Plan Your SummerStage Visit - FAQ - City Parks Foundation

SHOWS

PLAN YOUR SUMMERSTAGE VISIT

We look forward to you joining us for another summer of amazing concerts and performances at Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage.

Here are some tips to help you plan your visit with us.

Please note: In 2024, masks are now optional, but strongly encouraged. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is SummerStage?

    Our neighborhood park performances run from June – October in all five boroughs and in Central Park at Rumsey Playfield (E 71st St and East Drive, New York, NY 10021).

    Times vary per show location. For Central Park and Coney Island shows, doors open one hour prior to the listed showtimes. In all other locations, shows start promptly at the times listed on the schedule

  • Do I have to wear a mask or bring a covid vaccination card?

    In 2024, we will no longer be checking COVID-19 vaccination status or proof of negative tests. Masks are now optional, but strongly encouraged.  

  • Where is SummerStage?

    SummerStage is located in our flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield (E 71st St and East Drive, New York, NY 10021) in Central Park and also in additional parks that span across the five boroughs.

  • How do I gain admission to SummerStage events? Do I need a ticket?
    Tickets or RSVPs are not required to attend a FREE performance and admission is first come first serve. In rare cases, SummerStage may issue wristbands or free tickets to those waiting on line to prevent overcrowding.
     
    If you would like to help support City Parks Foundation, there is a suggested donation of $5 for free SummerStage in Central Park events which can be dropped in our donation bins at the doors or paid by credit card at our Info Booth.
     
    SummerStage also offers benefit concerts produced by Live Nation at our Central Park venue that require a ticket purchase. You can locate those shows, noted as Benefit, on our calendar. Please note that re-entry is not permitted to these shows once you exit the venue.
     
    Tickets for our Benefit Concerts can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or through our SummerStage website.
  • How old do I need to be to go to SummerStage?

    All ages are welcome! Parents, please be aware that some performances may contain content or language that is not suitable for younger children.  

    For our ticketed benefit events, tickets are required for patrons ages 4 and up and there may be age restrictions. Please check the ticketing page of the event.

  • What time does the venue open on show days?

    For Central Park and Coney Island shows, doors open one hour prior to the performance. 

    In all other park locations outside of Central Park and Coney Island, shows start promptly at the times listed on our calendar.

    Please refer to the specific times for each show listed on our calendar. 

  • What am I allowed to bring to SummerStage Events?

    You are allowed to bring:

    • Food
    • Factory sealed plastic bottles
    • Strollers
    • Hats, sunglasses, your phone – basic things you need to enjoy your time at SummerStage!

    Please see this list for the Coney Island Amphitheater, and note that outside food is not permitted at that location. 

    We ask that you keep the following list of items at home when you attend SummerStage. Please note outside of Central Park, guests must follow the rules and regulations of neighborhood parks. SummerStage reserves the right to determine what items are deemed appropriate for entry. In 2024, the following is not permitted at SummerStage in Central Park:

      • Bags over 16” tall x 16” wide x 8” deep in size
        Glass Bottles
        Cans
        Coolers
        Alcoholic Beverages (You can buy beer and wine in our Central Park venue, as long as you drink it within our gates.)
        Controlled Substances
        Weapons
        Folding Chairs
        Bikes
        Scooters
        Rollerblades
        Skateboards
        Beach Umbrellas
        Balloons
        Laser Pointers
        Professional camera and video camera equipment (excluding press – apply for a press pass here)
        Selfie Sticks
        Pets
        Drones
        • Professional audio recording equipment
  • Do you have a bag/coat check?

    Sorry, we do not offer a bag or coat check. We apologize but cannot be responsible for items left outside the venue. 

  • Is there food & drink for sale at SummerStage events?

    In Central Park, food and drink is for sale by our food concessionaire. Cash and credit cards are accepted. You can scan our QR code on site to also place orders.

    To access the food and beverage menu in Central, scan the QR code with your smartphone (open the camera on your smartphone and point it at the code for recognition). Through your phone, you will be able to place an order and pay for it using a major credit card or Apple, Google, Android or Samsung pay. Once ready, patrons will pick up their orders. 

    Guests must be 21+ and must show a current valid federal or state ID to buy alcoholic beverages. You can purchase up to two drinks at a time per ID. 

    For our other events outside of Central Park, food vendors are available at most parks, but are not guaranteed. Please check event details for the show for specific park information. Cash and credit cards are accepted (may be subject to vendor).

  • Is there seating at SummerStage events?

