New York City’s most beloved free outdoor festival is returning, and the 2026 lineup is stacked. Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances, presented by Bank of America, officially kicks off May 28 and runs through September 11 with 24 nights of free music, dance, opera, circus, and more right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
This year’s season is one for the books. Highlights include a New York City Opera showcase, a Carnegie Hall Fourth of July concert celebrating America’s birthday, and the park’s very first Brass Festival and Choir Festival. A special September 11 tribute concert will close out the season, marking the 25th anniversary of the day that changed New York forever.
The full range of performances spans everything from global percussion and world music to ballet, hip hop dance, swing, salsa, and indie rock. World Music Institute brings its acclaimed “World of Percussion” series back for its 40th anniversary season, while the park’s annual Broadway in Bryant Park series will return on Thursdays in July, featuring performances from casts of shows including Hamilton, Wicked, Hadestown, MJ the Musical, and more.
Past seasons have drawn over 87,000 in-person attendees alongside 440,000-plus livestream views, cementing the series as a true New York City institution.
No tickets. No reservations. No reason not to go. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. on performance nights and all shows begin at 7 p.m. Blankets are available to borrow, or bring your own.
Follow @bryantparknyc for weather updates and day-of announcements.
