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Pablo Picasso once said that every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an inner- artist as we grow up. Thankfully, New York City’s Bryant Park offers a solution for all ages. Each summer, arts and culture activities blossom like peonies, filling the beloved nine-acre urban oasis with sweet sights and sounds. Bryant Park hosts more than 1,000 free workshops and classes, performances and paintings, movies and more, annually.
Here’s a look at some of what you can expect from the arts and culture scene during this year’s Bryant Park summer events:
Kids of all ages love summer movie nights, especially on the nine-acre lawn of Bryant Park. Bring your own blanket and secure a spot on the lawn, then grab a bite and brew to enjoy before and during the feature film. Past presentations have included Clueless, Mrs. Doubtfire, Moonstruck and The Muppets Take Manhattan. The lawn opens at 5:00 p.m. and movies begin at sunset (between 6:40 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.).
Carnegie Hall is considered one of the most precious and important concert venues in the world. It’s where the joy of music is brought to life by some of the best singers and performers ever to grace a stage. Each summer, many of these renowned mainstage artists and rising stars spread their passion for music to the Five Boroughs with the Carnegie Hall Citywide series. Manhattan’s Bryant Park proudly hosts several live performances each summer for visitors and locals to enjoy. The first performance of the year will take place at noon on May 22nd featuring the new-music marching band Asphalt Orchestra.
Revel in NYC’s rich performing arts community at Bryant Park Picnic Performances. At last summer’s live concert series, attendees heard original compositions by up-and-coming jazz artists from Jazz at Lincoln Center, salsa danced to Cuban beats with a Latin Grammy-award-winning producer from the Greenwich House Music School and witnessed cultural Chinese dance from the professional dance company of the New York Chinese Cultural Center. Performances are free to the public and many are live-streamed on the Bryant Park YouTube channel.
Bask in a NYC summer evening with yoga on the lawn. Once a week during the warmer months, the grassy lawn of Bryant Park is filled with yoga mats, chants and stretches. All skill levels are invited to join the class, which is led by a different local yogi each week. Bryant Park yoga is free to attend.
Whether you aspire to write the next great American novel, create a collection of short stories or simply want to express your feelings through poetry, you’ll find inspiration and assistance in the park. With one of the most beloved libraries in the world across the street and statues of literary greats looking over your shoulder, Bryant Park is the perfect place to hone your skills and share your stories. Writers Workshops are one of the many free Reading Room programs hosted by Bryant Park. Local authors and literary educators teach classes in screenwriting, creative writing, fiction writing and more.
Bryant Park’s summer events consistently offer art, culture and fun for locals and visitors to enjoy. There are eight park areas that are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for drop-in entertainment and enjoyment.
Visit the Bryant Park website to discover the full list of programs and events and revel in the arts and culture of New York.
Need a place to stay? Park Terrace Hotel is the ideal home base for NYC adventure. Located within walking distance directly across the street from Bryant Park, you’ll have the perfect view from your Midtown Manhattan suite.
