Fifty-four musicians, a wide green meadow, and the cannon-blast finale of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture rolling across Snug Harbor's Greek Revival buildings, all of it free. The programme runs from West Side Story to Sousa marches, with the Brighton Heights Youth Orchestra joining for Amazing Grace as a tribute to first responders. If you want one free lawn-chair evening this weekend, this is the Staten Island pick.
What to expect
Arrive early to claim grass on the South Meadow, where families spread blankets and lawn chairs while children get their faces painted before the music starts. The orchestra plays an hour-long-plus programme of American and Russian repertoire, pausing for the youth orchestra guest spot. Snug Harbor's gardens and historic buildings surround the meadow, so you can wander the campus before or after.
Good to know
- Registration is required even though admission is free; reserve through the Snug Harbor event page
- Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, as seating is not provided on the meadow
- The concert is on the South Meadow, a walk in from the parking areas, so allow extra time
- Take the S40 bus along Richmond Terrace and get off at the Sailor's Snug Harbor Gate stop for the North Gate
- Good for families; face painting for kids runs before the music begins
- It is an outdoor lawn event, so dress for the weather and check the forecast
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Common questions
Do I really need to register for a free concert?
Yes. Snug Harbor lists the concert as free with registration required, and the reservation link is on the event page.
What will the orchestra actually play?
Excerpts from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story, plus works by Morton Gould, John Philip Sousa and Dmitri Shostakovich, closing with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The Brighton Heights Youth Orchestra joins for Amazing Grace.
How do I get to Snug Harbor without a car?
Take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George and catch the S40 bus, which runs along Richmond Terrace to the Snug Harbor entrance.
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