Bryant Park Picnic Performances: The COMPLETE Guide 2024

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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.

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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:

FAQ

How much are tickets to Bryant Park Picnic Performances?

There are no tickets or reservations needed for the Brant Park Picnic Performances. All performances are free to the public and are meant to be enjoyed casually. However, I recommend you to be there early, because the event is always well attended.

When should we arrive?

All performances at Bryant Park begin at 7:00 pm. Given that these events are primarily scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you may want to arrive up to 2 hours early to get a great spot (the lawn is open to public at 5 p.m.). Since this event is free, many people are expected to attend.

Are food and drinks available for purchase?

In addition to bringing your own food and drinks, visitors are also invited to check out the local on-site food and beverage providers. You can find the food & drink tents on the east side of the lawn. Stout NYC will offer giant pretzels, popcorn and other snacks as well as beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

Steffen

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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