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Picnic Performances

Bryant Park Picnic Performances Presented by Bank of America

Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a free outdoor festival that welcomes all New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. This summer, enjoy extraordinary artists and events in collaboration with a wide array of New York's cultural institutions.

2023 Brochure

Download the brochure and learn more about this season's performances that run June 1 – September 14.

2023 Lineup

June
01 - New York City Opera: La Bohème
02 - Jazzmobile: The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra
08 - Contemporary Dance: Robin Dunn and Friends, The Lite
09 - Contemporary Dance: Dance Heginbotham, Jennifer Muller/The Works
15 - Contemporary Dance: Terk Lewis + Kayla Farrish
16 - Contemporary Dance: Soles of Duende + Josh Johnson
23 - Emerging Music Festival: Psymon Spine, THUS LOVE, Katy Kirby
24 - Emerging Music Festival: Ky Vöss, Seramic, June McDoom, Miss Grit, Dead Tooth
30 - Jalopy Theatre: Michael Daves Quartet ft. Tony Trishka, Yacouba Sissoko, Terrell King

July
07 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
14 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Tessa Lark + Michael Thurber
21 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Magos Herrera featuring The Knights
28 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Champe-Soukous Collective

August
03 - Ailey Moves NYC: Ailey II
04 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Ndlovu Youth Choir
11 - Joe's Pub: Shaina Taub
18 - New York City Opera: The Barber of Seville
19 - New York City Opera: Alessandro Lora in Concert
25 - Accordions Around the World: Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, Ragini Ensemble
26 - Roulette Intermedium: Immanuel Wilkins, 75 Dollar Bill, Ka Baird

September
01 - The Classical Theatre of Harlem: Langston in Harlem
07 - American Symphony Orchestra: American Expressions
08 - New York City Opera: Romeo and Juliet
09 - Drom: Gaye Su Akyol (U.S. debut)
14 - Harlem Stage: 40th Anniversary Concert

Livestreams

Watch full livestreams of more than 20 of this season’s Picnic Performances on this webpage or @bryantparknyc on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.

Until the season starts, rewatch our past livestreams below and check out our 2022 season recap.

On the Lawn

At each event Bryant Park staff lends out hundreds of free picnic blankets, provides ample bistro chairs, and offers a curated selection of food and drink to purchase from local vendors. No registration is required and there are no lines to enter: it’s as easy as a walk in the park.

Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets on a first-come, first-served basis – or bring your own cotton or fleece blanket. To protect the lawn, please do not sit on waterproof materials such as plastic tarps, yoga mats, or inflatable chairs. 

Take a seat in one of the pre-set chairs on the lawn or grab a chair from the gravel. You can use a chair anywhere in the park except for the center-lawn blanket zone. 

Bring your own picnic, or purchase food and drinks from tents on the east side of the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of local artisanal vendors curated by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn and other light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

Find a parachute, giant Jenga, and more fun on the east side of the lawn at select events. 

We love dogs, but dog urine can leave the lawn with bald spots. Dogs are welcome on the gravel and bluestone – but please do not bring dogs on the lawn. 

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. 


Upcoming events