Your Guide to Free Summer Concerts in Central Park

When the weather turns, Central Park becomes the city's biggest stage — and a remarkable amount of it is free. Here's how to make the most of a summer of music under the open sky.

New York moves fast, and the best parts of the city rarely announce themselves. Our team scouts each neighborhood so you don't have to — separating the genuinely great from the merely hyped.

What to know before you go

Timing is everything in this city. Arrive early, bring cash for the spots that still prefer it, and don't be afraid to wander a block off the main drag — that's usually where the magic is.

• Go on a weekday afternoon to skip the worst of the crowds.
• Public transit beats rideshare almost everywhere below 96th Street.
• Follow the locals — the line that looks long is usually worth it.

The city is the only place where you can feel completely alone and completely at home at the same time.

We'll keep this guide updated as things change — because in New York, they always do. Bookmark it, and check back before you head out.