The Met Opera Summer Recital Series

The Met Opera Summer Recital Series will return for its 16th season in 2025!

The Metropolitan Opera, in collaboration with City Parks Foundation, launched its Summer Recital Series in 2009 to bring free concerts to the parks in every borough of New York, in hopes to inspire a new generation of opera lovers. 

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2024 Event Details

Rumsey Playfield: Tue, Jun 18, 2024 - 8:00 PM The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital: Feat. Leah Hawkins | Mario Chang | Michael Sumuel - FREE Show

Helpful Things to Know

ADMISSION & SEATING POLICY

Seating is first-come, first-served. There is also space to listen on the grass outside of the venue. 

If you want to get into events more easily, consider a SummerStage Membership which offers members express entrance to shows, seats on the bleachers, member lounge access, complimentary beverages, luxury air-conditioned restrooms and more.

NOT PERMITTED

No outside chairs.

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, balloons, video cameras, laser pointers, drones, selfie sticks, musical instruments, professional camera gear or pets (service animals are allowed).

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.

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.

ITEMS PERMITTED

  • Food
  • Factory sealed plastic bottles
  • Strollers
  • Picnic blankets or beach towels
  • Hats, sunglasses, your phone – basic things you need to enjoy your time at SummerStage!

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

If you would like to request ADA seating or an assisted listening device in advance, please contact: summerstage@cityparksfoundation.org

AGE RESTRICTIONS

None. All ages are welcome.