Picnic Performances: August 2026

This August, Bryant Park will present a month of performances that challenge traditional genre norms in music. On August 14 and 15, the New York Guitar Festival returns to Bryant Park with an impressive lineup showcasing the guitar in new and unexpected ways.

What to expect:

The first evening will feature classical guitar performances by Raphaël Feuillâtre, Goran Ivanovic & Fareed Haque, Ziggy & Miles, and Gabriele Leite.

The second evening will highlight improvisational and avant-garde guitar performances by The Messthetics, Marc Ribot, Gyan Riley, and Pierre Bensusan.

On August 21, Bryant Park will host its first-ever Choir Festival, featuring three New York City-based choral ensembles: New York Vocal Collective, Sing Harlem, and Gaia Music Collective.

What to expect:

New York Vocal Collective will bring a blend of professionalism and playfulness through their multifaceted roster of singers to intersect genres and voices.

Renowned gospel choir Sing Harlem will perform with an emphasis on expression, artistry, and social impact.

Gaia Music Collective will lead a guided public sing-along, inviting audiences to take part in a shared creative experience.

On August 28, Bryant Park will welcome three accordion acts: Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs, The Saami Brothers, and Chicha Libre.

What to expect:

Jourdan Thibodeaux, an ambassador of Cajun-American tradition, will honor his Louisiana French heritage by performing music from their storied culture.

The Saami Brothers will share Pakistani musical traditions shaped by Khayal and Qawwali, performing from a place that invites reflection and presence.

Brooklyn-based Peruvian band Chicha Libre will perform songs inspired by chicha, a musical genre that blends psychedelic, rock, and Latin American influences.