For nearly 40 years, SummerStage has brought dozens of free concerts around New York City, helping to create lasting summer memories across the five boroughs. The 2025 lineup is out today, and it’s as stacked as ever, with 75 concerts taking place across the city from may to October.
“It’s a joy to program a festival that authentically celebrates New York City and the diverse communities we serve,” Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage, wrote in a statement. “We strive each summer to collaborate with artists and curate shows to honor cultural movements, artistic communities, and the current sounds and styles that resonate with New Yorkers.
“We are extremely proud of the 2025 season, with this year’s programming giving a platform to artists and communities to celebrate the vibrant tapestry and cultural landscape of our city. From jazz to hip-hop and everything in between, we’re thrilled to bring these performances to the heart of each borough, celebrating the distinctly artistic expression that makes our city so unique.”
As usual, FADER favorites and up-and-comers can be seen this year. Big Freedia and Laila will play shows in Herbert Von King Park, which will also host MIKE‘s Young World festival, headlined this year by Roc Marciano and the Alchemist. Central Park will host a number of can’t-miss shows this year as well: British funk legends Cymande, Indian-American disco-pop queen Asha Puthli, veteran DJs the Originals and Funkmaster Flex, King Britt’s Blacktronika Festival, and Japanese rapper Awich can be seen at different times this year. The Roots’ show in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is sure to stun as well, as are the Lettuce / Styles P and Funk Flex shows on Coney Island.
Big Freedia
Laila!
MIKE’s Young World
Cymande & asha Puthli
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force
The Originals
Funk Flex – Crotona Park & Central Park
Blacktronika Festival – Harlem & Central Park
Awich
Queens:
The Roots
Coney Island:
Lettuce / Styles P
Funk Flex
