Patti Labelle

Stern Grove Festival is one of those summer traditions that rewards a little planning and a willingness to settle in for the afternoon. The free concert series turns Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove into a rare kind of music venue, where blankets, picnic baskets and towering trees are just as much part of the experience as the performers. This season's standout moment comes from Patti LaBelle, whose powerhouse vocals and decades of influence make her appearance a genuine highlight for longtime fans and first-time listeners alike. The 2026 lineup continues the festival's wide-ranging approach, with artists spanning soul, rock, indie and global sounds. The appeal is in the ritual: arriving early, finding a spot on the lawn and spending a few hours somewhere that feels removed from the usual pace of the city. Tickets require a lottery system for general admission, so planning ahead is part of the experience