Gustavo Dudamel Takes the Stage Across NYC’s Most Beautiful Venues

Summer in New York City just got a whole lot more magical. The New York Philharmonic is bringing world-class classical music directly to you with their iconic Concerts in the Parks series, running June 4-7, 2025. Best of all? It’s completely free.

This Year’s Concerts Are Extra Special

For the first time, Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the entire series. As the incoming Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music & Artistic Director (officially starting September 2026), Dudamel’s leadership marks a historic moment for the Philharmonic. This is your chance to witness musical history in the making across New York’s most stunning outdoor venues.

What to Expect: A New York Summer Tradition

Since 1965, these free outdoor concerts have become an essential New York experience. Over 15 million listeners have enjoyed these performances, creating a beautiful patchwork of picnickers and music lovers across the city’s parks. As President & CEO Matías Tarnopolsky beautifully put it, these are “the most beautiful events in a New York Philharmonic season.”

The Program

This year’s series features a crowd-pleasing mix of classical favorites and orchestral showpieces:

Schedule & Locations

All concerts begin at 8:00 PM and conclude with spectacular fireworks displays presented by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks.

Wednesday, June 4: Manhattan

Great Lawn, Central Park

• Getting there:
  • Westside: Enter at West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West
  • Eastside: Enter at East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue

Thursday, June 5: Bronx

Van Cortlandt Park

• Getting there: Enter from Broadway near West 251st Street. Head to the Parade Grounds toward the south.

Friday, June 6: Brooklyn

Prospect Park

• Getting there: Multiple entrances available:
  • Grand Army Plaza
  • Prospect Park West at 9th Street
  • Bartel-Pritchard Circle (intersection of Prospect Park West, Prospect Park Southwest, and 15th Street)

Saturday, June 7: Queens

Cunningham Park

• Getting there: Enter at 193rd Street near 81st Avenue or Union Turnpike. Concert site is at 193rd Street Field.

Bonus Concert: Sunday, June 8: Staten Island

St. George Theatre – Indoor Concert

• Time: 2:00 PM (note the earlier time!)
• Program: Features Britten’s String Quartet No. 1
• Tickets: Free but required – available at stgeorgetheatre.com

Preparation Tips

What to Wear

• Layers are key: Summer evenings can get cool, especially in Central Park
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking on grass and potentially uneven surfaces
• Sun protection: Bring a hat and sunscreen for the earlier arriving crowds
• Classic casual: Think elegant picnic attire – sundresses, linen shirts, comfortable chinos

What to Bring

• Blanket or low chairs: Essential for comfort during the 90-minute performances
• Picnic basket: Make it an occasion with wine, cheese, and your favorite snacks
• Insect repellent: Summer parks mean mosquitoes
• Portable phone charger: You’ll want to capture and share these magical moments
• Cash for vendors: Though the concert is free, food and drink vendors will be present

Arrival Strategy

• Arrive early: Gates typically open 2-3 hours before showtime for the best spots
• Scout your location: Each park has different acoustics and sightlines
• Bring friends: These concerts are perfect for group gatherings and date nights

Making It Accessible

The beauty of Concerts in the Parks lies in their accessibility. No tickets required for the outdoor concerts means you can decide last minute to attend The series is supported by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts, ensuring these cultural treasures remain free for all New Yorkers.

Transportation Tips

By Subway

• Central Park: Multiple subway lines serve the area (4,5,6 to 86th St; B,C to 81st St)
• Van Cortlandt Park: Take the 1 train to 242nd Street
• Prospect Park: B,Q trains to 7th Avenue or F,G to 15th Street-Prospect Park
• Cunningham Park: E,F to Union Turnpike-Kew Gardens

By Car

Parking will be limited and expensive near venues. Consider using parking apps like SpotHero to reserve spots in advance, or better yet, embrace the subway experience.

The Bigger Picture

These concerts represent more than just free entertainment – they’re community-building events that bring together New Yorkers from all walks of life. In an increasingly expensive city, the Philharmonic’s commitment to accessible, world-class performances is both refreshing and essential.

Ready to experience the magic? Mark your calendars for June 4-7, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable week of music under the stars. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or a curious newcomer, these concerts offer something special for everyone.

Follow the New York Philharmonic on social media for program announcements and updates.