SummerStage Celebrates 40 Years With 60+ Free, Benefit Shows Across NYC

The long-running New York City outdoor performing arts festival announced its 2026 season Tuesday, with more than 60 free and benefit shows planned across Central Park and 12 neighborhood parks in all five boroughs. The season will run from June through October, with programming spanning jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeat, soul, pop, global music, dance and more.

The 2026 lineup includes Laurie Anderson, Angélique Kidjo, Mavis Staples, De La Soul, Spoon, Andrew Bird, Bilal, MIKE’s Young World with Max B, Julieta Venegas, Edem, Black Country, New Road, Horsegirl, SHABAKA, Kokoroko, Trueno, Luedji Luna with Liniker, Shaggy, WayV, Charlie Aponte and many more.

The season opens Wednesday, June 10, in Central Park with a free show in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival, headlined by Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi. The performance will feature material from her 2025 album Ledisi for Dinah, a tribute to Dinah Washington, with Spilata and DJ Kultured Child also on the bill.

“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 & Executive Producer from 1986-1993 and City Parks Foundation Board Member. “Four decades later, I’m genuinely moved by what SummerStage has meant to our city and what we helped build together with our fans.”

SummerStage first launched in June 1986 with a performance by Sun Ra Arkestra at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Since then, the festival has presented thousands of artists to more than seven million attendees, bringing free performances to neighborhood parks throughout New York City.

This year’s anniversary season will include several major Central Park highlights. Laurie Anderson will make her SummerStage debut on June 26 with Sexmob as part of her Republic of Love tour. SHABAKA, Kokoroko and Omar will perform July 2 in association with Giant Step and Blue Note Jazz Festival. Spoon will headline July 8 with Ratboys and Bodega, while Shaggy performs July 9 in association with VP Records and Boombastic Radio.

Mavis Staples returns July 16 for a show presented with the Apollo Theater, and SummerStage will spotlight dance July 22 with Paul Taylor Dance Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Latasha Barnes’ The Jazz Continuum.

The global programming continues throughout the summer, including a Bastille Day celebration on July 12 with Black M, Laurent Voulzy and Michel Polnareff; Moroccan music on July 15; Julieta Venegas on July 29 as part of LAMC; Trueno, Milo J and J Noa on August 1; WayV on August 2; Andrew Bird and the Wordless Music Orchestra performing The Mysterious Production of Eggs on August 6; and Angélique Kidjo on August 23.

Neighborhood park programming will also be a major focus of the anniversary season. MIKE’s Young World returns to Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn on July 11 with Max B and MIKE performing with Band of the Century. Bilal will perform there July 12 with GENA. De La Soul and Pete Rock will play Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens on July 17, while DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Beyond returns July 19. Crotona Park in the Bronx will host Edem and Andy Dosty on August 1, while Staten Island will welcome Charlie Aponte and Judy Santos.

“It is such a thrill to be presenting our 40th season lineup, while also celebrating four decades of showcasing iconic artists and dynamic new voices from around the world,” said Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage. “We are extremely proud of SummerStage’s place in NYC music history and of championing artists across all genres, whether its local NYC icons or major stars from across the globe.”

The 2026 season will also feature anniversary-focused celebrations from major music institutions and influencers. Duck Down Music will mark its 30th anniversary at Herbert Von King Park on July 9 with Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C. Ultimate Breaks and Beats will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Central Park on July 30 with Breakbeat Lou, Lord Finesse, Diamond D, Grand Puba, Sadat X and more. Verve Records will celebrate its 70th anniversary on September 2 with Christian McBride, Mei Semones and others.

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival returns August 28-30 for its 34th year, with performances in Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park. The lineup includes Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Joshua Redman, Ravi Coltrane and more artists to be announced.

Ticketed benefit concerts will help fund SummerStage’s free programming. This year’s benefit lineup includes The Martinez Brothers on June 13, Elderbrook on June 20, Anjunadeep Open Air New York City on July 18, Blues Traveler with Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors on August 15, Simple Plan with 3OH!3 and Bowling for Soup on August 19, The Marcus King Band on September 12, and Charley Crockett on October 1, with additional shows still to be announced.

Capital One cardholders will receive 24-hour presale access to ticketed benefit shows before the general public, along with exclusive ticket access to select shows through Capital One Entertainment. Cardholders will also be able to use an expedited entry line at the SummerStage VIP entrance during the first hour after doors open.

“I am thrilled to announce our 2026 SummerStage lineup and mark our momentous 40th anniversary,” said Heather Lubov, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation. “This season’s exceptional mix of artists truly embodies why SummerStage has become such a beloved music destination for the past four decades, and reflects our city’s rich cultural diversity.”

Most SummerStage events are free and open to the public, with select Central Park benefit concerts ticketed. Full lineup and ticketing details are available at SummerStage.org.