Festival Overview

Running from May 17 to October 9, 2025, SummerStage will feature over 70 performances that span a variety of musical styles, including hip-hop, jazz, salsa, and international genres. Events are scheduled to take place in Central Park and in a dozen neighborhood parks, enhancing the cultural landscape of the city.

The majority of performances are free to the public, promoting accessibility to live music in an outdoor setting.

Kickoff and Notable Performances

The festival will officially launch on Wednesday, June 4, in Central Park, headlined by acclaimed jazz bassist Marcus Miller. He will be joined by the award-winning group Tank and the Bangas, along with New Orleans’ own The Soul Rebels, promising an electrifying start to the season.

Highlighted Performances:

• June 25: Rhiannon Giddens and Lido Pimienta will perform in Central Park.
• July 24: Folk artist Jessica Pratt takes the stage.
• July 27: The festival hosts Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti along with Dead Prez and poet Maryam Bukar Hassan.
• July 30: The Head and the Heart present their Aperture Tour concert in Central Park.
• August 9: A special tribute to salsa icon Celia Cruz featuring Isaac Delgado and Aymee Nuviola.
• August 16-17: King Britt’s Blacktronika Festival will take place across multiple venues.
• September 8: Rilo Kiley reunites for a sold-out benefit performance.

Additional Artists and Performances

The lineup for this year’s SummerStage includes a diverse array of performers such as Camilo, Big Freedia, Ballet Hispánico, and Jacob Collier, ensuring that audiences have a wide range of musical experiences to look forward to throughout the summer.

Event Logistics

While many performances will be free, the festival will also feature paid benefit concerts. Tickets for these shows can be purchased through LiveNation, while no reservations or tickets are required for entry to free performances—just arrive and enjoy the music.

Conclusion and Resources

Since its inception in the 1980s, SummerStage has grown into a staple of New York City’s cultural fabric, organized by City Parks Foundation. The festival brings live music to both Central Park and numerous neighborhood parks, offering an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.

For a complete schedule of performances, venue information, and ticket details for the benefit shows, visit summerstage.org. For free events, just show up and immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of live music.