Summer concert season is in full swing, and living in NYC means there’s an endless repertoire of events to check out. From 2000’s pop veteran Liz Phair to nascent indie band Crumb (who just released their debut album!), these are the concerts in the tri-state area that won't cost you a dime— unless you count your Metrocard swipe. But for $2.75, we'd say all of these eight are more than worth it.
When: Thursday, July 17, 2019 7:00-9:00 am
Where: SummerStage, Central Park Rumsey Playfield, Manhattan, 10021
If you love getting up and rushing out into the heart of the city at the earliest possible hour, this is the concert for you. As part of Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series, famed punk band Blink-182 will be putting on a show that’s completely free to the public, and will hopefully be playing a (small but) exciting chunk of their hits throughout the years. The show begins promptly at 7:00 AM, so you’ll have to be out of the house pretty early if you wish to nab a good spot, but we’re sure Blink-182 will be delivering an amazing performance no matter where you’re standing— or what time of day.
When: Saturday, June 29, 2019 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Doors open 6:00 pm)
Where: American Express Women In Music Series @ Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Veteran pop princess Liz Phair is no stranger to the NYC summertime audience— she appeared at Music Hall of Williamsburg last year as part of Brooklyn's Northside Festival. Now, she’s back for a free show at Prospect Park's Bandshell venue, ready to charm audiences with a mix of old and new songs. Her songs continue to be the hallmark of teenage girlhood and adulthood alike, remaining an important relic of times past.
When: Thursday, July 25, 2019 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors 6:30 pm)
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Canadian conglomerate Broken Social Scene (who has had a revolving door of the coolest members) is heading back to America this July for a free show at Central Park’s Summerstage, and bringing British singer Nilüfer Yanya along with them. One of the most joyous and lively bands to catch live, Broken Social Scene are unpredictably experimental. When coupled with Yanya’s crystalline jazz pop, their art rock is sure to make this Thursday night at the Bandshell a can’t-miss.
When: Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 7:30 pm (Doors at 6:30 pm)
Where: Lincoln Center Out of Doors Series @ Damrosch Park 62nd Street, New York, NY 11215
Jeff Tweedy is surprising fans with a free show. Known for his work as vocalist and frontman of alt-rock band Wilco, Tweedy also has a successful side career, and will be playing songs from his recently third album, Warmer. Jazz-based cellist and singer-songwriter Helen Gillet will be opening the evening.
When: Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Where: Lincoln Center Out of Doors Series @ Damrosch Park 62nd Street, New York, NY 11215
Brooklyn-based artist Dev Hynes, known as Blood Orange, will be performing for free as part of Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors series. Joined by Kelsey Lu— skilled singer-songwriter and cellist— Blood Orange will be bringing his delicate, emotionally honest tunes that are the equivalent of a socially conscious protest movement, to Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. Lu, fellow songwriter, will also be bringing her fair share of raw emotion, as much of her music deals with processing a turbulent past. Seating is first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early to nab a great spot.
When: Thursday, August 8, 2019 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: SummerStage, Central Park Rumsey Playfield, Manhattan, 10021
Following the success of last year’s event that drew over 4,000 attendees to Lincoln Center, Selena For Sanctuary returns for its second year as part of Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors series. Originally a series of benefit concerts held in Southern California to raise money for struggling immigrants, the Selena for Sanctuary name has carried over to the East Coast and into a free outdoor event that both draws awareness to immigration politics, and celebrates in the spirit of Tejano music. This year’s SFS is set to draw Kali Uchis, Cuco, Ambar Lucid, among others to Rumsey Playfield’s Summerstage.
When: Thursday, August 8, 2019 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: 183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY 11954
If you fancy a drive to Montauk, you’re in for a treat. Lovelytheband are something of a rolling thunder—they started out virtually undetected before suddenly taking the music world by storm with their catchy single “broken”. Catch them live at Montauk’s Surf Lodge.
When: Thursday, August 8, 2019 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: 183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY 11954
Another free Montauk show, Long Island’s 21+ club continues their free concert series with a free show from bedroom pop’s beloved Shallou, whose chill beats and ambient tunes are sure to make for a relaxing night out near the water.
When: Thursday, August 8, 2019 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Latin princess Gaby Moreno is returning to Prospect Park— and this time she’s bringing her friends! With a packed lineup set to include Mexico City-based Enjambre and Latin folk artist El David Aguilar, this one-night event celebrates all corners of Latinx culture and music, and for a fun, unforgettable night.
When: Thursday, August 8, 2019 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: SummerStage, Central Park Rumsey Playfield, Manhattan, 10021
Crumb is the sparkling dream-pop project of Lila Ramani, Jesse Brotter, Brian Aronow, and Jonathan Gilad. Fresh off the release of their debut album Jinx, Crumb is taking the music world— and live audiences— by storm, with their bubbly lyrics and psych-rock anthems that are hard to forget. The nascent Brooklyn-via-Boston band will be performing alongside fellow psych-rock band Purr, and art-rock/hip-hop collective Phony Ppl.
When: Saturday, August 17, 2019 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (Doors 5:00 pm)
Where: Marcus Garvey Park @ West 122nd Street, New York, NY 10027
An alternative version of Woodstock that celebrates the 50th year anniversary of the Harlem Cultural Festival (summer of 1969), Black Woodstock is gearing up to be a wonderful three hour window of some of the best underground neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop artists out there. Set to include sets by Igmar Thomas, Talib Kweli, & Keyon Harrold, the event will also feature a number of to-be-announced special guests, which are under wraps for now. Stay tuned!
When: Saturday, August 17, 2019 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Doors 5:00 pm)
Where: 183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY 11954
Known for fun, upbeat summer tracks like “Oceans Away” and “I Was Wrong” that shot them to instant fame back in 2016, ARIZONA is as fun a time live as they are in headphones.