Central Park SummerStage (Rumsey Playfield)

Currently performances are suspended through June due to Coronavirus. The situation is continuously being assessed. Please check their website for latest scheduling information.

Central Park Summer Stage is New York's premier free performing arts festival. Founded in 1986, it brings performances of superior artistic caliber, free of charge, to large and diverse audiences. Through inclusive and eclectic programming, SummerStage provides an important forum for emerging and established artists, and ideas, and exposes its audiences to many different types of artistic and cultural expression. Programming areas include World and American music, modern dance, spoken word, electronic music, and family programming.

Schedule For a complete schedule, click on the schedule link above.

Directions SummerStage is located right off the 5th Avenue and 72nd Street entrance to Central Park in New York City. Enter at 69th and 5th Avenue.

Admission and Seating Policy Admission to all free performances (not benefit concerts) is on a first come, first-served basis, no tickets required. Depending on the show, chairs may or may not be placed on the field. Depending on the show, bleacher seating may or may not be available. E-mail [email protected] for questions concerning specific shows.

When to arrive SummerStage Gates open 90 minutes prior to showtime on weekends and benefit concerts, 60 minutes prior to showtime on weekdays.

Weather The show must go on! Shows will not be cancelled in the event of rain. Shows will be cancelled, however, in the event of lightning for the safety of the audience and the performers.

What NOT to bring Please respect the rules of the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation at Central Park SummerStage. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, bottles, coolers, pets, bicycles, video cameras, tape machines, or flash cameras to Central Park SummerStage.

Food & Beverages Food and beverages are available to purchase at all shows. Menu items include burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian sandwiches, Heineken, Amstel Light and wine. At the free shows, food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. However, glass bottles, coolers and alcohol are not permitted. And yes, the Summerstage support staff will search bags on entry. Note that for benefit shows (e.g., Erykah Badu, Lyle Lovett, String Cheese Incident, Bela Fleck), no outside food or drink of any kind is permitted in any way, shape or form.

Pets Pets are not allowed into the shows. Seeing Eye Dogs are allowed.