Central Park SummerStage: August Concerts You Can’t Miss
Summer in NYC isn’t complete without live music under the open sky, and SummerStage August concerts are bringing serious talent to the heart of Manhattan. This month’s lineup offers music for every fan, no tickets needed.
Central Park SummerStage August Performance Highlights
Taiwanese Waves: Enno Cheng / ABAO + Nanguaq Girls / Bulareyaung Dance Company / Chinatown Records
This night in Central Park shines a light on Taiwan’s diverse music and movement scene. Indigenous dance group Bulareyaung Dance Company brings deeply personal storytelling through motion, while ABAO and Enno Cheng share music rooted in tradition and experimentation. Presented with Taiwanese Waves, this lineup offers something rare and worth hearing live.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/taiwanese-waves-enno-cheng-abao-nanguaq-girls-bulareyaung-dance-company
- Date: August 3, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico brings powerful movement and storytelling shaped by Latin roots. The dancers share work that speaks to community, cultural history, and modern perspectives. Led by Eduardo Vilaro, the performance is known for its energy and focus.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/ballet-hispanico
- Date: August 7, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
Celia Cruz Celebration: Isaac Delgado / Alain Perez / Aymee Nuviola / Brenda Navarrete / Melvis Santana
One of the best highlights of the SummerStage August concerts happening this year is Celia Cruz’s 100th birthday celebration. Isaac Delgado brings timba to the stage, while Aymee Nuviola adds her GRAMMY-winning voice and connection to Cruz’s legacy. Brenda Navarrete and others add percussion and passion to this powerful night of salsa.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/celia-cruz-celebration-isaac-delgado-aymee-nuviola-brenda-navarrete-guests
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
The Originals featuring Rich Medina, Stretch Armstrong and Tony Touch
A trio of seasoned DJs take over the turntables for a night of nonstop beats. From Stretch Armstrong’s underground radio roots to Tony Touch’s mixtape legacy and Rich Medina’s dancefloor know-how, this set is curated by selectors who shaped NYC nightlife. Come ready to move.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/the-originals-featuring-rich-medina-stretch-armstrong-and-tony-touch
- Date: August 10, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
Blacktronika Festival: Phuture / Waajeed / Rimarkable / Joe Claussell / Charlie Dark / King Britt
The Blacktronika Festival brings together pioneers and new voices shaping the sound of electronic music. From acid house legends Phuture to fresh Detroit sounds by Waajeed and Rimarkable, the lineup is deep and wide-ranging. King Britt and Charlie Dark guide the night with sets that move minds and bodies.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/blacktronika-festival-phuture-waajeed-rimarkable-joe-claussell-charlie-dark-king-britt
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
IZA / Ilê Aiyê / Evandro Fióti / DJ Cady
This Brazilian music night closes out August with powerhouse vocals, percussion, and purpose. IZA leads the bill with genre-blending anthems, while Ilê Aiyê and Evandro Fióti bring energy rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage and social change. Presented with the Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/iza-ile-aiye-evandro-fioti
- Date: August 31, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience
This live performance pairs narration from Morgan Freeman with orchestral arrangements of Delta Blues classics. The show bridges music history and performance with visuals and storytelling rooted in the Mississippi Delta. Presented by Ground Zero Blues Club and Park Avenue Artists.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/morgan-freemans-symphonic-blues-experience
- Date: August 27, 2025
- Venue: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
- Price: Free
SummerStage August concerts in Central Park offer a full month of live music from rising artists to established names. Make the most of SummerStage’s free concerts to get outside and enjoy the weather. For more music events happening this summer, check out these Must-Catch Concerts in New York City This August.
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