You don’t have to leave New York City to have incredible summer fun! Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has you covered with their Summer for the City programming.
With hundreds of free events, there is no reason to break the bank on a trip to Europe to see great art— it is right in your backyard!
Starting June 12 and running through Aug. 10, the Lincoln Center will begin their summer event season for the third year in a row with every kind of performance imaginable. Think of their classic programming like Jazz at Lincoln Center, performances from the Juilliard School, and the New York City Ballet.
In addition to their well known curations, the Lincoln Center is also planning tons of new events and performances that offer opportunities to marginalized artists. There will be Deaf Broadway, performances to celebrate Pride Month, and also Juneteenth events.
With so many incredible performances and events happening over the course of the program, it might be difficult to figure out everything that you need to see and know about. Luckily for you we have outlined a few of the coolest and most creative events that you just have to check out.
The Dream Machine Experience is an experience that sits at the crossroads of art and technology, asking its audience to push the boundaries of their understanding. It is a “mixed reality experience” developed by Nona Hendryx that was commissioned by the Center specifically for this Summer for the City program. It is available between June 12-30.
A Century of Baldwin is a must-see for literary lovers everywhere. This is an event in partnership with the National Black Theatre and the Baldwin Family Estate to commemorate the “historic occasion of Baldwin’s centenary.” Make sure to plan ahead for this event at Alice Tully Hall as it is only there for one night!
There will also be a few premieres hosted at the LCPA this summer including The Ritual of Breath is the Rite to Resist, “a transdisciplinary opera and creative act of resistance”; and the premiere of Anthem to US, a project presented in collaboration with several libraries across the boroughs which features “songs that have served as anthems of hope, peace, and persistence.”
Have you been itching to try out a silent disco? Look no further because the Center is hosting several throughout the summer with dance styles ranging from hip hop, contemporary, Indian traditional, and even the salsa.
Make sure to check out The Outdoor Film Series in Damrosch Park if you have the chance. They will be projecting an eclectic mix of films with popcorn and drinks available. You won’t have to worry about poor equipment or not being able to hear the movies at these screenings because they are complete with Quiet Event headphones to offer the best experience possible.
The LCPA is also planning lots of events to highlight and celebrate the incredible culture of India. From July 10-14, New Yorkers can experience India Week to immerse themselves in the culture and dance their hearts out to traditional music, experience incredible literature from the region, and even get a taste of the country’s incredible cuisine.
The Summer for the City program is an incredible opportunity to experience world-class art without ever leaving the city. With hundreds of free or pay-what-you-wish events, you can’t afford to miss out! For a full list of the summer programming check out the Lincoln Center website at lincolncenter.org.
