It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Costfree
- AddressRumsey Playfield, Central Park, New York, NY 10021
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
SummerStage is a festival that takes over New York City during the summer. The flagship venue for their concerts is at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park but they also put on shows at other parks in all 5 boroughs. The free shows require no RSVP and are first come first serve, however, they also put on benefit concerts that require a ticket.
SummerStage’s music varies in genre, but note there is a jazz-specific mini-festival called the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival that falls under SummerStage’s umbrella. It’s one of the most anticipated summer festivals in New York City, and more information including dates and performers will be released soon.
SummerStage in Central Park is one of the best things about summer in New York and it is free.