Imagine yourself surrounded by the warm summer air, the soft glow of evening lights, and the rhythm of live music filling New York City’s parks. SummerStage 2025, kicking off in June, brings over 70 free concerts to Central Park and neighborhood parks across the city’s boroughs, inviting you to enjoy an unforgettable musical experience at no cost. From soulful jazz to energetic hip-hop, vibrant salsa to indie rock, the diverse lineup ensures there’s something for everyone. Most performances take place from 6 PM to 10 PM, with Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield serving as the heart of the festival. This guide shares everything you need to know about the event, highlights the best venues, and offers practical advice to make your summer evenings truly special. Whether you’re a New Yorker or visiting, SummerStage is a wonderful way to celebrate the city’s cultural spirit.
All About SummerStage
SummerStage, presented by the City Parks Foundation, is New York City’s largest free outdoor music festival, offering more than 70 concerts from June through September 2025. You can enjoy performances at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield, located at 5th Avenue and 72nd Street, as well as 12 neighborhood parks, such as Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, and Von King Park in Brooklyn. The festival’s lineup, shared on the SummerStage website in May 2025, features a rich mix of genres, including jazz, rock, Latin, and hip-hop, showcasing both up-and-coming artists and well-known performers. Concerts typically begin at 6 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM, and wrap up by 10 PM, giving you plenty of time to soak in the music and atmosphere.
While most shows are free, some Central Park events offer ticketed seating areas, which you can purchase through the SummerStage website. To make yourself comfortable, consider bringing a blanket to spread out on the lawn. It’s a good idea to check the website for the full artist schedule and any specific entry guidelines. If you’re new to SummerStage, downloading the SummerStage app can keep you updated with real-time information. For those coming with friends or family, arriving a bit early helps secure a spacious spot, as popular performances can draw large crowds. Accessibility is well-handled, with paved pathways and ASL interpreters available at select shows, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield is a prime spot for SummerStage performances.
Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield: The Heart of the Festival
Nestled in the lush greenery of Central Park at 5th Avenue and 72nd Street, Rumsey Playfield is the main stage for SummerStage 2025, hosting around 20 concerts throughout the season. Getting there is easy—just take the 6 train to 68th Street-Hunter College and stroll about 10 minutes through the park’s scenic paths. As you settle in, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and the distant sparkle of Manhattan’s skyline, creating a magical setting for live music. Performances start at 6 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM, and continue until 10 PM. The open lawn invites you to spread out a blanket, and nearby food vendors offer tasty options like tacos, pretzels, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled.
To ensure a great spot, especially for well-known artists, aim to arrive around 4:30 PM, as the area can get lively with fellow music fans. The SummerStage website, updated in May, provides the concert lineup and any bag policies, so you’ll know what to expect. Since shade is limited, bringing sunscreen and a reusable water bottle can keep you comfortable. Photography is welcome, but tripods aren’t allowed, so a simple camera or phone works best. After the show, a 5-minute walk to the Bethesda Fountain offers a peaceful spot for photos or reflection. If you’re with kids, the nearby carousel, open until 7 PM, is a delightful treat.
Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem
Located at 124th Street and 5th Avenue in Harlem, Marcus Garvey Park is a vibrant SummerStage venue hosting about 10 concerts in 2025, with a focus on jazz, gospel, and hip-hop. You can reach it by taking the 2 or 3 train to 125th Street and walking 5 minutes through Harlem’s bustling streets. The park’s amphitheater, with its tiered seating, offers a cozy spot to enjoy the music, though bringing a cushion can make the experience even more comfortable. Shows run from 6 PM to 10 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM, and local vendors serve up soul food, cold drinks, and snacks, though you’re welcome to bring your own picnic to share with friends.
To secure a good seat, especially for weekend performances, arriving by 4 PM is a smart move, as the park tends to fill up with enthusiastic crowds. The SummerStage website, updated in May, lists the concert schedule and entry details, so you can plan ahead. Evenings can cool down, so a light jacket is handy, and a portable charger keeps your phone ready for photos or app updates. After the music ends, a 10-minute walk to the iconic Apollo Theater lets you browse its history exhibits, open until 8 PM. For families, the park’s playground is perfect for keeping kids entertained.
