Summer 2015 Free NYC Events
Note: it is advisable to arrive at least an hour early for most events and two hours or more for movies and New York Philharmonic concerts.
Dancing in Bryant Park
When: Wednesdays, May 13-June 24, lessons at 6 p.m., live music and dancing, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Fountain Terrace, Bryant Park (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 40 and 42 Streets, behind New York Public Library)
What: A social dance party after work featuring popular dance instructors plus an incredible band each week: Salsa, swing, tango, and much more. From novices to experts, all are welcome. Hosted by Talia Castro-Pozo
May 13: Cuban salsa with music by Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros
May 20: swing and lindy hop with music by George Gee Swing Orchestra
May 27: samba e mais with music byMistura Perfeita Band
June 3: tango with music by the NY Tango Quartet
June 10: bachata with music by Bachata Heightz
June 17: west coast swing with music by Rakiem Walker Project
June 24, 4-10 p.m., Latin Dancing Festival with music by John Benitez, Palladium All-Stars, and Avenida B
http://www.bryantpark.org/plan-your-visit/dance_in_bp.html
Brooklyn Bridge Park Dance Parties
When: Thursdays May 14, 21, 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, enter at Prospect Park West & 9th Street
What: Free music and dance performances; $3 suggested donation
May 14, Classic Soul Funk Dance Party: Sonny Knight & the Lakers / The Rhythm Revue with Felix Hernandez, dance lesson by W.A.F.F.L.E. Crew
May 21, Electro Soul Dance Party: Jamie Lidell / JDH & Dave P. / Brooklyn United Marching Band
May 28, Latin Jazz Dance Party: Poncho Sanchex / DJ Bobbito Garcia, salsa lesson with Jose Rivera
http://bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/celebrate-brooklyn/2015-brooklyn-bridge-park-dance-parties
Harlem Dances
When: Third Friday of the month (May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21), 6-7 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park, 125th Street and Marginal
What: Wear dancing shoes and join different local companies as they demonstrate and teach you the moves.
May 15, City Stompers (flatfoot)
June 19: Harlem Dance Club (social dance)
July 17: The Harlem Swing Dance Society (swing)
Aug. 21, The Hoop Movement (hoop dance)
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/summer_on_the_hudson
Shakespeare in Bryant Park
When: May 15-31, July 17-Aug. 2, Sept. 4-20, Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Bryant Park (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 40 and 42 Streets, behind New York Public Library)
What: Free Shakespeare plays: Two Gentlemen of Verona, May 15-31; Romeo and Juliet, July 17-Aug. 2; The Taming of the Shrew, Sept. 4-20, presented by The Drilling Company
Note: While these productions are free, your contributions when the hat is passed at the end are vital to keeping the company going.
http://bryantpark.org/plan-your-visit/shakespeare.html
Bargemusic: “Music in Motion”
When: Saturdays, May 16-Aug. 29 (except July 4), 4-5 p.m., doors open at 3:45
Where: Fulton Ferry Landing near the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn
What: Classical music performances including a Q & A session with the musicians, on a barge moored to Fulton Ferry Landing. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. and it’s best to arrive earlier to get a good spot in line. Programs announced at performances. No reserved seating. Note: There are also ticketed Bargemusic events throughout the summer; consult web site for dates, prices, and programs.
http://www.bargemusic.org/calendar.html
Movies Night at Habana Outpost (Brooklyn)
When: Sundays, May through Oct., 8 p.m.
Where: Habana Outpost restaurant (outdoor seating), 757 Fulton St., corner of Fulton & South Portland, Brooklyn
What: Free films at Latin eco-eatery and community gathering space
May 17, Do the Right Thing
May 24, Krush Groove
May 31, Dazed & Confused
June 7, Breakfast at Tiffany’s
June 14, El Cantante
June 21, Scarface
June 28, Thelma & Louise
July 5, Top Gun
July 12, White Men Can’t Jump
July 19, Escape from New York
July 26, Jaws
August 2, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
August 9, Purple Rain
August 16, Grease
August 23, Footloose
August 30, Coming to America
September 6, The Goonies
September 13, Teen Wolf
September 20, The Usual Suspects
September 27, Author
October 4, Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
October 11, Jackie Brown
October 18, The Lost Boys
October 25, The Terminator
http://www.habanaoutpost.com/locations/location/habana-outpost
SummerStage: Manhattan
When: various dates May 18-Sept. 24
What: New York’s largest free performing arts festival, featuring music dance, spoken word and theater
Events are free unless otherwise noted
Locations:
Rumsey Playfied, Central Park, Rumsey Field/Summerstage, just east of Literary Walk at 71st Street (nearest entrance 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue). Note: while food and drink are allowed at Rumsey Field (or can be purchased there), no outside alcohol is permitted. Bags are checked.
East River Park, East River & FDR Drive between Grand & Jackson Streets
Marcus Garvey Park, 120th & 124th Streets, Madison Avenue
Jackie Robinson Park, 85 Bradhurst Avenue at 146th St.
Highbridge Park, Edgecombe Ave, New York, NY 10039 United States
Monday, May 18, 5-10 p.m., Tedeschi Trucks Band (roots music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Tuesday, May 19, 5-10 p.m., Mastodon & Clutch with guest Graveyard (hard rock), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT:, $35, see http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Saturday, June 6, 2-7 p.m., Blue Note Jazz Festival: Meshell Ndegeocello / Roy Hargrove / Gabriel Garzon Montano, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, June 7, 2-7 p.m., Angelique Kidjo / Emmanuel Jal / Rich Medina (world music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, June 13, 2-7 p.m., Lettuce / The Soul Rebels (funk/soul), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Wednesday, June 17, 6-10 p.m., Lindsey Stirley (electronica), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $35, see
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Saturday, June 20, 5-6 p.m., The Big Quiet: A Meditation in Central Park, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, June 20, 6-10 p.m., Jungle / Ibeyi (soul / Cuban / African), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Monday, June 22, 6-10 p.m., City Parks Foundation Gala (cocktails, dinner, and concert featuring Debbie Harry, Dionne Warwick, Angelique Kidjo, and Michael Bolton), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED EVENT, SEE http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/event/gala/
Wednesday, June 24, 5-10 p.m., The Kooks / Atlas Genius with guest Joywave (rock/pop), Remsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $35, see http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Saturday, June 27, 2-7 p.m., VP Records 25 Anniversary: Maxi Priest / Gyptian /Bunji Garlin & Fay Ann Lyons / Massive B (pop, reggae, R&B), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, June 28, 2-7 p.m., Catalan Sounds on Tour: Oques Grasses / La iaia / Sílvia Pérez Cruz / DJ Guillamino, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Monday, June 29, 5-10 p.m., Ingrid Michaelson / Jukebox the Ghost / Secret Someones (indie pop), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $35, see http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Thursday, July 2, 7-10 p.m., Un Break à Mozart / The DASH Ensemble (hip hop / classical / dance), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, July 5, 2-6 p.m., Global Family Day: Shine and the Moonbeams with special guest the Noel Pointer Youth Orchestra / The Red Trouser Show / Batoto Yetu / Ziporah Roney and Collaborative Artists (classic funk, soul, blues, and jazz), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, July 5, 7-10 p.m., Classical Theatre of Harlem: The Tempest (play), Marcus Garvey Park
Wednesday, July 8, 5-10 p.m., Compass / Systema Solar / Helado Negro (electronic, hip-hop, dub, cumbia and punk), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, July 11, 2-7 p.m., Vicentico / Ximena Sariñana / No Te Va Gustar (Latin / rock), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, July 12, 2-7 p.m., Cesária Évora Orchestra / Mayra Andrade / Dino D’Santiago (world music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Wednesday, July 15, 6-10 p.m., NPR and WNYC’s Ask Me Another: Celebrating 30 Years of SummerStage (trivia / comedy / music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, July 18, 6-10 p.m., Freedom Party NYC: Special SummerStage Anniversary Theme (dance party), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, July 18, 7-9 p.m., Rashida Bumbray & Dance Diaspora Collective: RUN MARY RUN / master class: Jamel Gaines (dance), Queensboro Park
Sunday, July 19, 6-10 p.m., Jorge Drexler / Diego Garcia / Danay Suárez (Latin music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Monday, July 20, 6-10 p.m., Guster / Kishi Bashi (indie/alternative music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $40, see
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Wednesday, July 22, 6-10 p.m., Milky Chance / X Ambassadors (punk, rock & roll, soul, hip-hop), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $35, see http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Saturday, July 25, 2-7 p.m., Bombino / Young Fathers / Fantastic Negrito (African, rock & roll, pop, hip hop, punk, roots), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, July 25, 7-9 p.m., Jose Peña Suazo y la Banda Gorda (merengue), Highbridge Park
Saturday, July 26, 2-7 p.m., Rock Steady Crew 38th Anniversary Concert: Whodini / Big Daddy Kane & more (R&B/rap), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Monday, July 27, 5-10 p.m., Dawes & First Aid Kit, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $37.50, see
