▷ Bryant Park Picnic Performances: The COMPLETE Guide 2024

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 2024 line-up has been announced. With more than 20 free concerts ranging from opera to jazz and more, the 2024 lineup is 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 2024

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.

Date

Organization

Event/Artists

Shows start at

June 6, 2024

Contemporary Dance

Naomi Funaki + Jared Alexander feat. Ayodele Casel, Sidra Bell Dance New York, and It’s Showtime NYC!

7pm

June 7, 2024

Contemporary Dance

David Dorfman, Soles of Duende, and Joffrey Concert Group

7pm

June 14, 2024

Contemporary Dance

Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn’s ‘SHOUT’, and Kevin Wynn Tribute

7pm

June 21, 2024

Jazzmobile

Sarah Vaughan Centennial

7pm

June 28, 2024

Emerging Music Festival Day One

tba

7pm

June 29, 2024

Emerging Music Festival Day Two

tba

5pm

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.

Date

Organization

Event/Artists

Shows start at

July 5, 2024

Carnegie Hall Citywide

Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players

7pm

July 12, 2024

Carnegie Hall Citywide

Thandiswa Mazwai

7pm

July 19, 2024

Carnegie Hall Citywide

Louis Cato

7pm

July 26, 2024

Carnegie Hall Citywide

Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup

7pm

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.

Date

Organization

Event/Artists

Shows start at

August 2, 2024

Carnegie Hall Citywide

La Excelencia

7pm

August 9, 2024

Joe’s Pub

Broadway en Spanglish: Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca

7pm

August 10, 2024

New Victory Theater

Ephrat Asherie + Barkin/Selissen Project

5pm

August 16, 2024

World Music Institute

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley + Natu Camara

7pm

August 17, 2024

Jalopy Theatre

Cristina Vane, Slavic Soul Party!, and Guachinangos

7pm

August 23, 2024

New York City Opera

Tosca

7pm

August 24, 2024

New York City Opera

Tosca

7pm

August 30, 2024

Asian American Arts Alliance

Vijay Iyer Trio

7pm

August 31, 2024

Contemporary Dance

Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, and Reed Luplau

7pm

The Bryant Park Picnic Performances Line-up for September

And also in September you can still visit these events for free!

Date

Organization

Event/Artists

Shows start at

September 5, 2024

Accordions Around the World

tba

7pm

September 6, 2024

American Symphony Orchestra

Beyond the Hall

7pm

September 12, 2024

Harlem Stage

Eddie Palmieri

7pm

September 13, 2024

The Town Hall and Belongó

The Man with the Golden Horn

7pm

Related Events

If none of these dates work for you, check out these free summer concerts:

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