New York is home to an incredible music scene that has a history of promoting diverse genres. Whether you want to dance your heart out or listen to world-class artists, there’s an event for you!
New York’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival, SummerStage, showcases around 100 shows in 15-18 parks across the five boroughs.
1. Radio City Music Hall
A legendary music venue that has been home to world-class performers for over a century, Radio City Music Hall is a must-see when visiting New York. With a large marquee that spans a full block and seats over 5,000 people, it’s one of the best places to see live music in the city.
The theater is home to a variety of events, including concerts by top musicians and comedians. You can also take a stage door tour of the theater before a show to get an insider’s view and learn about the iconic art deco interior.
The theater is located on Sixth Avenue in Rockefeller Center and can be reached by subway from several stops on the B, D, F, and M lines. Popular restaurants near the venue include Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, Oceana (seafood), The Elgin (American), Ted’s Montana Grill (American), Havana Central (Cuban), and Connolly’s Irish pub.
2. The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is one of the most popular ballets to be performed at Christmas time. It tells the story of a little girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker as a gift from her father.
It also tells of a magical kingdom full of dancing flowers, gingerbread soldiers and a mouse king. The ballet is based on an adaptation of the original fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann that was written in 1816.
Its music was written by Russian composer Tchaikovsky, and it was choreographed by Marius Petipa. It was first performed in St. Petersburg in 1892.
3. Celebrate Brooklyn
Founded in 1979, Celebrate Brooklyn is one of New York City’s longest-running, free summer music festivals. Concerts in Prospect Park’s 9,000-capacity Bandshell amphitheater draw big crowds, and the series is a beloved cultural institution for the borough.
The festival, presented in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, features talent spanning global music icons to chart-topping indie bands, benefit concerts, family days, and movie nights.
The organization behind the festival, BRIC, has just announced its 2022 lineup. It includes acts like Phoebe Bridgers, Erykah Badu, Kamasi Washington, Vic Mensa, and more.
4. The New York Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic is America’s oldest orchestra and one of the most influential in the world. The Philharmonic is committed to bringing music to the public through live concerts, international broadcasts, recordings, and education programs.
The Philharmonic is known for performing standard central European classical works as well as avant-garde and contemporary pieces. It has also been a pioneer in the media, broadcasting its performances coast-to-coast via radio in 1930 and hosting Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts in the 1960s.
Founded by Ureli Corelli Hill in 1842, the Philharmonic is America’s oldest symphony orchestra. Its musicians have starred in the world premieres of many acclaimed classical composers, including Antonin Dvorak, Gustav Mahler, and George Gershwin.
5. Independence Day
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a national holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This declaration declared the thirteen American colonies to be free from British rule and established the United States of America.
The holiday is a day of celebration and is a great time to get together with friends and family. The American flag is commonly displayed and fireworks are a popular activity.
In New York City, the largest and most famous firework display takes place on the evening of the Fourth of July. It is sponsored by Macy’s and displays over Manhattan. The pyrotechnic show is accompanied by live music and patriotic songs.