with a mix of mystical and familiar styles. Formed in the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, the band aims to highlight the rich culture of their homeland. Their positive messages and roots revival music have earned them international acclaim and a loyal following.

For more accordion magic, visit Bryant Park on the following three Mondays starting August 28, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, for intimate solo recitals scattered throughout the park. Enjoy the diverse sounds and talents that make this festival a unique highlight of NYC’s summer festivities.

Electric Zoo Music Festival [Labor Day weekend]

Labor Day Weekend in New York City heralds the arrival of the annual Electric Zoo Music Festival. Held over three exhilarating days on Randall’s Island, this festival is a pilgrimage for enthusiasts of house and dubstep music genres. Renowned for its stellar lineup, Electric Zoo has featured top performers such as the late Avicii, Steve Aoki, Benny Benassi, and many more.

Accessing Randall’s Island is convenient from Astoria, Queens, as you can walk across the RFK Bridge directly onto the island. Alternatively, the closest subway station is “125th Street,” and other options include the NYC Ferry or Uber. Due to high demand, tickets sell out quickly and should be purchased online in advance.

Stay updated on the festival’s status as there is a possibility of cancellation—check back frequently for the latest updates.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival [August 3rd & 4th]

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York is an annual celebration that blends culture, sport, and cuisine. Held every August on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, this vibrant festival coincides with the fifth moon of the lunar calendar.

Attendees can enjoy thrilling dragon boat races, captivating cultural performances, and delectable traditional Chinese food, making it a truly unique and enriching experience.

Harlem Meer Music Festival: A Free Summer Festival in NYC

Celebrate summer Sundays with the Harlem Meer Performance Festival, a cherished tradition held in July and August at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center [at 110th Street and 5th Avenue]. This free festival, established in 1993, commemorates the restoration of the Harlem Meer and the revitalization of the surrounding 225 acres above 96th Street.

The festival runs from July 14 to August 18, 2024, from 2 to 4 pm, featuring an array of captivating performances that bring the community together in the heart of Central Park.

Summer Festival in NYC: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 2024

New York City’s acclaimed Charlie Parker Jazz Festival returns for its 31st edition. It celebrates the legendary saxophonist in the very neighborhoods he once graced, including Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. This annual event gathers top-tier jazz musicians, honoring Charlie “Bird” Parker’s extraordinary legacy and fostering a deep appreciation for his global influence.

From August 23 to 25, 2024, the festival offers a harmonious blend of seasoned legends and rising stars. Highlights include performances by Orrin Evans with the Captain Black Big Band, T.K. Blue in collaboration with Jazzmobile, the innovative ensemble The Cookers, legendary saxophonist Charles McPherson, and the renowned Vincent Herring Septet presenting “Something Else!” among other talented artists.

The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival [August 23–September 2]

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024 Summer HD Festival, a beloved New York tradition, returns to Lincoln Center Plaza from Friday, August 23, through Monday, September 2. Each evening, a different performance from the Met’s acclaimed Live in HD series will be projected onto the opera house’s grand façade.

This free festival showcases ten stunning screenings, featuring both new productions and cherished classics, including Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, Anthony Davis’s X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, and Bizet’s Carmen.

The festival kicks off on August 23 at 8 PM with a special screening of the 1998 film The Red Violin, directed by François Girard and starring Samuel L. Jackson, Greta Scacchi, and Carlo Cecchi, co-presented with Film at Lincoln Center.

The following nights will feature performances by some of today’s most celebrated opera stars, including:

• Aigul Akhmetshina
• SeokJong Baek
• Piotr Beczała
• Angel Blue
• Benjamin Bernheim
• Lise Davidsen
• Joyce DiDonato
• Asmik Grigorian
• Leah Hawkins
• Soloman Howard
• Brian Jagde
• Will Liverman
• Federica Lombardi
• Peter Mattei
• Ailyn Pérez
• Gabriella Reyes
• and Nadine Sierra.

Over 2,500 seats will be available on the plaza for each presentation, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required, and there are no rain dates. For more details, please visit metopera.org/HDFestival.

Music & Dance Festival [Tentative Schedule]

Get ready for a spectacular celebration of rhythm and movement at the Music & Dance Festival, part of the New York Dance Festival, on August 24, 2024. This vibrant event unites music and dance enthusiasts from across the city.

Expect an electrifying lineup of performances, including solo showcases, formation events, and pro-am dances. The festival embraces a variety of dance styles, from elegant ballroom to dynamic contemporary, and features pro-am rhythm and nightclub championships and scholarships.

Whether you are a passionate dancer or an enthusiastic spectator, the Music & Dance Festival offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Films on the Green 2024 [May 31–September 6]

Celebrate the allure of French cinema this summer with the Films on the Green 2024 festival, presented by Villa Albertine. From May 31 to September 6, enjoy free outdoor screenings in New York City’s parks. Each film captures the excitement, competition, and triumph of sports. Here is a glimpse of the lineup:

• “The Artist” – July 19, 2024, at Carl Schurz Park.
• “The Intouchables” [Intouchables] – July 26, 2024, at Transmitter Park.
• “A Man and a Woman” [Un homme et une femme] – August 2, 2024, at Washington Square Park.
• “The Class” [Entre les murs] – August 9, 2024, at J. Hood Wright Park.
• “The Triplets of Belleville” [Les Triplettes de Belleville] – August 16, 2024, at Riverside Park.
• “The Artist” – August 23, 2024, at Carl Schurz Park.
• “The Intouchables” [Intouchables] – August 30, 2024, at Transmitter Park.

The diverse lineup spans a range of genres, from heartwarming dramas to whimsical animations. So, bring your picnic blanket, soak in the summer breeze, and experience the magic of French cinema under the stars.

For the complete schedule and any updates, visit the official Films on the Green 2024 website.

Concluding Summer Festivals in NYC: A Season of Celebration

From the electrifying beats of elrow XXL at The Brooklyn Mirage to the soulful rhythms of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, and the captivating performances at the Harlem Meer Performance Festival, Summer Festivals in NYC offer a diverse array of cultural experiences that light up the city. Whether you are a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or a cinema aficionado, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Do not miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in these vibrant celebrations that define New York City’s summer spirit. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare to create unforgettable memories at this year’s Summer Festivals in NYC. Visit the official websites for more details and updates on all these exciting events.