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Summer for the City returns!
The Ultimate New York Festival
June 14–August 12, 2023

Lincoln Center invites New Yorkers to come together for hundreds of events with thousands of artists celebrating the cultural communities of NYC.

Upcoming events

View full calendar of events »

June 01 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Celebrate an egalitarian vision of America in this series of readings from A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

SPOKEN WORD

MUSIC

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June 03 at 7:30 pm

Mahogany L. Browne's Musing(s)

David Rubenstein Atrium

Join a selection of poets and artists for a revolutionary exploration into the healing powers of the spoken word and the power of creative thought.

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY

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June 07 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

The Arun Ramamurthy Trio fuses South Indian Carnatic classical, western classical, and contemporary jazz into a lively storm of cross-cultural sound.

MUSIC

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June 08 at 7:30 pm

Lincoln Center Presents
Korean Cultural Center New York

June 08 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

South Korean ensemble Second Moon finds inspiration in ethnic folk music from around the world, including pansori, Irish traditional, and bluegrass.

MUSIC

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The Dance Floor is back!

New York City's largest outdoor dance floor with a—now iconic—10-foot disco ball returns, setting the stage for the city's hottest Social Dance events and Silent Discos.

Celebrating 21 years with Louis Langrée

The 2023 Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra series honors Langrée's incredible accomplishments with several tributes and specially curated performances. Learn more »

Where New Yorkers come together in real life

Where New York DANCES together

Five of NYC’s most iconic dance companies come together for the annual BAAND Together Dance Festival; Kyle Abraham's curation returns this summer for a new site-specific mini-fest; and The Bessie Awards hit the Damrosch stage. The professionals aren't the only ones moving and grooving at Summer for the City. We invite all New Yorkers to come out and dance at our most popular weekly Social Dance events and Silent Discos under a mega disco ball—FREE all summer long!

Where New York SINGS together

We're proud to present international musical artists, from a wide range of genres, to New Yorkers at Summer for the City. Sweeping musical festivals globalFEST, Brasil Summerfest, and Mahindra Blues Special offer audiences the chance to experience exceptional artistry for FREE. Korean rock indie bands Crying Nut & Say Sue Me headline Lincoln Center's Korean Arts Week; and J.PERIOD, Rakim, and Big Daddy Kane push Hip-Hop to the forefront at Damrosch Park. In July, you won't want to miss Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower, an insightful opera based on the classic sci-fi novel, presented at David Geffen Hall.

Where New York CELEBRATES together

Join us in celebrating the magic of our bustling, unstoppable city as we come together to laugh, love, and reflect in community. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Second Line processional returns for a second year, along with a symbolic The Wedding: New York's Biggest Day for hundreds of couples. Carl Hancock Rux's artistic vision sprawls across campus in celebration of Juneteenth; and 2023 winners of Podcast of the Year bring the laughs at Las Culturistas Culture Awards. In June, tribute concerts will be held for beloved Haitian singer-songwriter Michael "Mikaben" Benjamin and LGBTQIA+ musical icon Sylvester.

Stay for the day! Joy blooms from every corner

Visual Director Clint Ramos transforms the Lincoln Center campus with multiple open-air spaces spaces of welcome—inviting all New Yorkers to enjoy throughout their day, whether a show is on the agenda or not! Bust a move and snap a photo on The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza, read a book at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Reading Room, beat the heat at The Garden at Damrosch Park, or relax and and play corn hole (amidst hundreds of pink flamingos!) at Hearst Plaza. Explore spaces & venues »

See yourself at Lincoln Center

Korean Arts Week: July 19–23

Exploring the depth and breadth of Korean culture

Hip-Hop Week: August 9–12

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop

Summer series & programs

Plan Your Visit

Welcome to this year's Summer for the City! Visual Director Clint Ramos transforms the Lincoln Center campus with multiple open-air outdoor spaces of welcome—inviting all New Yorkers to enjoy throughout their day, whether a show is on the agenda or not! Bust a move and snap a photo on The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza, read a book at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Reading Room, beat the heat at The Garden at Damrosch Park, or relax and and play corn hole (amidst hundreds of pink flamingos!) at Hearst Plaza. Explore spaces & venues »

How to get tickets

Entry to all Summer for the City events is FREE, with the exception of a select few Choose-What-You-Pay events. There are three easy ways to gain access to events, depending on the venue and programming. Learn more »

Campus map

Download the Summer for the City campus map here.

