City Parks Foundation will mark the 40th-anniversary season of its SummerStage festival in 2026, with a strong slate of performances in Brooklyn, including events at Herbert Von King Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The long-running outdoor series, which began in 1986, will bring more than 60 free and ticketed shows across New York City, with Brooklyn continuing to serve as a key hub for music and community programming. Over four decades, SummerStage has presented thousands of artists and reached audiences of more than 7 million, with a focus on free cultural access in public spaces.
“Forty years ago, I had a simple idea: that world-class music and performing arts belonged to everyone, not just those who could afford a ticket. Four decades later, I’m genuinely moved by what SummerStage has meant to our city and what we helped build together with our fans,” said Joe Killian, SummerStage founder & executive producer (1986-1993) and City Parks Foundation board member.
In Brooklyn, Herbert Von King Park will host several events throughout the summer. MIKE's Young World is back on July 11, featuring the return of Hip-Hop impresario Max B, and a live performance from MIKE himself with the acclaimed Band of the Century. On July 12, Herbert Von King Park will welcome innovative GRAMMY-winning R&B/soul vocalist Bilal and compelling jazz/hip-hop/R&B duo GENA in association with the Apollo Theater.
Brooklyn Bridge Park will also be part of the 40th-anniversary season, expanding the festival’s waterfront presence and drawing audiences to outdoor performances with views of the Manhattan skyline. On June 27, the Metropolitan Opera will host its Summer Recital, featuring Emily Pogorelc, Joshua Blue, Edward Nelson, and Dmitri Dover. This event forms part of Carnegie Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
Most SummerStage events remain free and open to the public, with select ticketed benefit concerts helping fund the broader season. Proceeds support City Parks Foundation initiatives, including youth sports, environmental education and community programs in underserved neighborhoods.
Click here for the calendar and lineup.
