Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage has officially announced its 2026 season lineup, celebrating 40 years of bringing world-class live music and cultural performances to parks across New York City. The milestone season will feature more than 60 performances across 13 parks, honoring both the festival’s rich history and the next generation of groundbreaking artists.

The 40th anniversary celebration reflects on SummerStage’s legendary beginnings in June 1986, when avant-garde Afrofuturist pioneers Sun Ra Arkestra opened the very first SummerStage performance at Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell. Over the past four decades, SummerStage has welcomed thousands of artists and more than seven million attendees, transforming New York City’s cultural landscape through free and benefit concerts spanning every genre imaginable.

This year’s season continues that tradition with a diverse lineup featuring rock, hip-hop, jazz, electronic, opera, Americana, and more. Fans can look forward to performances from both beloved returning acts and rising stars throughout the summer and into the fall.

2026 SummerStage Central Park Schedule Highlights

(Subject to Change)

• May 30 — Dance Gavin Dance (Benefit Concert)

• June 6 — Of The Trees (Benefit Concert)

• June 10 — Ledisi (Opening Night – Free Show)

• June 11 — Yellowcard / New Found Glory (Benefit Concert)

• June 13 — The Martinez Brothers (Benefit Concert)

• June 15 — Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital (Free Show)

• June 28 — Dreamland Pride featuring Purple Disco Machine (Benefit Concert)

• July 8 — Spoon (Free Show)

• July 18 — Anjunadeep Open Air NYC (Benefit Concert)

• July 23 — Yeat (Benefit Concert – Sold Out)

• August 15 — Blues Traveler / Gin Blossoms (Benefit Concert)

• August 19 — Simple Plan (Benefit Concert)

• October 1 — Charley Crockett (Benefit Concert)

From iconic veterans to tomorrow’s breakout stars, the 2026 SummerStage season promises another unforgettable summer of live music in the heart of New York City. Whether audiences have attended since the beginning or are experiencing SummerStage for the first time, the festival continues its mission of uniting communities through the power of music, art, and culture.