Summer Music Events 2025 in New York
New York offers a wide range of free and open-air music festivals and concerts with fun and vibrant atmospheres
Dates: May–September
Summer in the city might be not that bad if you think about the number of free music events, festivals, and concerts. Almost every night can be full of good music in New York during the warm season. These open-air events usually feature both renowned and local singers and bands. The most famous of them include the SummerStage at the mainstage of Central Park which features music from classic New York hip-hop artists to big-name indie-rock bands.
Also don't miss Prospect Park Concerts such the 'Celebrate Brooklyn!' festival at Prospect Park Bandshell where in addition to musical performances there are dance parties at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
There are also the 'Today Show' and the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series show which host live performances of famous artists at the Rockefeller Center stage and Ramsey Playfield. One thing is for certain, you won't lack music while in New York in summer!
Sunday evenings in NYC are especially lovely when MoMA’s Summergarden concert series kick off. Each year, scenic Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden of MOMA museum hosts jazz and classical music free of charge! Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance to Summergarden(on West 54 Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues) opens at 7:00 p.m., and concerts start at 8:00 p.m. Shows include performers from the Juilliard School and Jazz at Lincoln Center.