NY Philharmonic Concert 2026

Conductor Elim Chan leads the NY Phil on the Great Lawn for a free evening of orchestral music, ending with fireworks.

Since 1965, the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, have brought free world-class orchestral performances to New York's parks each summer.

The Central Park concert takes place on the Great Lawn, with fireworks following the performance.

Program

Pre-concert performances run from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring ensembles from Philharmonic education and community partners throughout New York City and the Philharmonic Youth Choir, directed by Dr. Tyrone Clinton.

The main program includes:

• Copland — Fanfare for the Common Man 
• Joan Tower — Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 1 
• Saint-Saëns — Cello Concerto No. 1 
• Berlioz — Le Corsaire Overture 
• Peace Dixon (Very Young Composer) — Orchestra on E 
• Celine Kim (Very Young Composer) — Happy Cities 
• Dukas — The Sorcerer's Apprentice 
• Ravel — Boléro

Artists

Elim Chan, Conductor 

Carter Brey, Cello

Tips For Enjoying the Concert

Seating

Lawn spots are first-come, first-served with no reservations. Arrive at least two hours early for the best spots. Beach chairs that sit low to the ground and picnic blankets are permitted. Standard lawn chairs are not. For the clearest sound, set up near one of the speakers spread across the lawn.

What to Bring

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". No other bags are allowed.

Pets must be on a leash.

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

Prohibited Items

Alcohol, audio or video recording equipment, tripods, bicycles or scooters, Camelbaks, chains/chain wallets, cameras larger than point-and-shoot (if you can remove the lens, don’t bring it), standard lawn 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, umbrellas, unlicensed vending of any kind, water squirt guns, nor weapons; no smoking of any kind is permitted.

Weather

In case of bad weather, call the Parks Hotline at (212) 875-5709 or check NY Phil's social media for updates.

Accessibility

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

For full planning tips and answers to common questions, see our NY Philharmonic concert guide.