Free Live Concert in Times Square to Celebrate 400 Years of New York City History

20 Aug Free Live Concert in Times Square to Celebrate 400 Years of New York City History

Posted at 07:13h in News by NYLK 0 Comments

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Tourism + Conventions (NYC Tourism), and The Broadway League announced “Founded By Broadway,” a free live concert to celebrate the 400th anniversary of New York City and spotlight Broadway’s vital role in the city’s history.

The concert – which will take place live in Times Square on September 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM, rain or shine – will be a marquee event for “Founded By NYC,” the Adams administration’s immersive year-long campaign commemorating 400 years of New York City history. “Founded By Broadway” will celebrate the past, present, and future of Broadway, with performances and appearances by some of Broadway’s newest and most celebrated shows, including Aladdin, & Juliet, The Book of Mormon, Buena Vista Social Club, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Chicago, Death Becomes Her, The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hell’s Kitchen, Just in Time, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Maybe Happy Ending, MJ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, The Outsiders, Punch, SIX: The Musical, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and Wicked. All performances will be accompanied by live music courtesy of The Music Performance Trust Fund and the Film Funds. Performances and artists are subject to change closer to the final performance date.

Originally unveiled at the end of 2024, Founded By NYC celebrates the 400th anniversary of New York City through activations across the five boroughs — including New York City-themed movies as part of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation free summer movies series; the largest-ever New York City Department of Transportation Summer Streets with 400 blocks of free events citywide; the 47th annual Museum Mile Festival; and more.

“For well over 100 years, a small stretch of theaters in the heart of Manhattan has transported audiences across the entire world and through time. From stories set as close as Hell’s Kitchen to epic adventures in far-off lands, Broadway has inspired generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike with its creativity, energy, and ambition,” said Mayor Adams. “The story of Broadway is the story of New York City, and with ‘Founded By Broadway’ and this Times Square concert for all to partake in for free, we will help tell both of these stories this September. Thanks to ‘Founded By NYC,’ we’re thrilled to be hosting events like this all year long as we commemorate more than four centuries of New York City history and show, once again, why we are ‘the greatest city in the world.’”

“There’s only one Broadway and there’s only one New York City. The heart of Times Square is the perfect place to celebrate Broadway’s legacy,” said Jason Laks, president, The Broadway League. “As we mark 400 years of this extraordinary city, the ‘Founded By Broadway’ concert will bring together the energy, talent, and storytelling that define New York and inspire the world. We’re proud to be part of the ‘Founded By NYC’ campaign and to showcase the artists, productions, and performances that continue to make Broadway a cultural cornerstone and economic engine for our city.”

“Broadway is synonymous with a visit to New York City, and what better way to celebrate 400 years than with a free, live concert in the center of it all, Times Square,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO, New York City Tourism + Conventions. “As a marquee moment of our ‘Founded By NYC’ campaign, this celebration will spotlight our renowned theater scene and launch NYC Broadway Week, offering 2-for-1 admission to a variety of remarkable shows this season while supporting local businesses in the theater district.”