Stumblday
Sign in
Delirium Musicum at the Naumburg Bandshell event image
Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park, Central Park, Manhattan

Delirium Musicum at the Naumburg Bandshell

An LA chamber orchestra makes its NY debut with Philip Glass, Max Richter and Vivaldi at Central Park's historic bandshell — free, no tickets.

This event has ended. Here's what's on this weekend instead — see this weekend's NYC picks →
FreeClassicalOutdoors

This is America's oldest free outdoor classical series — running since 1905 — and its midsummer concerts at the century-old Naumburg Bandshell are a beloved Central Park ritual. The draw is a New York debut: Delirium Musicum, the adventurous LA chamber orchestra, jumping from Schubert and Vivaldi to Max Richter and Philip Glass as dusk falls over the Mall. If your ideal summer evening is a picnic blanket, strings and fireflies, nothing beats this.

What to expect

Rows of benches fill early in front of the neoclassical bandshell mid-park at 72nd Street, with picnickers spread on the surrounding pavement and lawn edges. The orchestra plays a single evening program as the light fades; the whole thing is unamplified-feeling, civilized and surprisingly intimate for a park crowd.

Good to know

  • Mid-park at 72nd Street — enter from Fifth Avenue or Central Park West and walk to the Mall's Concert Ground
  • No tickets or reservations needed; bench seats go early, so bring a blanket or folding chair as backup
  • Pack a picnic — eating during the concert is part of the tradition
  • The concert is broadcast live on WQXR if rain threatens your plans
  • Closest trains: B/C at 72nd St or the 6 at 68th St-Hunter College
  • Great for a low-key date — it's one of the most romantic free evenings in Manhattan

Get Saturday planned every Thursday

One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Common questions

Do I need tickets for the Naumburg Bandshell concert?

No — Naumburg Orchestral Concerts are completely free with no tickets or reservations required. Arrive early for a bench seat, or bring a blanket.

What happens if it rains?

The series has historically made rain calls day-of via its website and social channels; the performance is also broadcast live on WQXR, so you can listen from anywhere.

Who is Delirium Musicum?

A Los Angeles-based chamber orchestra known for high-energy, conductor-less performances — this concert is the ensemble's New York debut.

More this weekend

The Declaration of Independence at the New York Public Library
The Declaration of Independence at the New York Public LibraryStephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York Public Library, Midtown, Manhattan
America 250 Celebration at the Intrepid Museum
America 250 Celebration at the Intrepid MuseumIntrepid Museum, Pier 86, Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
Othello — The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Uptown Shakespeare in the Park
Othello — The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Uptown Shakespeare in the ParkRichard Rodgers Amphitheater, Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem, Manhattan
See the full ranked weekend board →