Shaggy's Yaad at SummerStage event image
SummerStage, Central Park (Rumsey Playfield), Central Park, Manhattan

Shaggy's Yaad at SummerStage

Shaggy turns Central Park into a Kingston yard — the reggae icon headlines an all-star, all-ages Caribbean takeover of SummerStage, totally free.

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Mr. Boombastic himself headlines Central Park for free — Shaggy brings an all-star Caribbean lineup to SummerStage's Rumsey Playfield fresh off his new album Lottery, in the festival's 40th-anniversary season. A yaad is a Jamaican home turf, and that's the vibe: dancehall, reggae and soca in the open air with the park at golden hour. If you catch one free show this week, this is the one — a global star at zero dollars doesn't happen often, even in New York.

What to expect

A packed, dance-heavy open-air crowd at Rumsey Playfield with DJs and guest acts warming up before Shaggy's headline set of hits and new Lottery material. Expect flags, whistles and singalongs to It Wasn't Me and Boombastic, with food and drink vendors inside the venue gates.

Good to know

  • Free and all ages, but capacity is first-come, first-served — arrive well before doors to be sure you get in
  • Enter Central Park at 69th St and Fifth Ave; closest trains are the 6 at 68th St-Hunter College or N/R/W at 5th Ave-59th St
  • Lawn chairs and outside alcohol aren't allowed; blankets are fine in some areas and there are vendors inside
  • Shows run rain or shine except in severe weather
  • Bag checks at the gate — pack light for a faster entry
  • Great pick for groups and families as much as dancehall diehards

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Common questions

Is Shaggy's Yaad really free?

Yes — it's part of the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage free season. No ticket is needed, but entry is capacity-limited, so early arrival matters.

Who else is performing besides Shaggy?

The show is billed as an all-star celebration of Caribbean music presented with VP Records and Boombastic Radio, with supporting acts and DJs around Shaggy's headline set.

Where exactly in Central Park is it?

At SummerStage's Rumsey Playfield, mid-park around 72nd Street — enter at 69th Street and Fifth Avenue and follow the crowd.