Summer venues & outdoor spaces

The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza

New York City's largest outdoor dance floor with a—now iconic—10-foot disco ball returns to Josie Robertson Plaza as the centerpiece of Summer for the City. Designed once again by Visual Director Clint Ramos, this year's dance floor is covered in colorful botanicals, setting the ambiance for the joyful and popular Social Dance and Silent Disco series. Don't miss New York City's hottest outdoor summer dance parties that are sure to satisfy any dancer's taste, including nights devoted to salsa, Lindy hop, disco, country, Hip-Hop, freestyle, ballroom, and much more. Explore events on The Dance Floor »

Damrosch Park

The 2,500-seat amphitheater plays host to headlining events as part of Hip-Hop Week and Korean Arts Week, the return of BAAND Together Dance Festival, the Outdoor Cinema series presented in collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center, The Wedding: New York's Biggest Day, and dozens of the most celebrated names in music, dance, and theater—all FREE, all summer long. Explore events at Damrosch Park »

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Also designed by Visual Director Clint Ramos, The Underground—a speakeasy-inspired performance space now expanded in size—returns this summer. Tucked away on Jaffe Drive, under Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza, the pop-up stage and bar hosts FREE comedy shows with NY Laughs, jazz sets presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center, and spoken word and poetry slams curated by Mahogany L. Browne. E xplore events at The Underground »

Hearst Plaza

We invite visitors to enjoy the outdoor space of Hearst Plaza this summer, featuring colorful floral designs, neon lights, corn hole, al fresco dining options, and a performance space that encircle a display of 200 pink flamingos wading in the Paul Milstein Reflecting Pool. Hearst Plaza hosts performances for kids, teens, and families on Saturday mornings, dance festivals, concerts, and much more. Explore events at Hearst Plaza »

The Garden at Damrosch Park

Looking for a quiet place to unwind and relax while at Lincoln Center this summer? Stop by The Garden at Damrosch Park, a greenhouse-like retreat to chat, read a book, escape the sun, and be zen. The space is filled with greenery and plants designed in collaboration with Donyale Werle Design. On Wednesday mornings, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts presents arts-based Storytimes for children, and Poet-in-Residence Mahogany L. Browne curates three poetry & meditation events throughout the summer. Explore events at The Garden »

Indoor Venues

The general public is welcome to make use of the public space, facilities, and dining options at David Geffen Hall and the David Rubenstein Atrium. To explore Summer for the City events hosted in indoor venues at Lincoln Center, click one of the following links: David Geffen Hall, Clark Studio Theater, David Rubenstein Atrium, and Alice Tully Hall

Accessibility

Lincoln Center seeks to create a more inclusive experience and meet access needs for our audiences by providing a range of accommodations for all performances.

All venues include accessible seating, entrances and restrooms, and alternative entry for guests who are unable to stand in line due to a disability. ASL interpretation, audio description, live captioning, and haptics are integrated into dozens of performances.

Click here to explore accommodations for Summer for the City.

Health & Safety

At this time, face masks are welcome, but not required. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is also not required; however, we encourage everyone to remain up to date on vaccinations before attending. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.

Please note: COVID-19 protocols may vary at different performances on the Lincoln Center campus for presenters other than Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Be sure to check the website of the specific presenting organization at Lincoln Center or event to read about the COVID-19 protocols applicable to the event you are attending.

For greater detail, please click here.

Parking

SP+ is offering convenient parking in close proximity to events and performances on the Lincoln Center campus. Learn more »

Dining and drinks

Stop by David Geffen Hall for small bites and drinks, or book a reservation at Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi. Drinks and snacks will also be sold at Damrosch Park, The Dance Floor, and The Underground at Jaffe Drive beginning one hour before a show.

How to Get Tickets to Summer for the City

There are three ways to get tickets to Summer for the City at Lincoln Center, depending on the venue and the programming. Please refer to the dedicated event page of the show you’d like to attend to confirm ticketing options.

Free General Admission

No tickets needed! Entry to most Summer for the City performances and events is available for FREE via General Admission—first-come, first-served. Learn more »

Free Fast Track

In addition to General Admission, we’re offering a FREE Fast Track option for select Summer for the City events held at Damrosch Park, The Dance Floor, the David Rubenstein Atrium, and other select venues.
• By booking Fast Track for events ahead of time, guests can access the Fast Track line at the venue which gives them priority entry to that event.
• While event admission is not guaranteed, Fast Track ticket holders will have priority over the General Admission line.
• It is highly recommended that attendees with Fast Track arrive no later than 15 minutes before show time to ensure entry to the event.
• Please check the event's dedicated web page to confirm if Fast Track is available for the performance you'd like to attend.
Learn more »

Choose-What-You-Pay

Tickets to Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra performances at David Geffen Hall, Nehanda, Sydnie L. Mosley Dances’ PURPLE: A Ritual in Nine Spells, and Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower at David Geffen Hall are available on a Choose-What-You-Pay basis; day-of general admission will not be offered for these shows. All Choose-What-You-Pay events have a suggested ticket price and the option to pay more or less. There is a $5 per ticket minimum. Learn more »

Box Office Hours

Call CenterCharge at 212-721-6500 from Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–8:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm–6:00 pm

Book in-person at the Alice Tully Hall box office (Broadway and 66th Street) or the David Geffen Hall box office from Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–6:00 pm and Sunday noon–6:00 pm.