Marcus Garvey Park adds culture to Harlem and ranks among the top 10 attractions in New York City.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, at 11101 Corona Avenue in Queens, hosts about eight SummerStage concerts in 2025, showcasing Latin, reggae, and pop music. You can get there by taking the 7 train to 111th Street and walking 15 minutes through the park’s expansive grounds. Performances take place near the Unisphere, a striking steel globe from the 1964 New York World’s Fair, adding a touch of history to your concert experience. Shows run from 6 PM to 10 PM, with gates opening at 5 PM, and the open field welcomes blankets and portable chairs. Food trucks offer delicious options like empanadas and smoothies, perfect for a summer evening.
To claim a spacious spot, especially for popular shows, arriving by 4 PM is a good idea, as the area attracts diverse crowds. The SummerStage website, updated in May, provides the lineup and parking information, helping you prepare. With limited shade, sunscreen and a hat are essential for comfort. After the concert, a 10-minute walk to the Queens Museum, open until 8 PM, offers fascinating art exhibits. Families will appreciate the park’s playgrounds, and paved paths ensure accessibility for all. If you’re with a group, setting a meeting point near the Unisphere keeps everyone together.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park combines live music with Queens tourist attractions for the perfect summer evening.
Von King Park in Brooklyn
Von King Park, at Marcy Avenue and Tompkins Avenue in Brooklyn, is a cozy SummerStage venue hosting about six concerts in 2025, with a focus on R&B, indie, and Caribbean music. You can reach it by taking the G train to Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and walking 7 minutes through the lively Bed-Stuy neighborhood. The park’s intimate lawn creates a welcoming community atmosphere, with performances from 6 PM to 10 PM and gates opening at 5 PM. You’re welcome to bring a blanket to relax on, and vendors offer tasty treats like jerk chicken and iced tea, though a homemade picnic adds a personal touch.
Since the park is smaller, arriving by 4:30 PM helps you find a comfortable spot, as it fills quickly with locals and visitors. The SummerStage website, updated in May, shares the concert schedule and any bag restrictions, so you can come prepared. Evening concerts can attract bugs, so packing bug spray and a portable chair can make your experience more pleasant. After the show, a 10-minute walk to Bedford Avenue leads to charming cafes open until 11 PM, perfect for a late-night coffee. Families will love the park’s playground for kids, and paved paths ensure accessibility. For a post-concert meal, Peaches HotHouse, a 5-minute walk, serves Southern comfort food until 10 PM. Stay at The Marlton Hotel for a stylish Brooklyn base.
Von King Park is a local favorite featured in any great Brooklyn travel guide for summer activities.
Planning Your SummerStage Evening
To make the most of SummerStage, plan a relaxing evening centered around a concert. Start by arriving at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield around 4 PM, easily accessible via the 6 train to 68th Street-Hunter College and a 10-minute walk. Gates open at 5 PM, with the performance starting at 6 PM and ending by 10 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy the music. Before heading to the park, stop for an early dinner at Shake Shack, located at 154 East 86th Street, just a 5-minute walk from the 4/5/6 train at 86th Street, open until 10 PM. After the concert, take a 10-minute stroll to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s steps for a calm evening under the city lights.
Set aside 5 to 6 hours for your concert evening, allowing time to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere. A MetroCard makes subway travel simple, and bringing some cash for food vendors is handy. If you have bags, consider using luggage storage at Penn Station, accessible via the 1/2/3 train to 34th Street-Penn Station. Checking the MTA website for subway updates ensures a smooth trip. For groups, agreeing on a meeting point near the venue’s entrance keeps everyone connected. If you plan to attend multiple concerts, mixing Central Park shows with those in borough parks adds variety to your summer. The SummerStage website, updated in May, offers detailed maps and FAQs to help you organize your visit.
