Free summer concerts in New York: where music lovers and nature lovers can have fun

New York is a paradise for music lovers. The city hosts a lot of paid concerts and festivals, but you can enjoy live music without emptying your entire wallet. 6sqft We have compiled a list of concerts where you can listen to music outdoors for free.

In summer, the city sounds at full volume, you just have to find the perfect melody for you. From the rooftops, steps and courtyards of Park Slope during the Open Stages festival to the Bryant Park lawn where you can watch the New York City Opera.

Bryant Park Picnic Performances

From May 31 to September 13, the beloved “Picnic Performances” returns to Bryant Park. This year's series of events includes 25 free live music, dance and theater performances featuring world-class musicians. Participants include Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, Harlem Stage and others.

The season will kick off with a celebration of Giacomo Puccini at the New York City Opera on May 31 and June 1, as well as dance performances, a celebration of the music of James Bond, a two-day festival of indie rock, soul music and more.

Lincoln Center's Summer for the City

Summer for the City returns to Lincoln Center for its third annual season, running from June 12 to August 10. During the festival, the Lincoln Center campus transforms into a welcoming oasis where New Yorkers and visitors can relax and enjoy free live music performances. This year's theme is “Life, Liberty and Happiness,” which explores how active participation in the arts helps cultivate strong community bonds.

On the subject: New music festival will bring together more than 100 artists from around the world in New York

This year's festival will offer a lot of exciting things: new projects, a dynamic concert series with the Lincoln Center Festival Orchestra, a weeklong celebration of Indian cultural traditions as part of India Week, a series of contemporary concerts and much, much more.

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music's Open Stages

The streets of Park Slope will be buzzing with music on May 11th with live music on porches, schoolyards, parks and local cafes throughout the area. Expect Grammy Award winners, marching bands, hip-hop artists and more.

SummerStage by Capital One City Parks Foundation

SummerStage is one of the most widely accessible outdoor arts festivals. He will come to New York for the 38th time. As part of the annual program, free performances will be held in city parks in all five boroughs from June 1 to October 20. This season they will take place at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens and many others.

On the subject: 'Gypsy Fun Duo': how two immigrants captivated New York music lovers

This year, the stage will feature established and emerging artists from around the world, representing a variety of genres, including jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeat, soul, pop, global and contemporary dance.

Naumberg Orchestral Concerts

This summer, Naumberg Orchestral Concerts celebrates 119 years of providing free classical music to New Yorkers. The event series takes place at the famous Naumberg Bandshell in Central Park and is considered the oldest continuously operating free outdoor classical music concert. No tickets are required and all seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those unable to attend in person, each performance will be broadcast live on WQXR.

Backyard at Hudson Yards

Free live music will return to Hudson Yards this summer. This year's lineup for Backyard at Hudson Yards includes Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Brynn Cartelli, Chayce Beckham, Ray Bull and more. For the first time this year, there will be performances by the Public Theater's Mobile Unit and interactive story-times in collaboration with the New York Public Library.

In addition, Hudson Yards will feature blockbuster films and live sports on the big screen, interactive family concerts Mozart for Munchkins and outdoor dining.

Sounds at Sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Pier 3 Plaza will once again host its Sounds at Sunset event series, featuring free live music featuring local and international performers. Guests can enjoy live music and a beautiful sunset. The series kicks off June 21 with Steely Dan Happy Hour led by tribute band The Royal Scam. On June 28 and September 30, trumpeter, conductor, composer and arranger Igmar Thomas will hold jam sessions. On July 12, the world famous Yacouba Sissoko and his band SIYA will embark on a musical journey through the songs and stories of West Africa.

TSQ Live in Times Square

Every summer, the Times Square Alliance hosts TSQ Live, a series of more than 80 free outdoor performances in public spaces around Times Square. This year's program, which will run from May to September, includes performances by world-famous groups. These include Carnegie Hall Citywide and Jazz at Lincoln Center, as well as DJ sets, dance workshops and more. For the first time this year, TSQ is announcing an open competition - performers are invited to apply for a place in the lineup to perform on the big stage.

NYC Parks Free Summer Concerts

In addition to serving as an essential place for outdoor recreation and relaxation, New York City's public parks also serve as performance venues for talented musicians from around the world. This summer, world-class performers will captivate audiences in parks across the five boroughs, including the Metropolitan Opera at Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria.