22 Apr Bryant Park Picnic Performances 2025: A Free Summer of Arts & Culture for Families

Get ready for a spectacular summer in NYC as the Bryant Park Picnic Performances return from May 30 to September 13, 2025. This beloved free series transforms Bryant Park into an open-air performance space, offering a vibrant mix of music, dance, theater, and family-friendly entertainment right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

With 25 free performances, this year’s lineup is more exciting than ever—perfect for families looking to enjoy cultural experiences without leaving the city (or spending a dime!).

2025 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

– Opening Night – May 30: The Sound of (Black) Music by Electric Root launches the series with an uplifting celebration of Black musical excellence.

– Contemporary Dance: World-renowned companies including Limón Dance Company, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, and Doug Varone and Dancers will take the stage in June and July.

– Jazzmobile – June 14: Celebrate jazz legend Sarah Vaughan’s 100th birthday with The Jimmy Heath Big Band, directed by Antonio Hart.

– Emerging Music Festival – June 20–21: Two nights of indie, folk, and global beats spotlight up-and-coming musicians and fresh sounds for all ages.

– NYC Opera – June 26–27 & Sept 4–5: Experience family-friendly operatic favorites like Opera Goes to Hollywood and a special performance of Carmen.

– Carnegie Hall Citywide – Fridays in July: Don’t miss performances from The Knights, La Excelencia, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and more.

– World Music – August 15: A high-energy evening with Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East and Gamelan Dharma Swara, celebrating international sounds.

– Grand Finale – September 13: The series wraps with The Man with the Golden Horn—a tribute to James Bond themes featuring Arturo O’Farrill, Steven Bernstein, and special guests.

Family Day – August 10

This year introduces a dedicated Family Day on Saturday, August 10 from 10 AM to 6 PM—perfect for kids of all ages!

Expect:

– Circus performers including stilt walkers, jugglers, and hula hoop artists
– Hands-on activities like science experiments, crafts, and bubble fun
– Dance showcases with audience participation by Ephrat Asherie Dance and Barkin/Selissen Project

What You Need to Know

– All performances are FREE and no tickets are required.
– Most events begin at 7 PM – arrive early to grab a good spot!
– Bring a blanket and your favorite picnic snacks—or grab something tasty from nearby food stands.
– 15 performances will be livestreamed for those who prefer to enjoy from home.

A Must-Do NYC Summer Tradition

Bryant Park Picnic Performances are an incredible way to introduce your kids to live arts in a welcoming, relaxed setting. Whether you’re into opera, dance, jazz, or family fun, this series has something for everyone.

👉 Visit the Bryant Park Picnic Performances page for the full 2025 schedule.

Location:

Bryant Park
New York, NY 10018​

Subway: Take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street–Bryant Park Station, or the 7 train to 5th Avenue Station.​