    There is limited bleacher seating available at select Central Park performances (please note that for some ticketed benefit shows, the bleachers may be closed to general admission ticket buyers so please contact us to confirm). Bleachers will not be available to general admission guests for certain free shows in Central Park as well.

    Chairs are available at dance shows in Central Park. All seating is first-come, first served. Outside chairs are not permitted inside the Central Park venue. Sitting on picnic blankets and beach towels are allowed, however if the venue gets crowded, patrons may be asked to pick up their blankets and towels.

    For all other park locations outside of Central Park, audience members are welcome to bring folding chairs and/or blankets to sit on.

    If you are interested in seating at our events, learn more about our SummerStage membership program to gain access to bleacher seating, premium seats, express entry and more.

  • Is smoking permitted at SummerStage?

    Smoking or vaping of any kind are prohibited in all NYC parks.

  • Is SummerStage accessible to people with disabilities?

    Yes. Accessible entrances, exit points, and seating are available for every event.

    If you would like to request ADA seating or an assisted listening device at Rumsey Playfield, please request your accommodation up to 24hrs before the event through summerstage@cityparksfoundation.org. Please note that our ADA general admission seating section is first-come first-serve and some views of our stage may be partially obstructed.

    Please note: Our performances may contain bright or flashing lights and/or imagery that may cause discomfort and/or seizures for those with photosensitivity.

  • Are there restrooms available?

    Yes, all SummerStage events have restrooms and accessible facilities.

    In Central Park, restrooms are located behind the Member Lounge.

  • It’s going to rain, is the show still on?

    All SummerStage events are rain or shine unless the weather poses a danger to audiences or performers. We may need to cancel if conditions are dangerous – lightning, high winds or flooding, for example.  We will make announcements on Facebook, X, and our website in the event we need to cancel. It is unlikely that shows will be rescheduled.

    Should we need to cancel a Benefit Concert, refunds may be available depending on the circumstances of the cancellation. For more information regarding cancellations of ticketed events, contact Ticketmaster via your account for Live Nation performances. 

  • Help, I’ve lost my ticket/email confirmation!

    For benefit shows produced by Live Nation, please go through Ticketmaster for more assistance:

    1.  Log into your account using this link: Go to my orders
    2. On the “My Events” page, choose the order you need help with
    3. Then click “See Details” to get to the “Event Details” page
    4. Once you are there, click the ‘Contact Us’ button.

    Their Virtual Assistant is available 24/7 to answer questions. If you need further assistance, they will transfer you to an agent.

  • SummerStage Photography Policy

    While attending a SummerStage performance, our photographer may take a photo of you. All photos and videos taken are permitted to be used publicly in future City Parks Foundation & SummerStage promotional materials. 

  • I am a member of the press, how can I apply for credentials?

    Thank you for your press interest in SummerStage. You can apply for credentials here

    For any questions regarding press, please contact summerstage@dkcnews.com.

  • Who produces SummerStage?

    SummerStage is produced by City Parks Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization. Capital One is the title sponsor of SummerStage. 

    City Parks Foundation (CPF) is dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs — located in hundreds of parks, recreation centers and public schools across New York City — reach thousands of people each year. Our ethos is simple: thriving parks mean thriving communities.

    For more information about our work, please explore the menu bar above on this website.

  • I’m interested in becoming an artist / sponsor at SummerStage.

    We do not accept unsolicited submissions. There is no application process for performing at the SummerStage festival. If you want to keep us informed of your artist(s) or project, e-mail is the best means to do so; please send information to talent@cityparksfoundation.org.

    If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of SummerStage, please contact bmcnamara@cityparksfoundation.org. 

  • Can I rent the SummerStage venue?
    Absolutely! SummerStage in Central Park is the perfect venue for corporate outings, private events, celebrations and more. Our rental specialists will help you find the right package. Visit our rentals page for more information. To learn more about venue rentals, contact events@cityparksfoundation.org.
  • Can I volunteer?

    Thank you for your interest in volunteering at SummerStage! In 2024 we are accepting volunteers at select free shows in Central Park – Rumsey Playfield. Please fill out our volunteer interest form here to sign up.

  • Are you hiring?

    Please check our SummerStage Seasonal Job Opportunities page for more information.

  • I still need some assistance!

    If you have a question you still need assistance with, please contact summerstage@cityparksfoundation.org or for up-to-date information visit us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

    If you have any questions on-site, visit our information booth on site at any SummerStage show.

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