Washington Square Park has been folk music's front yard since the 1940s, and for the sixteenth year the Jalopy Theatre & School of Music brings the songs back to it for a free Sunday afternoon. Four sets run from 1 p.m.: Christian & Cole, Feral Foster, Hannah Thompson & The Bleacher Creatures and the Wazumbians. No tickets, no gate, just a park full of strings.
What to expect
An outdoor afternoon of acoustic sets in the park, presented free to the public and paid for by local businesses, arts funders and donations. Four acts play on the hour starting at 1 p.m. The organizers publish no closing time past the 4 p.m. set, so plan around the schedule rather than a hard finish.
Good to know
- This is the 16th annual edition, founded in 2011 by Eli Smith and then park administrator Rebecca Ferguson.
- Presented by the Jalopy Theatre & School of Music, and free and open to the public.
- Sets start at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.; the site lists no closing time past the 4 p.m. slot.
- The 2026 lineup is Christian & Cole, Feral Foster, Hannah Thompson & The Bleacher Creatures and the Wazumbians.
- The festival depends on donations, and the organizers ask for them directly on the site.
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
Is it free?
Yes. The organizers state the festival is presented free to the public, funded by local businesses, arts foundations and donations.
Who is playing in 2026?
Christian & Cole at 1 p.m., Feral Foster at 2 p.m., Hannah Thompson & The Bleacher Creatures at 3 p.m. and the Wazumbians at 4 p.m.
How long does it run?
Four sets, beginning at 1 p.m. with the last one at 4 p.m. The site does not publish a hard end time.
Who puts it on?
The Jalopy Theatre & School of Music, with support from the Washington Square Hotel, Music Inn, NYSCA, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Martin Foundation and the Howard Gilman Foundation.
More free events
