SummerStage will not take place in 2020 per city restrictions, and will be re-assessed in time. For ongoing updates please visit the CityParks Foundation website: cityparksfoundation.org and social media channels.
2020 SummerStage Performance Schedule
Monday June 22: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco Produced by The Bowery Presents (BENEFIT SHOW)
Wednesday, July 8: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Bare Naked Ladies with Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket Produced by The Bowery Presents (BENEFIT SHOW)
Wednesday, July 29: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Sharon Van Etten and Real Estate and Grace Ives Produced by The Bowery Presents (BENEFIT SHOW)
Thursday August 6: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Whitney and Weyes Blood Produced by The Bowery Presents (BENEFIT SHOW)
Thursday August 20: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM | The Decemberists and Fruit Bats Produced by The Bowery Presents (BENEFIT SHOW)
More dates and concerts may follow. Check back frequently.
Helpful Things to Know About SummerStage
LOCATION
Rumsey Playfield is located on East 72nd Street off Fifth Avenue. Map This Location
GETTING THERE
You can easily enter the park on 69th Street and 5th Avenue. The closest subway is the 6 train to 68th Street.
ADMISSION
Admission to performances that do not require tickets is on a first come, first-served basis.
TICKETS
Tickets to Benefit Concerts are available through CityParksFoundation.org or at the on-site box office, across from the VIP check-in table on East Drive. The box office is only open on show days. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
SEATING
Depending on the show, chairs may or may not be placed on the field, and bleacher seating may or may not be available. At dance shows in Central Park, first-come, first-served limited seating will be offered. There is also space to listen on the grass outside of the venue. Email SummerStage@CityParksFoundation.org for questions concerning specific shows.
If you want to get into events more easily, consider a SummerStage Membership which offers members express entrance to shows, seats on the bleachers and more.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Food and beverages are available to purchase at all shows. Menu items include burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian sandwiches, beer, and wine. At the free shows, food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. However, glass bottles, coolers, and alcohol are not permitted.
NOT PERMITTED
The following cannot be brought into the Central Park venue: backpacks and luggage larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8", glass bottles, cans, coolers, folding chairs, bikes, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, beach umbrellas, video cameras, selfie sticks, musical instruments, professional camera gear or pets (service animals are allowed).
Bags are subject to search.
Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all NYC parks.
PETS
Pets are not allowed into the shows. Service animals and seeing eye dogs are allowed.
WEATHER
Shows are RAIN or SHINE and are only cancelled in the event of dangerous conditions. Announcements are made on the Facebook & Twitter pages. Should a Benefit Concert be cancelled, refunds will be available. Cancelled shows are not rescheduled. Small umbrellas are permitted inside the venue.
ACCESSIBILITY
SummerStage is accessible to the mobility-impaired. For additional information please call (212) 360-2789 and ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator. To obtain the Parks Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), please call (800) 281-5722.
Things to Do Before the Show
Rent a bike or take a tour of Central Park (available all day)
Have a picnic in Central Park (pickup and delivery available)
About SummerStage
Founded in 1986, the SummerStage Festival features performances spanning World and American music, modern dance, spoken word, electronic music, and family programming.
By purchasing tickets to SummerStage Benefit Concerts, you are continuing to support over 100 free performances in parks throughout the five boroughs.
Most of the concerts throughout the summer are privately funded and may be enjoyed by the general public at no cost with the exception of some of the bigger shows on the Mainstage in the park.
City Parks Foundation (CPF) will welcome guests to their Annual Gala presented at SummerStage. The evening will help raise significant funds to support CPF's year-round free arts, sports, and education programs.