Bryant Park is a hub of activity in the heart of Manhattan year-round, but in the summer months, it’s *the* place to be for sunbathing, people-watching, and fun. The expansive green lawn, splashing fountain, and convenient tables and chairs make it easy to stop by for a picnic with the Midtown skyscrapers as your backdrop.

This summer, there are plenty of free events to enjoy at Bryant Park, from outdoor movies to yoga classes to live music performances. We’ve rounded them all up in one handy list so you don’t miss any of it! Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and head to Midtown to enjoy all that this vibrant park has to offer.

 

Bryant Park Movies on the Lawn

Starting June 12, Bryant Park will host Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park, a series of weekly outdoor movie screenings running every Monday through August 15. The lawn opens at 5 pm, and movies begin at 8 pm.

2023 Bryant Park Movie Schedule

June

June 12: Almost Famous
June 19: Dreamgirls
June 26: Mean Girls

July

July 3: School of Rock
July 10: Roman Holiday
July 17: Reality Bites
July 24: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
July 31: Swingers

August

August 7: 48 Hours
August 14: Zoolander
August 15: Bonus Movie: Good Burger

 

Bryant Park Concerts

On select Thursday and Friday evenings throughout the summer, Bryant Park hosts Picnic Performances, a series of live music concerts featuring a range of genres, from jazz to soul to Latin fusion. The concerts are free and open to the public and begin at 7 pm on the lawn behind the New York Public Library. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of live music under the stars.

2023 Outdoor Concert Lineup:

June

June 1 New York City Opera: La Bohème
June 2 Jazzmobile: The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra
June 8 Contemporary Dance: Robin Dunn + Legendary Friends
June 9 Contemporary Dance: Dance Heginbotham, TBA
June 15 Contemporary Dance: Terk Lewis, Kayla Farrish
June 16 Contemporary Dance: Soles of Duende, Josh Johnson
June 23 Emerging Music Festival: THUS LOVE, Psymon Spine, Katy Kirby
June 24 Emerging Music Festiva:l Ky Vöss, Seramic, Miss Grit, Dead Tooth (5 pm start time)
June 30 Jalopy Theatre: Three-artist folk festival

July

July 7 Carnegie Hall Citywide: Arturo O'Farrill and Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
July 14 Carnegie Hall Citywide: Tessa Lark + Michael Thurber
July 21 Carnegie Hall Citywide: Magos Herrera featuring The Knights
July 28 Carnegie Hall Citywide: Champe-Soukous Collective

Check back for later dates!

 

Broadway in Bryant Park

For theater fans, Bryant Park’s Broadway in Bryant Park series is a must-see event. The park hosts free live performances from some of the hottest Broadway shows. 2023 Schedule TBA.

 

Bryant Park Yoga Classes

If you’re looking to unwind and stretch out in the sunshine, Bryant Park offers free yoga classes every Tuesday morning at 10 am and Wednesday evening at 6 pm from May 31 through September 27. The classes are open to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Bring a mat, towel, and water! See below for the full lineup of 37 expert yoga instructors from across the city, who will bring their unique flair and teaching style! 

2023 Bryant Park Yoga Schedule

May 31: Bethany Lyons

June 6: Jeff Posner

June 7: Madeline Hickman

June 13: Neeti Narula

June 14: Iron Strength Instructor (TBD)

June 20: Kristen Kemp

June 21: Angelica Wilson

June 27: Amanda Valdes

June 28: Chelsey Forbes

July 5: Dre Drummond

July 11: Kristin McGee

July 12: Colleen Saidman Yee & Rodney Yee

July 18: Lyons Den Team

July 19: Heidi Kristoffer

July 25: Kosha Rakholia

July 26: Sandy Sperou, Mia Fasanella & Seamus Tyson

August 1: Mona Anand

August 2: Pilin Anice

August 8: Alan Finger

August 9: Sarah Finger

August 15: Kim Copeland

August 16: Iron Strength Instructor (TBD)

August 22: Loryn Riggiola

August 23: Paige Elenson

August 29: Ruthie Flynn

August 30: Bee Creel

September 5: Sarah Flaherty

September 6: Miraval Instructor (TBD)

September 12: Jacqui Bongiovani

September 13: Jo Murdock

September 19: Yuval Samburski

September 20: Lulu Soni

September 26: Kristen Dollard

September 27: Dara Hart

 

Bryant Park Games

For those who love to play, Bryant Park offers a range of free games and activities throughout the summer. You can challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, chess, or bocce, or try your hand at juggling or hula hooping. Equipment is provided free of charge, and the games are open to all ages.

 

Things to Keep in Mind

Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also bring your own cotton or fleece blanket. To protect the lawn, please do not sit on waterproof materials such as plastic tarps, yoga mats, or inflatable chairs. There are plenty of tables and chairs on the patios and sidewalks lining the lawn as well.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy while you watch performances, sunbathe, or people-watch. Food and drink will be available for purchase from tents on the east side of the lawn and surrounding restaurants nearby. Look for the Stout NYC and Hester Street Fair vendors!

 

EXPLORE MORE
What's Happening in New York This Month
Every Street Festival in New York City This Summer
Everything to Know About Harlem's 2023 Uptown Night Market