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Tuesday, July 28, 5-10 p.m., Rise Against with Killswitch Engage & Letlive (punk), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $39.50, see http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Wednesday, July 29, 7-10 p.m., PHILADANCO! / TU Dance, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Friday, July 31, 5-9 p.m., Smorgasburg (food market /music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, August 1, 2-7 p.m., Dr. John & the Nite Trippers / Amy Helm (blues, pop, jazz, rock and roll), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, August 2, 2-7 p.m., Nação Zumbi / Nation Beat’s Carnival Caravan feat. Cha Wa / DJ sets by Vinil Pompéia (Brazilian), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Monday, August 3, 7-10 p.m., Beautiful – The Carole King Musical: Songs in Concert (musical), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Tuesday, August 4, 7-9 p.m., Tito Nieves (salsa), East River Park
Wednesday, August 5, 5-10 p.m., Father John Misty with Angel Olsen & Summer Moon (folk / singer-songwriter), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $35, see http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Wednesday, August 5, 7-9 p.m., RATKING / Bishop Nehru (hip hop), East River Park
Thursday, August 6, 7-9 p.m., Caribou (electronica), East River Park
Friday, August 7, 7-9 p.m., The Nuyorican Poets Cafe featuring Sarah Jones (spoken word), East River Park
Saturday, August 8, 5-10 p.m., 30th Anniversary DJ Celebration: Quantic / Gilles Peterson / Afrika Bambaataa (soul, electronic & Latin and African music), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, August 8, 7-9 p.m., Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company / master class: Karisma Jay East River Park
Sunday, August 9, 2-7 p.m., Glass Animals / Taylor McFerrin / BattleFest League Dancers (electro-pop), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, August 9, 4-7 p.m., Family Day: INVINCIBLE: Michael Jackson Tribute / Marika Hughes & Bottom Heavy, East River Park
Sunday, August 9, 7-9 p.m., Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue / Screening: Our Latin Thing (R&B / dance / film), East River Park
Tuesday, August 11, 7-9 p.m., Rakim / DJ Tedsmooth (hip hop), Marcus Garvey Park
Wednesday, August 12, 7-10 p.m., The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music (theater / dance), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Wednesday, August 12, 7-9 p.m., Mobile Mondays! Live with Roy Ayers (jazz/R&B), Marcus Garvey Park
Thursday, August 13, 7-9 p.m., The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music / master class: Darrin Henson (theater / dance), Marcus Garvey Park
Friday, August 14, 7-9 p.m., The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music / master class: Darrin Henson (theater / dance), Marcus Garvey Park
Saturday, August 15, 6-10 p.m., Brazilian Film Festival of NY: Baby Do Brasil / screening: Samba & Jazz (Brazilian music / film), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Saturday, August 15, 7-9 p.m., Tinder & Ash / Ephrat Asherie Dance / Kiebpoli & Shine / Claire Parsons Co. / Brooklyn United Marching Band (circus), Marcus Garvey Park
Sunday, August 16, 5-10 p.m., Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito 25th Anniversary concert / screening: Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives (rap / hip hop / film), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, August 16, 7-9 p.m., Tinder & Ash / Ephrat Asherie Dance / Kiebpoli & Shine / Claire Parsons Co. / Brooklyn United Marching Band (circus), Marcus Garvey Park
Wednesday, August 19, 7-10 p.m., ALT MODE: a collaboration between RYAT and Kate Watson-Wallace (dance, live electronic music, video), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Sunday, August 23, 6-8 p.m., RCA Summer Concert Celebration featuring: Jazmine Sullivan / Jordan Bratton & more (R&B, soul, hip-hop, funk), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Wednesday, September 2, 5-10 p.m., Lake Street Dive / Kitty, Daisy & Lewis (pop, R&B, soul, rock & roll, country, jazz), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Wednesday, September 16, 5-10 p.m., Phil Lesh & Friends featuring Chris Robinson, Neal Casal, Eric Krasno, Adam MacDougall and Tony Leone (rock & roll), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT: $59.50, see
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
Thursday, September 24, 6-10 p.m., Walk the Moon (pop / rock), Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, TICKETED BENEFIT CONCERT:, $35, see
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/benefit-concert/
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/summerstage/
Summer on the Hudson: Literary Lounge
When: Mondays, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Red Shade Plaza, Hudson River at 62nd St., Riverside Park South
What: Summer on the Hudson and Lamprophonic team up to bring local writers of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction out into nature. Come hear a reading, a moderated discussion, and join in an open Q&A. An excerpt of the writer’s work will be provided for digital download prior to each event at lamprophonic.com/literary-lounge/
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/summer_on_the_hudson
Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
When: Fridays, May 22-Sept. 4, music starts at 7 a.m., gate opens at 6 a.m.
Where: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
What: free performances by popular musical artists. Note: no large bags or backpacks allowed.
May 22, Jessie J
May 29, Ed Sheeran
June 5, Florence + the Machine
June 12, Jason Derulo
June 19, Adam Lambert
June 26, Dierks Bentley
July 3, Mika
July 10, Walk the Moon
July 17, TBD
July 24, Nicki Minaj
July 31, Hozier
August 7, Luke Bryan