Spending the summer in NYC?
There’s still time to catch these awesome outdoor concerts before summer officially ends in NYC and the stages shut down for the season. August is a busy month for live, outdoor music.
Showcasing everything from jazz to modern electronic to pop stars, the best of New York City’s music scene is happening during the warmest months of the year. Here is the list of Summer Concerts that you won’t want to miss through the end of the season.
Just don’t forget to pack your sandals.
In its 19th year, this Hudson River festival brings together some of the best BBQ in New York City with powerhouse Blues musicians. Beer tents and dessert carts round out the meal. The show starts early, 2:00 P.M., but be sure to stay for beautiful sunset views behind the waterfront concerts.
When: August 18, 2018
Where: Pier 97; Manhattan
Cost: FREE
A great addition to a day well spent on the famous Brooklyn boardwalk, the Coney Island Music Festival is a fun, relaxed event filled with great musicians and ample activities. There are two main stages to choose from, a full lineup running from 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., and games–think towering jenga’s and corn hole areas–to keep folks from every age group happy.
When: August 4, 2018
Where: Surf & Stillwell Avenues; Brooklyn
Cost: FREE
There might be no better way to spent a summer evening than by listening to live music in Prospect Park. The Celebrate Brooklyn concert series runs all summer, bringing free shows and Benefit Concerts that support the nonprofit that runs the series. The musicians and performances vary greatly but include both big names and small ones.
When: August-September 2018
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn
Cost: $0-$60 per show
A celebration, held for over 25 years, of the musical genius that was Charlie Parker. The festival is held in parks in lower Manhattan and Harlem over 3 days with musicians that perform both Parker’s favorites as well as new, modern jazz.
When: August 23-26, 2018
Where: Tompkins Square Park and Marcus Garvey Park; Manhattan
Cost: FREE
Electric Zoo
One of New York City’s largest music festivals, Electric Zoo brings people from around the world together for a weekend of partying, wild dancing, and some of the best musicians the electronic world has to offer. This year is the 10th anniversary, and the festival promises to be one of the best yet.
When: August 31 – September 2, 2018
Where: Randall’s Island
Cost: $79.99 & up
Lincoln Center Out of Doors Concert Series
Bringing the joy of Lincoln Center’s music to the outdoors for a few weeks every summer, Out of Doors has grown into a great event. Aside from top performers, the series also boasts food vendors from some of the city’s most popular spots and a designated kid zone.
When: July 24-August 12, 2018
Where: Lincoln Center; Manhattan
Cost: FREE
NYC Parks Summer Concert Series
These concerts held in NYC’s parks are attended mostly by locals giving the events a relaxed and fun vibe. Concerts can be found in all five boroughs, most days of the week, and are lined with musicians spanning just about every genre of popular music.
When: August 2018
Where: New York City Parks; Varied
Cost: FREE
Held in the middle of Central Park on summer evenings, SummerStage shows are one of the best ways to see a concert in New York City. Similar to Celebrate Brooklyn, there are free concerts and benefit shows to support the nonprofit who manages these. The lines for the free shows start early and stretch long, be sure to stake out a spot for these hours before if you want to get in.
When: August-September 2018
Where: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park; Manhattan
Cost: $0-$45 per show
Warm Up 2018
Electronic music with an art installation backdrop, is there a better way to spend a Summer Saturday in Queens? The funky outpost of MOMA, PS1 is the ultra-modern spinoff of the museum. The concert series, held in the courtyard over summer, holds true to the fun and inventive nature of the museum.
When: August – September 2018
Where: PS1; Queens
Cost: $12-$22
