Summerstage crowd in Central Park

SummerStage: What You Need To Know

One of the highlights of summer in the city is the wonderful SummerStage series of concerts. The shows have been going on since the 80’s and never disappoint.

SummerStage in Manhattan takes place at Rumsey Playfield: enter Central Park on 69th and 5th Avenue and follow the crowds…you’ll be sure to find it. (There are SummerStage events in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, too–with some shows devoted solely to kids.) Almost all the events are free; the few that aren’t are benefits for charities. And it’s all about variety.

Some cool highlights this year: The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series on June 23rd, Ballet Hispanico on July 16th, the Rock Steady Crew’s 37th Anniversary Concert on July 27th and a Motown Gospel Revue on August 9th. Beck, The Counting Crows and Toad the Wet Sprocket will be playing benefits. One thing I love about this series is that you can check out different music genres and it costs nothing.

Along with the music, there is, of course, FOOD! And good, interesting local food at that. Asia Dog, Blue Marble Ice Cream, Lonestar Empire BBQ and Pizza Moto. Plus local City Winery wine, and local brews: Laguanitas, Ommegang and Six Point. All vendors are cash-only.

There are bleacher seats available, but it’s probably more comfortable to head to the park early and bring a blanket. I’d arrive at least an hour before the show to get a good viewing location. The show goes on rain or shine, but will be cancelled in the event of dangerous lightening. (We New Yorkers are hardy, but we’re not stupid.)

Check out the complete lineup here.

Image via Wally Gobetz/Flickr