A real circus on the Bryant Park lawn, timed to the golden hour: Parallel Exit, the New York physical-comedy troupe (with performer Randy Kato among the cast), brings vaudeville acrobatics and clowning to the Picnic Performances stage — no tickets, no lines, free blankets handed out on the lawn. If you want one effortless, all-ages spectacle this weekend, this is the one to sprawl out for.
What to expect
You claim a patch of lawn — the park lends out free blankets — and watch a fast-moving set of circus and physical-comedy acts on the open-air stage, framed by the New York Public Library and the Midtown skyline. Food vendors ring the park, picnics are welcome, and the crowd skews families, after-work groups and tourists who stumbled into something great.
Good to know
- No registration, tickets or entry lines — just walk onto the lawn and sit down.
- Free blankets are available to borrow; arrive early for a spot near the stage.
- The 7, B, D, F and M at 42 St-Bryant Park land you at the lawn's edge.
- Picnics are welcome, and food kiosks around the park sell dinner if you come empty-handed.
- Great for kids — the show is visual, loud and slapstick, no dialogue required.
- The lawn and paved terraces are wheelchair-accessible.
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Common questions
Is Sunset Circus free?
Yes. Like all Picnic Performances at Bryant Park, it is completely free with no registration required — walk up and find a spot on the lawn.
What happens if it rains?
Picnic Performances are outdoor events; in severe weather Bryant Park may delay or cancel, so check bryantpark.org or the park's social feeds before heading over.
Is this a good show for kids?
Very — Parallel Exit's act is family-friendly physical comedy and circus skills, and the early-evening lawn setting makes it easy to come and go with little ones.
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