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: