You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy live music in the Big Apple this summer. The city does the work of offering something for everyone with its free concerts. Doing so showcases the talent and diversity of the performers who cherish New York City and its stages. Moreover, it gives music lovers and summertime city explorers an affordable thing to do.

One way to find what free live performances will interest you is to scroll through different concert series‘ summer calendars. In addition to the City Parks Foundation SummerStage, there are the Bryant Park Picnic Performances, Backyard at Hudson Yard, TSQ Live, Broadway Rhythm, and many more.

“Once again, starting on July 14th, New Yorkers will gather together and partake in the music and culture that keeps our city moving,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams about this year’s SummerStage series, which is in partnership with his Rise Up NYC initiative.

“Music and the arts are essential to our city, and this summer, we are going to amplify the experience and make sure we are giving residents of the five boroughs an all-star experience at no cost. We welcome all New Yorkers to join us in celebrating the vibrant energy of our city through the shared joy of music,” the mayor added.

What Free Concerts Are Black Artists Putting On This Summer?

Black artists of various musical genres are headlining free shows, including Louis Cato, Keith Sweat, Show Dem Camp, and more. This list of free concerts and musical shows are summer performances you won’t want to miss.

July 19: Louis Cato – Bryant Park Stage
July 19: Maya Simone – Idlewild Park
July 21: DMC & Friend / Jadakiss / The Hoodies / DJ Statik Selektah / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels – Flushing Meadows Corona Park
July 26: Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup – Bryant Park Stage
August 1: Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party – Crotona Park
August 3: King Promise / Dan Price the Artist / DJ Faddah (GhanaFest-NY) – Crotona Park
August 3: Keith Sweat – Apollo Theater
August 4: NEMS Presents: GORILLAFEST Featuring Ghostface Killah / DJ Drewski & Friends / Statik Selektah / Scram Jones / Tony Touch and Friends – Coney Island Amphitheater
August 17: Palmwine Festival NYC: Show Dem Camp feat. The Cavemen & Friends – Central Park
August 17: The Soapbox Presents: The Life of the Party – Marcus Garvey Park
August 18: Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels Video Music Box – Marcus Garvey Park,
August 18: Funk Flex Birthday Party with Live performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo & Funk Flex – Central Park
August 23: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Christian McBride Big Band / Wallace Roney Jr – Marcus Garvey Park