Best Outdoor Music Venues For Summer Concerts In New York
Spring is finally here! It's time to shed those winter layers and enjoy the warm-weather months. Luckily, the city offers many outdoor-friendly activities. Take a stroll through one of NYC's many gorgeous parks, or enjoy your favorite artist at one of NYC's many venues outside. Check out these five outdoor music venues located in NYC.
Rumsey Playfield
SummerStage
E. 69th St.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 310-6600
www.centralparknyc.org
Located right in iconic Central Park, Rumsey Playfield is the perfect spot for an outdoor music venue. The playfield is known for its popular SummerStage cultural series, where a range of talented artists from the Beastie Boys to Tori Morrison have performed. This spring and summer, performers such as Tamar-kali, McCoy Tyner Quartet with Ron Carter, Roy Haynes, and special guests, and Barenaked Ladies, will all grace the stage at Rumsey Playfield as part of the SummerStage series. Check out the full list online.
Randall's Island Park
1 Randall's Island Park
New York, NY 10035
(212) 307-10035
www.randallsisland.org
Randall's Island Park is located along the East River, sandwiched between Astoria, Queens, the South Bronx and East Harlem. This makes it a prime location for outdoor concerts, with breathtaking city views. The Park is home to the famous Governor's Ball music festival, held in early June. This year's lineup will include Kanye West, The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie, De La Soul, Cold War Kids, and many more artists. Visit the Governor's Ball website for additional information.
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
1000 Ocean Pkwy
Wantagh, NY 11793
(800) 745-3000
www.jonesbeach.com
Located on Long Island, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater is a concert-going experience you will never forget. The theater is located right on the beach, and can hold 15,000 people, ballpark style. This summer, Dave Matthews Band will play on stage for their 25th anniversary. Janet Jackson will perform at Jones Beach Theater as part of her UNBREAKABLE World Tour and Black Sabbath and Rival Sons are also scheduled to take the stage. For a full list of performances, visit the theater's website.
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Forest Hills Stadium
1 Tennis Place
Forest Hills, NY 11375
www.foresthillsstadium.com
Forest Hills Stadium was built in 1923 to house the U.S. Open tennis tournament. In the 60s and 70s, the stadium welcomed legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones and more. Three years ago, Forest Hills Stadium was renovated after years of not being used. Now the stadium is one of the most popular outdoor concert venues in the city. This summer, Mumford & Sons, Disclosure Presents Wildlife and Paul Simon will all be performing. For performance dates and times, visit the the venue's website.
Prospect Park Bandshell
62 W. Drive
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 965-8951
www.prospectpark.org
Prospect Park is a national landmark located in Brooklyn that receives more than 10 million yearly visitors. Thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance, the park is one of the greatest green spaces in the country and offers various public programs and outdoor concerts at Prospect Park Bandshell. Each year, The BRIC Celebrate! Brooklyn Festival takes place at Prospect Park. BRIC is the city's oldest free performing arts festival. Throughout the summer, various artists will perform on various days at the Bandshell as part of BRIC. For more information, visit Prospect Park's website.