How to Spend a Musical Sunday at Ralph Ellison Plaza’s Jazz in the Park

Ralph Ellison Memorial Plaza, tucked between the Hudson River and Riverside Drive, offers a low-key setting to listen to live jazz. 

The Jazz in the Park at Ralph Ellison Memorial series runs on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, from May through late October 2025. Hosted by Riverside Park Conservancy in partnership with curator Berta Indeed, the event features a rotating cast of local musicians who bring the sounds of Harlem, uptown swing, and cool jazz into an easy outdoor groove.

• Location: Ralph Ellison Plaza, Riverside Drive & West 150th Street
• Admission: Free
• Rain policy: Events are canceled if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Check updates on the Riverside Park Events Page before heading out.

How to Plan for Jazz in the Park at Ralph Ellison Memorial

Getting There and Picking Your Spot

The plaza sits just off Riverside Drive and can be reached by walking west from the 1 train at 145th Street or the C train at 155th. It’s a 5–10 minute walk from either stop, depending on your pace and how much you’re carrying.

There are benches near the memorial, and the organizers may bring chairs for the event; however, it’s recommended to bring your own if possible. If you want a spot with shade or a good view of the performers, show up around 1:30 PM. It fills up slowly, but the regulars know the drill and usually claim their spaces early.

enjoy a snack with the show

This is not the kind of event where you need a full picnic basket and folding table. But a few well-chosen items can turn your visit from decent to dialed in. There’s no food sold onsite, but you’ve got nearby options:

• Buunni Coffee – Cold drinks and grab-and-go snacks, just up on 148th and Riverside
• Tsion Café – Ethiopian fusion bites and fresh juices
• Hamilton Deli – Reliable for sandwiches and fruit

Prefer to pack your own? Wraps, pasta salad, hard cheese, fruit, and popcorn hold up well in warm weather. Alcohol is not allowed in NYC parks.

The Music: Small Scale, Big Heart

The musicians often set up with minimal amplification and create an atmosphere that’s part performance, part neighborhood hangout. You’ll hear everything from upbeat brass sections to mellow sax solos, and sometimes a vocalist steps in for a few familiar standards.

There’s no formal seating or stage, and that’s part of the charm. People come with dogs, kids, or a book, and the music weaves around them without needing attention every second. But if you do stop and listen, you’ll likely leave humming.

A Moment for Ralph Ellison

At the heart of the plaza is a bronze and granite monument dedicated to Ralph Ellison, author of Invisible Man. Sculpted by Elizabeth Catlett, the piece features a silhouette cut into a standing granite slab, both a tribute to Ellison and a reference to the novel’s themes of identity and visibility.

It’s a quiet landmark, easy to miss if you’re caught up in conversation or music. But spending a minute here adds a deeper context to the space. This corner of Harlem was Ellison’s home, and the surrounding neighborhood echoes with the stories that inspired his writing.

Before and After: Make a Day of It

Before the Show

Start your Sunday with a walk through Riverside Park North. The trails here are less crowded than further downtown, and the Hudson views make a peaceful backdrop for morning coffee. There’s also a dog run nearby if you’re bringing a pup.

After the Show

If you’re still in a groove by 5 PM, take a short walk east and grab a casual dinner. A few relaxed spots include:

• Harlem Public – Local burgers and solid drink list
• At the Wallace – Dive-bar vibes with board games and snacks
• Minton’s Playhouse – For a true jazz follow-up, head downtown and grab a reservation

Quick Tips

• Bathrooms: None directly in the plaza, use facilities at nearby businesses before arriving
• Seating: Bring your own, unless you want a bench
• Pets: Dogs are welcome on leash
• Phones: Good cell reception if you want to stream or post
• Cash: Bring some if you’d like to tip performers directly

More…

• https://riversideparknyc.org/series/jazz-in-the-park-at-ralph-ellison/
• https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1946
• https://www.nomaanyc.org/events/jazz-in-the-park/
• https://www.kidonthetown.com/series/jazz-in-the-park/
• https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/07/13/jazz-in-the-park-at-ralph-ellison
• https://www.overherenewyork.com/brooklyn-botanic-garden-jazz-in-july/