Family-Friendly Summer Concerts in NYC

Family-Friendly Summer Concerts

What better way to spend your summer than by going out to enjoy a fun and entertaining concert! With so many different kinds of performances, your family’s calendar will be filled with a bunch of musical adventures to choose from!

There are concerts out there for everyone, whether you want to relax in the park listening to some smooth jazz, or you want to burn off some energy and dance along to some upbeat music.

So grab your picnic blankets, pack a few snacks, and join in on the fun at any of these family friendly summer concerts in New York City!

Psst… Check out our Summer Reading List for Kids of All Ages!

Little Island Creative Break Series

When: through Sept. 3

Time: Varies

Location: Pier 55 at The Glade and The Playground

Head to Little Island for a summer of free performances and events through Sept. 3. Listen to performances from Grammy-winning artists, Tony-winners, classical musicians and more. No tickets or reservations are required for these events, making it the perfect choice for a spontaneous night out.

Picnic Performances in Bryant Park

When: through Sept. 14

Time: 7 pm

Location: Bryant Park

Come listen to some of your favorite songs played by a wide variety of artists put together by Carnegie Hall! Whether you’re in the mood to listen to smooth jazz or some R&B, each Friday you and your family can sit on the lawn of Bryant park to listen to sounds and songs from all around the world!

Sunset on the Hudson

When: through August 25

Time: Varies

Location: Hudson River Park

This music series has been one of the longest running in Hudson River Park and is continuing to be a fun experience for the entire family. With multiple shows going on throughout the summer, you will be able to listen to some talented local musicians.

These concerts are free so take advantage of the opportunity to make some more memories!

Summer on the Hudson Amplified Sundays

When: Sundays in July

Time: 7 pm

Location: Pier I at 70th St.

Dance to vibrant live music accompanied by spectacular sunsets. Stop by for a different style and genre of music each week!

Summer Concerts at The Wells Fargo Stage

When: Wednesdays through Aug. 9

Time: 6 pm

Location: Hudson Yards Public Square & Gardens

Head over to the Public Square & Gardens on Wednesday nights for free live concerts! Programmed by the Bowery Presents, get ready for a thrilling line-up of artists who will be in NYC this summer! Pack your blanket and snacks and enjoy the show(s)!

SummerStage

When: through October

Time: Varies

Location: Multiple Park Locations

Enjoy the sounds of musical ensembles this summer at SummerStage.

Get ready to travel the world and transport to countries like Canada, Brazil, and France, while seated in your neighborhood park. SummerStage has compiled some of the most inspiring performing artists (both local and international) to create an engaging lineup all summer.

With over 13 locations and many genres, there is sure to be an event for everyone!

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert Series

When: through Aug. 24

Time: Varies

Location: Prospect Park

This popular festival has been going for over 40 years and has become a summer tradition for many New York families. Taking place all summer long, performers from all over come to the stage in Prospect Park to share their love for music with you and your family.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! will open your eyes to new genres of music and give you an excuse to listen to songs you already loved!

Met Opera Summer Recital

When: August 8

Time: 8 pm

Location: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park

In collaboration with the City Parks Foundation, The Metropolitan Opera will be hosting their popular summer recital in Central Park! This show has always been a fan favorite for many New Yorkers who have a love for opera.

The Met Opera, however, is hoping that this event will inspire a new generation of opera lovers! Even though this is a free event, you must request tickets in order to attend.

International Puppet Fringe Festival NYC

When: Aug. 9 to 13

Time: Various

Location: Teatro SEA

Come explore the world of puppets at the International Puppet Fringe Festival! Families will be able to watch puppet shows, short films and artist talks with international puppet theater companies. This year, the event will take place from Aug. 9 to 13.

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival NYC

When: Aug. 25 to 27

Time: Varies

Locations: Varies

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is back this year! This three-day event celebrates the late saxophonist in live performances held right around where Parker once lived.

Performances will take place in areas including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey park and Tompkin’s Square in the East Village. Indulge in an event filled with soothing jazz and powerful performers.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Family-Friendly Summer Concerts in New York City