Festival Overview

Running from May 17 to October 9, 2025, SummerStage will feature more than 70 performances encompassing various genres, including hip-hop, jazz, salsa, and global music styles. The festival will take place in Central Park and twelve neighborhood parks, ensuring that diverse audiences have easy access to high-quality live entertainment.

Notably, the majority of performances at SummerStage are free of charge, making it an accessible cultural highlight for all New Yorkers.

Kickoff Concert Details

The festivities will officially commence on June 4 in Central Park, with jazz bassist Marcus Miller headlining the launch event. Accompanying him will be the energetic NPR Tiny Desk winners, Tank and the Bangas, alongside the renowned New Orleans brass band, The Soul Rebels.

Key Performances to Look Forward To

Among the exciting acts scheduled throughout the festival, several notable performances include:

• July 27: Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti will perform alongside Dead Prez, Rich Medina, and poet Maryam Bukar Hassan in Central Park.
• June 25: Americana artist Rhiannon Giddens will share the stage with Colombian-Canadian artist Lido Pimienta.
• July 24: Jessica Pratt will captivate audiences with her haunting folk melodies.
• July 30: The Head and the Heart will headline their Aperture Tour in Central Park.
• August 9: A tribute show honoring Rivera Cruz, featuring artists such as Isaac Delgado, Aymee Nuviola, and Brenda Navarrete.
• August 16-17: King Britt will curate the Blacktronika Festival across Central Park and Marcus Garvey Park.
• September 8: Indie band Rilo Kiley will have a sold-out benefit performance.

Additional artists slated to perform during the season include Camilo, Big Freedia, Ballet Hispánico, The Roots, Awich, and Jacob Collier, among others.

Festival Background and Ticketing Information

Since its inception in the 1980s, SummerStage has evolved into one of New York City’s cherished outdoor music events. Organized by the City Parks Foundation, it showcases live performances in both Central Park and various neighborhood parks.

The festival comprises a mix of free shows and benefit concerts. Tickets for paid performances can be purchased through LiveNation. For free events, attendees can simply show up without the need for reservations.