One instrument, three continents: a Cajun French songwriter from Cypress Island, a Sufi family from Karachi carrying an unbroken 800-year Qawwali lineage, and the Brooklyn band that introduced North America to Peruvian chicha — all on a lawn in the middle of Midtown, for nothing. Chicha Libre alone is worth the trip, back on the road after a long hiatus. This is the most improbable free bill in the city tonight, and the easiest one to get to.
What to expect
The lawn opens for picnicking before the music starts and fills with blankets facing the stage at the park's western end. Sets run back-to-back across the three acts, with the crowd shifting from seated picnic to standing and dancing by the closing set. Bryant Park's kiosks and the surrounding cafés handle food.
Good to know
- The lawn is free and unticketed — blankets only, no chairs on the grass
- B, D, F and M to 42nd Street–Bryant Park, or 7 to Fifth Avenue
- Pack a picnic; outside food is welcome on the lawn
- Arrive before the first set to claim lawn space near the stage
- The lawn closes in wet weather — check the park's alerts if it has rained
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Is Bryant Park Picnic Performances free?
Yes — the series is free and open to the public, with no ticket required for the lawn.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, picnics are the point. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
Who is Chicha Libre?
A Brooklyn band that pioneered psychedelic cumbia in North America with the 2008 album Sonido Amazonico.
More festivals this weekend
Also in Manhattan
