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Picnic Performances

Enjoy world class performing arts on the lawn

The 2022 season of Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America showcases twenty-six live and in-person music, dance, and theater events produced in partnership with a diverse and storied lineup of New York City’s performing arts institutions. Over 20 of this season’s events will also be available to livestream in their entirety.

All performances are free to the public and designed to be enjoyed casually – no tickets required—with ample seating available and free picnic blankets to borrow. Attendees may bring their own food or purchase from on-site food and beverage vendors near the lawn. COVID-19 vaccinations and masks are not currently required but Bryant Park will continue to monitor and follow updated New York City and New York State COVID-19 guidelines throughout the summer as necessary.

Watch the livestream of Asian American Arts Alliance: Rafiq Bhatia + Ian Chang on Friday, August 19 at 7pm.

People sit on the lawn in Bryant Park with bands on the stage for Bryant Park's Emerging Music Festival.

Borrow a picnic blanket or chair – or bring your own. Bryant Park blankets and chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees may bring their own food or purchase from on-site food and beverage vendors near the Lawn. At most performances, attendees can purchase food from a rotating line-up of local NYC vendors curated by Hester Street Fair.

Performances are cancelled when it is unsafe to be outdoors. In some cases, the Lawn may be too wet to open but the performance may continue. Follow @bryantparknyc for day-of event updates.

COVID-19 vaccinations and masks are not currently required but Bryant Park will continue to monitor and follow updated New York City and New York State COVID-19 guidelines throughout the summer as necessary.

New York City Opera

Extraordinary opera selections produced by New York City Opera, including The Barber of Seville, La traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor, and a special Pride in the Park performance.

Press play to rewatch The Barber of Seville here.

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Asian American Arts Alliance

The Asian American Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. Bryant Park is excited to partner with A4 for the first time this summer.

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Habibi Festival with Joe's Pub

Enjoy a summer pop-up edition of Habibi Festival, a new NYC celebration of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asian and North African) region at Bryant Park. The show features performances from three different artists: Palestinian Kanun player and composer Firas Zreik and his trio; traditional Algerian/Moroccan music and dance with artist Esraa Warda and The Châab Lab; and AJOYO, a blend of traditional African, jazz, and soul music led by French-Tunisian saxophonist and composer Yacine Boularès. This event is presented in collaboration with Joe's Pub, an independent, non-profit music venue within the Public Theater dedicated to supporting performing artists at every stage of their careers.

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Greenwich House Music School

Since 2014, Greenwich House Music School's Uncharted series has emerged as one of New York's most exciting and unpredictable live concert series, drawing attention from tastemakers and curators from across the city. Every Uncharted performance features New York City-based artists premiering new projects or meeting new collaborators on stage.

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Upcoming events