Following the success of 2021's Restart Stages, this year’s season of concerts and performances in Damrosch Park features some of the biggest names in entertainment; free, live and in-person all summer long. As the flagship venue of Summer for the City, all events are guided by Lincoln Center’s healing credo to act as a platform for audiences to rejoice in new freedoms, reclaim joy and remember what we have lost. In addition to music, theatre and dance, Damrosch's 2,500-seat amphitheater will also play host to group participatory celebrations, including signalongs, poetry readings, local graduations, and an all-city wedding ritual and reception.

Lead Support for Summer for the City Community Programming in Damrosch Park is provided by Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)

Upcoming events at Damrosch Park

Learn More

June 16 at 9:00 pm

Summer for the City
See Me As I Am: Terence Blanchard
Outdoor Cinema

Love & Basketball

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

June 16 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

A couple’s (Saana Lathan, Omar Epps) passionate but tumultuous relationship is tested by their ambitions and all-consuming commitment to basketball.

FILM

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June 17 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City

Las Culturistas Culture Awards with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers

Lincoln Center Presents

June 17 at 8:00 pm

Damrosch Park

Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers host a pop culture celebration observing all things high and lowbrow, with special comedian presenters and surprise guests.

COMEDY

LGBTQIA+ Pride

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June 18 at 7:00 pm

Summer for the City

To a Garden Luxuriously Verdant (Enameled with Countless Flowerings)

A Juneteenth Celebration

Lincoln Center Presents

June 18 at 7:00 pm

Full-campus experience

This multi-genre, full campus Juneteenth celebration, curated and directed by Carl Hancock Rux, includes dance, music, and a gospel Silent Disco.

DANCE

MUSIC

SILENT DISCO

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June 21 at 9:00 pm

Summer for the City
See Me As I Am: Terence Blanchard
Outdoor Cinema

Da 5 Bloods

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

June 21 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

Delroy Lindo and Chadwick Boseman deliver towering performances in Spike Lee’s epic about four vets who return to Vietnam to recover a stash of gold.

FILM

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June 22 at 9:00 pm

Summer for the City
Outdoor Cinema

Style Wars

Introduced by Henry Chalfant

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

June 22 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

This lively 1983 account of NYC’s thriving culture of early-’80s graffiti writers was a groundbreaking document of the burgeoning Hip-Hop movement.

FILM

HIP-HOP

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June 23 at 9:00 pm

Summer for the City
Outdoor Cinema

Scratch

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

June 23 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

Turntable innovators share the storied history of DJing and the spirit of community that fuels their creativity in this exuberant documentary.

FILM

FILM

HIP-HOP

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June 30 at 9:00 pm

Summer for the City
Outdoor Cinema

Friday

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

June 30 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

F. Gary Gray’s cult-classic 1995 debut, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, is an affectionate, riotously funny evocation of life in the hood.

FILM

HIP-HOP

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July 01 at 11:00 am

Summer for the City
Kids, Teens, and Families

Big Umbrella Day

Lincoln Center Presents

July 01 at 11:00 am

Full-campus experience

An all-day event with relaxed spaces, specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences through multi-sensory experiences, performances, and workshops.

FAMILY

MUSIC

THEATER

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July 01 at 8:30 pm

Summer for the City

Misty Copeland's Flower Film Screening

Lincoln Center Presents

July 01 at 8:30 pm

Damrosch Park

World-renowned ballerina and trailblazer Misty Copeland produces and stars in the new short film Flower—tells a powerful story through dance.

FILM

DANCE

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July 02 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City

Queens of Soca

Lincoln Center Presents

July 02 at 8:00 pm

Damrosch Park

Join us for an evening featuring soca royalty Alison Hinds and Nailah Blackman in their first appearance together on stage in NYC!

MUSIC

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July 05 at 8:00 pm

Summer for the City
Outdoor Cinema

Wild Style

Introduced by Charlie Ahearn

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

July 12 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

No Wave filmmaker Charlie Ahearn and renowned street artist Fab 5 Freddy collaborated on this foundational 1983 portrait of early Hip-Hop culture.

FILM

HIP-HOP

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July 14 at 7:30 pm

Summer for the City

An Evening with Dawes

Lincoln Center Presents

July 14 at 7:30 pm

Damrosch Park

LA folk-rock quartet Dawes celebrate the release of their new studio LP, Misadventures of Doomscroller.

MUSIC

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July 15 at 7:30 pm

Summer for the City
Korean Arts Week

Yerin Baek

Lincoln Center Presents

July 20 at 7:30 pm

Damrosch Park

South Korean singer-songwriter Yerin Baek delivers a night to remember, enthralling audiences with her ethereal vocal stylings!

MUSIC

K-POP

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July 21 at 9:00 pm

Summer for the City
Korean Arts Week
Outdoor Cinema

The Host

Film at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Presents

July 21 at 9:00 pm

Damrosch Park

A high-concept disaster film and then some, The Host took inspiration from a real incident, giving space to shrewdly satirize national and foreign bodies in crisis.