Whether you live in New York or you’re just planning a long vacation, it’s impossible to get bored here. There are so many must-attend events in NYC all year round that it can get a bit overwhelming. You’ve got film festivals, theatre plays, fashion week, and sports events, just to name a few. However, since summer is closely approaching, it’s time for some outdoor activities. And what better way to enjoy the warm and sunny weather than by listening to some great music? Just take a look at some of the best outdoor concerts happening in New York this summer.
1 The Governors Ball Music Festival will include some of the best outdoor concerts happening in New York this summer
The Governors Ball Music Festival is one of the most expected summer outdoor events. This Festival’s first edition took place in 2011 and has been a success ever since. While in the past, it was held on Governors Island, this year, it will be located in the beautiful Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. Some of the headliners include Lizzo, Odesza, and Kendrick Lamar.
2 Summerstage
Summerstage is one of the most significant outdoor music events in New York. This year will celebrate the Festival’s 37th edition and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. But don’t worry; you can also enjoy some indie-rock, jazz, salsa, country, and even opera. The best part about Summerstage is that it organizes free concerts in Central Park and 13 other parks across all five boroughs. So, this is your chance to park like a New Yorker.
3 Electric Zoo Festival
The Electric Zoo Festival has become internationally renowned. Since its first edition back in 2009, it has featured some of the biggest names in electronic music worldwide. It even had some international editions in Tokyo, São Paulo, and Mexico City. This summer, the Festival will take place in Randall’s Island Park on Labour Weekend.
4 Blue Note Jazz Festival
If you’re a fan of jazz, you should know that Blue Note Jazz Festival will include some of the best outdoor concerts happening in New York this summer. This is a month-long event that takes place in a variety of venues and includes both local and internationally-renowned artists. Some of the big names this year include Grace Jones, Robert Glasper, NxWorries, Buddy Guy, and Pat Metheny.
5 Bryant Park Picnic Performances
When summer comes, many New Yorkers enjoy picnics in the park. That’s probably where the idea for Bryant Park Picnic Performances originated from. This tremendous outdoor event aims to promote the city’s vibrant arts and culture. This year, you’ll see the New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall, Jalopy Theatre, the American Symphony Orchestra, and the Classical Theatre of Harlem. Plus, 26 of the performances will be free.
6 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! The Festival is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, which makes it New York’s longest-running performing arts festival. Every summer, the event occurs in Prospect Park and attracts many participants due to the free entrance. Here, you’ll get to see legendary jazz artists, indie bands, dance troupes, as well as global music icons.
7 Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival
Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival is one of the world’s biggest celebrations of the Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. And this is the first year it will take place in New York, so you shouldn’t miss it. It will take place at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, also celebrating its centennial. This year’s top artists include NIKI, Beabadoobee, ITZY, Rich Brian, and DPR Live & DPR Ian.
8 The Rooftop at Pier 17
The Rooftop at Pier 17 is one of the most scenic concert venues in New York City. It offers participants a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lower Manhattan skyline. But apart from the view, this venue will host some of the best summer outdoor concerts. Among the headliners, you’ll see Jenny Lewis, DJ Trixie Mattel, Pixies and Modest Mouse, Coheed and Cambria, Bebe Rexha, T-Pain, YUNGBLUD, and Macklemore.
9 The Met Opera Summer Recital Series
The Met Opera Summer Recital Series is among New York’s best summer traditions. Since 2009, when it was first launched, the Metropolitan Opera, together with City Parks Foundation, has been trying to inspire a love for the opera in the younger generations. To achieve this, they host a series of free recitals in Central Park every summer. This year you’ll see Gabriella Reyes, René Barbera, and Will Liverman performing on stage.
10 The Global Citizen Festival
The Global Citizen Festival is not just your typical music festival. It’s also a campaign aimed at ending extreme poverty. This is where activists, artists, philanthropists, and even world leaders join forces for a common cause. In 2022, we’ve seen some big names performing at The Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, such as Metallica, Mariah Carey, and Jonas Brothers. So, everyone is very excited to see this year’s lineup.
Are you ready to have some fun?
As you can see, there are plenty of great outdoor concerts to choose from. And these are only our top-10 picks. Many other music events are happening in New York this summer, so you should do further research if you don’t want to miss out on anything you like.
Now, if you’re not living in New York, you could plan a summer vacation here. However, with so much to do and see in this city, you should schedule an extended stay. If you’re worried about all the stuff you’ll need, you might want to consider renting short-term storage. Just make sure you do some research on the features of quality storage in NYC. For instance, some features you should look for include a high-tech security system and regular maintenance.
Conclusion
New York City has one of the most diverse cultural scenes. Therefore, it’s impossible to get bored or not find something to your liking. Nevertheless, you should check out some of the best outdoor concerts happening in New York this summer. After all, who doesn’t like music and spending a summer day outside?