Bryant Park Picnic Performances 2025: Summer’s Best Shows, No Tickets Needed

May –  September, 2025

Bryant Park Lawn

(All performances are free and begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted.)

Get ready for another unforgettable summer under the stars at Bryant Park! Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America invite all New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience the best of the city’s vibrant arts and culture — completely free. This season’s lineup features everything from jazz legends and indie favorites to world-class dance companies, opera stars, and symphony orchestras, all brought to you in collaboration with New York’s top cultural institutions like Carnegie Hall Citywide, Jazzmobile, the New York City Opera, and more.

Bring your own blanket or borrow one from the park’s free lending station, grab a chair, and enjoy delicious food and drink from local vendors. There’s no registration, no waiting — just show up and find your perfect spot. It’s as easy as a walk in the park and the perfect way to spend a summer evening surrounded by live music, dance, and the energy of the city itself.

Here’s the schedule:

Friday, May 30, 7:00 pm

Electric Root: The Sound of (Black) Music

A vibrant celebration of Black musical traditions, blending gospel, jazz, and soul in a dynamic performance.

Thursday, June 5, 7:00 pm

Contemporary Dance: Limón Dance Company, EMERGE125, KAŌS Dance Collective

An evening showcasing innovative contemporary dance from three acclaimed companies.

Friday, June 6, 7:00 pm

Contemporary Dance: Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Gibney Company, and SYREN Modern Dance

A compelling mix of modern dance performances highlighting diverse choreographic voices.

Friday, June 13, 7:00 pm

Contemporary Dance: Doug Varone and Dancers + Kyle Marshall Choreography

Exploring human emotion and movement through expressive contemporary dance pieces.

Saturday, June 14, 7:00 pm

Jazzmobile: The Jimmy Heath Big Band

A tribute to jazz legend Jimmy Heath, featuring his big band’s soulful and swinging sounds.

Friday, June 20, 7:00 pm

Emerging Music Festival Day One

Spotlighting up-and-coming musical talents across genres in an exciting showcase.

Saturday, June 21, 6:00 pm

Emerging Music Festival Day Two

Continuing the celebration of new music with performances from rising artists.

Thursday, June 26, 7:00 pm

New York City Opera: Opera Goes to Hollywood

A performance featuring opera pieces that have been prominently featured in Hollywood films.

Friday, June 27, 7:00 pm

New York City Opera: Opera Goes to Hollywood

A second evening of operatic favorites from the silver screen.

Thursday, July 3, 7:00 pm

New York Guitar Festival: Pedro Cortes Flamenco, Big Lazy, Marel Hidalgo

A diverse guitar-centric evening featuring flamenco, jazz, and Latin influences.

Friday, July 4, 7:00 pm

New York Guitar Festival: Louis Cato, Jackie Venson, Jontavious Willis

Celebrating Independence Day with a mix of blues, rock, and soul guitar performances.

Friday, July 11, 7:00 pm

Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Knights with Julien Labro

An orchestral performance blending classical and contemporary music with accordion virtuosity.

Friday, July 18, 7:00 pm

Carnegie Hall Citywide: La Excelencia

A high-energy salsa performance bringing vibrant Latin rhythms to the park.

Friday, July 25, 7:00 pm

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Cécile McLorin Salvant

Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant presents an evening of jazz standards and originals.

Friday, August 1, 7:00 pm

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band

A dynamic big band jazz performance led by pianist Orrin Evans.

Friday, August 8, 7:00 pm

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Dez Duron

Singer-songwriter Dez Duron brings his soulful pop sound to the stage.

Friday, August 15, 7:00 pm

World Music Institute: Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East + Gamelan Dharma Swara

A fusion of South Asian rhythms and Indonesian gamelan music in a cross-cultural performance.

Saturday, August 16, 7:00 pm

New York City Circus Festival

An evening of awe-inspiring circus acts and performances for all ages.

Friday, August 22, 7:00 pm

Belongó: Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra

A powerful blend of Afro-Latin jazz led by Grammy-winning pianist Arturo O’Farrill.

Friday, August 29, 7:00 pm

Accordions Around the World: Livia Mattos and more

Celebrating the global reach of the accordion with performances from international artists.

Saturday, August 30, 7:00 pm

The Town Hall: New York Loves Sly! Featuring Steven Bernstein

A tribute to Sly Stone’s music, reimagined by trumpeter Steven Bernstein and friends.

Thursday, September 4, 7:00 pm

New York City Opera: Carmen

A full production of Bizet’s classic opera about passion and fate.

Friday, September 5, 7:00 pm

New York City Opera: Carmen

A second performance of the timeless opera “Carmen.”

Friday, September 12, 7:00 pm

American Symphony Orchestra: New York Profiles

A symphonic journey through the diverse musical landscape of New York City.