Enjoy an evening of classical music and fireworks under the stars with the NY Phil.
The New York Philharmonic concert in Central Park is one of the most eagerly anticipated free events in the city each summer.
Since 1965, the New York Philharmonic has performed free on the Great Lawn each summer, bringing world-class orchestral music to anyone who shows up with a blanket. The setting is mid-park, open sky, with fireworks closing every show.
2026 Event Details
Wednesday, June 10th: The Great Lawn at 8:00 PM. Pre-concert performances from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.
See the full concert details on our event page, including the program and artist information.
Location
The Great Lawn is located mid-park from 79th to 85th Streets. Enter at West 81st or 86th Streets, or at East 79th or 85th Streets.
Seating
For the best seats, arrive a couple of hours before the start of the show. To hear the music most clearly, set up your picnic near a speaker (there are many spread throughout the Great Lawn).
Getting There
The closest subway stops to the Great Lawn are:
- B,C train at West 81st Street or West 86th Street
- 1 train at West 79th Street or West 86th Street
- 4, 5, 6 train at East 86th Street
Trash
Carry in, carry out! Please take all of your trash with you when you leave the Great Lawn and place it in a trash receptacle on your way out of the park.
Exiting
Please stay on the paths and do not trample plantings. Find your way to the park's east or west drive for a wider path and faster route out of the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket to attend?
No tickets or reservations are required for the outdoor performance on the Great Lawn. The concert is free and open to the public.
How long is the concert?
The outdoor performance runs approximately two hours including intermission. It will be followed by fireworks.
What if there is bad weather?
For weather-related updates on the performance itself, call the Parks Hotline at (212) 875-5709, check NY Phil's social media, or sign up for weather alerts at nyphil.org.
Will there be fireworks?
Yes. Fireworks will follow the performance, rain or shine.
Can I reserve a space on the lawn?
Lawn spots are first-come, first-served. Arriving at least two hours before the main performance starts gives you the best choice of locations.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. Alcohol, coolers, and glass or metal containers are not permitted.
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.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are allowed and must be on a leash.
Will there be restrooms available?
Yes. The nearest restrooms are located behind the Delacorte Theatre, near the southwest corner of the Great Lawn. Portable restrooms will also be set up around the perimeter of the Great Lawn.
Is there accessibility seating?
Yes. YAI operates an accessibility section at the concert. Contact them at (212) 273-6181 or ulli.fenninger@yai.org for details.
Will there be food trucks or concession stands?
No food trucks or concession stands are available at the concert. Plan to bring your own food, or order a picnic bag for pickup on Central Park West at 100th Street before you head in.
What is the photo and video policy?
Phone photography is welcome. Recording the performance in any form, including audio recording, video recording, and cameras larger than a point-and-shoot, is prohibited. Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are also not permitted.
What is the bag policy?
You may bring a small clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag up to 12"x12"x6", or a non-clear clutch or fanny pack no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
What is prohibited?
Alcohol, audio or video recording equipment, 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, tripods, umbrellas, unlicensed vending of any kind, water squirt guns, nor weapons; no smoking of any kind is permitted.