New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world for entertainment and the arts, and summer is the prime season for outdoor festivals, theater events, concerts, and more. Check out our previous article on free events across the city taking place this summer!
The music scene in particular has always been special here, and many great artists will be making appearances in the city throughout this season. First off, check out the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation website here for a schedule of free outdoor concerts, and here for the full schedule of both free and ticketed concerts.
With so many options, it can be difficult to choose and make plans, so below are some suggestions for the hottest concerts of the summer. Some are free, others are ticketed.
Little Island Concert Series (June - September 22)
Located in Hudson River Park off the western coast of Manhattan, Little Island is a public park home to waterfront concert venues that have held numerous concerts, dance exhibitions, and theater performances. This year’s performance lineup includes Childish Gambino, the Summer Legacy Ball, and The Marriage of Figaro.
See here for the full schedule and tickets.
TSQ LIVE Concert Series (May 7 - September 27)
This year, this annual outdoor concert series in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, will host more than 80 free events over the course of the summer, with the participation of not only famed musical artists but renowned arts institutions such as Carnegie Hall Citywide, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Street Lab.
See here for the full schedule.
Staten Island Philharmonic (July 7 and September 1)
The Conference House on Staten Island is a well-preserved piece of American history, being the site of a 1776 peace conference in which major figures in the founding of the United States, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, tried to determine how to end the American Revolutionary War. Its grounds also double as a concert venue, with the Staten Island Philharmonic Orchestra performing free concerts for Independence Day Weekend and Labor Day.
See here for tickets and more details.
Janet Jackson (July 10-11)
The youngest of the famous Jackson family, Janet Jackson made a name for herself in the music scene in the 1980s. Known for blending rhythm and blues, synth, and soul into her pop sound, as well as for her dance talent, she continues to go strong to this day. She will be performing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
See here for tickets and more details.
Joe Hisaishi (July 11 - 13)
Joe Hisaishi is legendary among Japanese composers. Since the 1970s, he has released many solo albums and written scores for television shows and films. Among his most beloved works are the scores of the films Princess Mononoke, Kikujiro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Hisaishi will conduct his most famous compositions at Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan.
See here for tickets and more details.
Habibi Festival at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! (July 20)
Celebrate Brooklyn is one of New York City’s most famous free outdoor music festivals. Among its several themed events is the Habibi Festival, which spotlights artists from Southwest Asia and North Africa and their mixes of modern and traditional styles in their music and performances. Included in the lineup are Bab L’Bluz, Omar Offendum, Felukah, and Zafer Tawil.
See here for more details and to RSVP.
Blink-182 (July 21-22)
Throughout their sizable career, the band Blink-182 have been a mainstay of American punk and alternative rock of the 1990s and 2000s, influencing the rise of the pop punk genre and inspiring many artists in the genre. Joining them for this concert will be fellow punk and rock band Pierce the Veil. In this last leg of their North American tour, they will be performing in Citi Field in Flushing, Queens.
See here for tickets and more details.
Billy Joel (until July 25)
Billy Joel is one of New York’s most renowned musicians. At age 75, he still retains the energy and showmanship that made him one of the best-selling musical artists in the world, with over 160 million records sold worldwide since he entered the industry in the 1970s. His most famous songs include “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “New York State of Mind.” He will be playing his 150th lifetime concert at his favored Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan.
See here for tickets and more details.
Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party (August 1)
Part of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, one of New York City’s most famous annual free music festivals, this concert celebrates all things hip-hop and funk. DJ Chuck Chillout has been a staple of New York City hip-hop music since the 1980s, helping to popularize artists around the world. Included in the lineup honoring his career are Schoolly D, D.J. Breakout and the Funky Four + 1 More, and Camp Lo.
See here for more details.
Keke Palmer (August 7)
An award-winning singer and actress in television and film, Keke Palmer rose from Disney child star to being included on Time magazine’s 2019 list of the most influential people in the world. Part of Hudson Yards Summer Concert Series, she will perform with special guest Haben, a rising R&B-pop star. The concert will take place at the Wells Fargo Stage in Chelsea, New York.
See here for more details, and here for the full schedule of Hudson Yards Summer Concert Series.
Def Leppard and Journey (August 7)
Two of the most influential names in rock music are coming together for a 23-city tour across North America. Def Leppard were a major part of the rise in British heavy metal from the 1980s to 1990s, exploring styles of metal and rock throughout their career. Journey, formed of the remnants of iconic 1960s rock bands, achieved considerable success throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with “Don’t Stop Believin’” becoming the best-selling track in iTunes history in 2009. They will be performing at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens.
See here for tickets and more details.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances (May 31 - September 13)
Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan hosts many outdoor events, including the annual Bryant Park Picnic Performances. This concert series celebrates the long-held diversity of New York City’s music scene, showcasing many different artists, styles, and genres. Included in the lineup are Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup, Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca, and the New York City Opera.
See here for the full schedule, and for livestreams of all scheduled performances.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
