Your guide to SummerStage 2018
Make the most of SummerStage 2018 with our guide to New York City's biggest free summer music festival
For New York music fans, SummerStage is always one of the highlights of the summer-concerts calendar. The City Parks Foundation series, which celebrates its 33rd anniversary this year, is a juggernaut among warm-weather concert presenters, booking everything from classic New York hip-hop artists in outerborough NYC parks to big-name indie-rock bands on the Central Park mainstage. The scope of SummerStage 2018 is so vast we wouldn't blame you for being a bit bewildered by the whole thing. Here's a quick FAQ to get you started with SummerStage 2018.
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When is SummerStage?
This year's festival runs from June 2 through September 27. Events happen almost every day of the summer including both free concerts, dance parties, live poetry, theater, ballet and an outdoor opera series. The series' affiliated benefit shows (for which you'll need a ticket) run through September.
Where is SummerStage?
Events happen at many of the city's parks in all five boroughs. The iconic SummerStage mainstage in Central Park, situated at Rumsey Playfield, houses plenty of gigs. But the series is by no means a Manhattan-centric affair, with concerts taking place all summer at parks and outdoor spaces throughout NYC.
Who is playing SummerStage?
Frankly, too many acts to list. The schedule includes a staggering range of performers from R&B singer Ginuwine and dancehall icon Sister Nancy to Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti and jazz singer Gregory Porter. See SummerStage festival lineup for the full rundown.
How do I get tickets to SummerStage?
As always, the majority of SummerStage's offerings are 100 percent free. There are a handful of choice benefit gigs, though; check for tickets here.
