SummerStage Celebrates 40 Years of Bringing Music to NYC Parks

The iconic concert series will feature special performances and events across all five boroughs in 2026.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage is gearing up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved concert series in New York City. The 2026 lineup won't be announced until April, but the festival has teased that it will feature shows in all five boroughs, including from artists native to those areas, as well as special performances from acts who have graced the SummerStage over the past four decades. The anniversary celebration will also include an interactive online experience and a photo exhibit chronicling the history of the festival.

Why it matters

SummerStage has been a cornerstone of New York City's cultural landscape for 40 years, bringing diverse musical acts to parks across the five boroughs and providing free and affordable access to live performances for residents. The 40th anniversary celebration will honor the festival's rich history and its role in bringing the community together through the shared joy of live music.

The details

SummerStage was launched in 1986 with a performance by cosmic jazz pioneer Sun Ra at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Over the past four decades, the festival has hosted a wide range of artists, from Joan Baez and Stevie Wonder to Public Enemy and Sonic Youth. In 2025, SummerStage presented 70 concerts across New York City, some free and some benefit shows. For the 40th anniversary in 2026, the festival will feature special performances from artists who have played SummerStage over the years, as well as showcases from musicians native to each of the five boroughs.

  • SummerStage was launched in the summer of 1986.
  • The 40th anniversary celebration will take place in 2026.
  • Beginning on June 16, 2026, a photo exhibit chronicling the history of SummerStage will be on display at the Arsenal in Central Park.

The players

Sun Ra

A cosmic jazz maestro and Afrofuturist pioneer who performed at the first-ever SummerStage concert in 1986.

Joe Killian

The founder and executive producer of SummerStage from 1986 to 1993, and a current board member of the City Parks Foundation.

Angélique Kidjo

A veteran SummerStage performer whose music will soundtrack a video journey highlighting 40 years of the concert series.

Jack Vartoogian

A photographer whose decades-spanning collection of SummerStage photos will be on display at the Arsenal in Central Park starting June 16, 2026.

Live Nation

The exclusive producer of SummerStage benefit shows.

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What they’re saying

“SummerStage was created to reflect the extraordinary diversity of New York City and its people. This year, as we celebrate 40 years, the festival continues to showcase the sounds of the city, from the streets and clubs to the parks.”

— Joe Killian, SummerStage founder and executive producer (1986-1993), City Parks Foundation board member

“For four decades, SummerStage has championed unique collaborations, bold commissions, and has embraced a vibrant mash-up of music, dance and theater, from pop to rap to jazz and more. It has always been about bringing people together and a shared joy of community among fans and I couldn't be more proud of the work that has gone into the last 40 years. I'm thrilled to see it continue on for future generations to experience and enjoy.”

— Joe Killian, SummerStage founder and executive producer (1986-1993), City Parks Foundation board member

What’s next

The 2026 Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage lineup will be revealed in April 2026.

The takeaway

For four decades, SummerStage has been a beloved institution in New York City, bringing diverse musical acts to parks across the five boroughs and fostering a shared sense of community through free and affordable live performances. The 40th anniversary celebration will honor the festival's rich history and its enduring role as a cultural touchstone for New Yorkers.