SummerStage marks 40th year with free NYC concerts May–October, featuring Shabaka and Laurie Anderson
Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a broad slate of free concerts across New York City’s five boroughs from May through October 2026. The lineup features Shabaka, Laurie Anderson, Spoon, Andrew Bird, Angélique Kidjo, Black Country, New Road, MIKE, De La Soul and more, alongside a series of ticketed benefit shows that help support the programming.
“Forty years ago, I had a simple idea: that world-class music and performing arts belonged to everyone, not just those who could afford a ticket,” said Joe Killian, SummerStage founder and former executive producer (1986–1993), now a City Parks Foundation board member.
“SummerStage has been the cultural backbone of NYC since 1986…
As we step into this 40th season, I’m not just proud of where we’ve been, but I’m also excited for the moments still to come.” Heather Lubov, executive director of City Parks Foundation, said the 2026 roster “truly embodies why SummerStage has become such a beloved music destination for the past four decades, and reflects our city’s rich cultural diversity,” adding that the organization is “excited to continue the tradition of bringing memorable performances to NYC’s parks and celebrating our communities.” Free Central Park highlights include Laurie Anderson’s Republic of Love with Sexmob on June 26; Shabaka with Kokoroko, Omar and Lovie on July 1; Black Country, New Road with Horsegirl and Sharp Pins on June 24; Ledisi for Dinah with Spilata and DJ Kultured Child on June 10; and the New York Sings Yiddish program on June 22.
In addition, the Metropolitan Opera’s Summer Recital series will present free performances across the city: Williamsbridge Oval on June 8, Socrates Sculpture Park on June 10, Jackie Robinson Park on June 12, Central Park on June 15 and Brooklyn Bridge Park on June 17.
The season also includes ticketed benefit concerts at Central Park, among them Dance Gavin Dance with The Fall of Troy and Wolf and the Bear on May 30; Yellowcard with New Found Glory and Plain White Ts on June 11; Yeat with Slayr and BNYX on July 23; Blues Traveler with Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors on August 15; Simple Plan with 3OH!3 and Bowling for Soup on August 19; Marcus King Band with Penelope Road on September 12; and Charley Crockett with Durand Jones and the Indications on October 1.
SummerStage’s 2026 season runs citywide from late May through early October, pairing free community concerts with benefit events to mark a milestone year for one of New York’s signature outdoor music series.