Attractions to Visit Nearby
Pairing your SummerStage concert with nearby attractions can enrich your day. From Rumsey Playfield, a 5-minute walk brings you to the Central Park Zoo, open until 8 PM, where families can enjoy animal exhibits. Near Marcus Garvey Park, a 10-minute walk to the Schomburg Center, open until 8 PM, offers insightful cultural exhibits on African diaspora history. In Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the New York Hall of Science, a 10-minute walk away, is open until 6 PM and features hands-on science displays perfect for curious minds. From Von King Park, a 15-minute walk to the Brooklyn Museum, open until 10 PM, showcases stunning art collections in a grand setting.
Explore Harlem’s rich history near Marcus Garvey Park, one of the hidden gems in upper Manhattan.
Dining Near SummerStage Venues
Finding a great place to eat near SummerStage venues enhances your concert experience. Near Rumsey Playfield, The Smith at 956 2nd Avenue, a 7-minute walk from the 6 train at 68th Street-Hunter College, is open until 11 PM and offers hearty burgers and fresh salads. By Marcus Garvey Park, Red Rooster at 310 Lenox Avenue, a 5-minute walk from the 2/3 train at 125th Street, serves soul food classics like fried chicken until 10 PM. In Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Joe’s Shanghai at 136-21 37th Avenue, a 10-minute walk from the 7 train at Flushing-Main Street, is open until 10 PM with mouthwatering dumplings. Near Von King Park, Peaches HotHouse at 415 Tompkins Avenue, a 5-minute walk from the G train at Bedford-Nostrand Aves, offers Southern dishes like shrimp and grits until 10 PM.
Family-Friendly Fun at SummerStage
SummerStage welcomes families with open arms, offering plenty of activities to keep kids happy, especially at Rumsey Playfield, where events run from 5 PM to 10 PM. Before the music starts, children can enjoy face painting, craft stations, and dance workshops designed to spark creativity. The concerts, lasting about 2 hours, are short enough to hold young attention spans, and neighborhood parks like Von King and Flushing Meadows-Corona feature playgrounds for playtime breaks. The SummerStage website, updated in May, provides a full schedule of family-oriented activities, so you can plan which shows work best.
Bring the kids to SummerStage concerts for fun-filled evenings and discover best tourist things to do in NYC.
Getting to SummerStage Venues
Reaching SummerStage venues is straightforward, with options like subway, bus, or walking. For Rumsey Playfield, take the 6 train to 68th Street-Hunter College and walk 10 minutes through Central Park’s greenery. Marcus Garvey Park is a 5-minute walk from the 2/3 train at 125th Street in Harlem. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is accessible via the 7 train to 111th Street, followed by a 15-minute walk. Von King Park is a 7-minute walk from the G train at Bedford-Nostrand Avenues in Brooklyn. Buses like the M1 for Harlem or Q70 for Queens also connect, and NYC Ferry offers routes to Brooklyn if you prefer a scenic ride.
A MetroCard simplifies your travel, and comfortable shoes are a must for walking. Arriving by 4 PM helps you beat the crowds and settle in.
Catch live music and city energy with a city trip to SummerStage venues in all five boroughs.
Your SummerStage 2025 Adventure
SummerStage 2025 fills New York City’s parks with free concerts from June to September, offering a joyful way to celebrate summer. Enhance your visit with a Queens travel guide to discover local attractions, or catch the energy of Broadway theater with MJ the Musical tickets. A one day guided sightseeing tour pairs perfectly with the festival, while city cruises offer a scenic perspective. Plan your musical summer with VisitNYC.com to create memories that last.
Kick off your New York adventure with the must-see attractions listed in the top sight seeing in new york and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy. Make time for unforgettable performances by exploring the best new york broadway shows for families—whether you’re planning to buy hamilton tickets nyc or laugh along with the play that goes wrong nyc theater, there’s something for everyone. For a scenic escape, check out the best day trips in central new york. To explore the boroughs like a local, rely on a brooklyn travel guide, and make your stay even better by choosing from the best places to stay with family in new york.
