NY Philharmonic Concert

Experience the NY Philharmonic concert in Central Park!

Gustavo Dudamel, soon to be the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music & Artistic Director Designate, will conduct the New York Philharmonic this summer in a series of four complimentary outdoor performances across the city, each concluding with a dazzling fireworks display. The series will kick off in Central Park.

Since 1965, the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks - generously supported by Didi and Oscar Schafer - have enlivened the city’s green spaces by offering free, world-class orchestral performances that create memorable summer evenings for communities across New York.

2025 Event Details (check back soon for 2026)

Date: Wednesday, June 4th at Central Park

Time: The performance begins at 8:00 PM and is followed by fireworks.

Tickets: This is a FREE, un-ticketed event.

Tip: Many people like to picnic while enjoying the show. More tips below.

For weather and other updates, call the Concert Information Hotline at (212) 875-5709.

Artists

Gustavo Dudamel Conductor

Gustavo Dudamel is committed to creating a better world through music. His belief in art’s power to inspire and transform lives fuels his unifying presence on and off the podium, his commitment to education and access for underserved communities, and his mission to expand the reach of classical music. His rise, from humble beginnings as a child in Venezuela to an unparalleled career of artistic and social achievements, offers living proof that culture can bring meaning to the life of an individual and greater harmony to the world at large.

He currently serves as the Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.

In the 2025–26 season Gustavo Dudamel becomes the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director Designate of the New York Philharmonic before becoming the Orchestra’s Music and Artistic Director in September 2026, continuing a legacy that includes Gustav Mahler, Arturo Toscanini, and Leonard Bernstein.

Throughout 2025 Dudamel celebrates the 50th anniversary of El Sistema, honoring the global impact of José Antonio Abreu’s visionary education program across five generations.

Tips For Enjoying the NY Philharmonic Concert

SEATING

Get there early! Lawn spots are first-come, first-served. There are no reservations. For the best seats, it's best to arrive a couple of hours before the start of the show. The Great Lawn is open all day.

WEATHER

In case of bad weather, call the Parks Hotline at (212) 875-5709 and check the NY Phil's social media accounts for the latest updates. Sign up here for weather alerts, updates, and other information.

ACCESSIBILITY

YAI will be operating an accessibility section. Please call (212) 273-6181 or email ulli.fenninger@yai.org for details.

WHAT TO BRING

Seating: Beach chairs that lie low to the ground and picnic blankets are permitted. Standard lawn-chairs are not. 

Pets: Pets must be on a leash.

Bag Policy: You may bring small, clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (12"x12"x6" max size), non-clear clutch/purse/fanny pack no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".

Order a Picnic Ahead of Time: Our picnic bags include a variety of gourmet sandwiches, snacks, and drinks packed in a reusable tote. Order online and pick up on Central Park West at 100th Street.

PROHIBITED ITEMS & ACTIONS

Alcohol, audio or video recording equipment, bicycles or scooters, blankets, Camelbaks, chains/chain wallets, cameras larger than point-and-shoot (if you can remove the lens, don’t bring it), chairs, coolers, drones, fireworks, flags, frisbees, glass/metal containers, illegal drugs/paraphernalia, laser pens or similar focused light, light sticks, musical instruments, selfie sticks, skateboards, sports balls, tents, tripods, umbrellas, unlicensed vending of any kind, water squirt guns, nor weapons; no smoking of any kind is permitted.

LOCATION

The Great Lawn is located mid-park from 79th to 85th Streets. Map This Location

West Side: Enter at West 81st or 86th Streets

East Side: Enter at East 79th or 85th Streets

GETTING THERE BY SUBWAY

B,C trains at West 81st Street or West 86th Street

1 train at West 79th Street or West 86th Street

4, 5, 6 trains at East 86th Street

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located behind the Delacorte Theatre, (southwest corner of the Great Lawn). Portable restrooms will also be set up around the perimeter of the Great Lawn.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF

Please take your trash with you when you exit and place it in a trash bin! 

If a bin is full, please wait to find another bin to dispose of it in.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Keep your blankets close together and leave room for your neighbors.

Find your group easily by setting up near a recognizable landmark like a ball field or a speaker (added bonus: you'll hear the music more clearly!)