Free Summer Theater

people performing a show on stage at waterfront park

Broadway isn't the only place to experience great theater this summer! Throughout the season, free plays ranging from Shakespearian classics to new works by emerging playwrights are being staged in parks throughout the city. Get your dose of culture on a budget and let nature set the scene.

Free Summer Theater Events

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Jun 29

Madagascar - Live Performance

at Sobelsohn Playground (in Forest Park) , Queens

6:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a live performance from Plaza Theatrical Productions of this popular comedy adventure. Please bring a blanket or a low chair.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Friday, June 30, 2017

Jun 30

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Jul 1

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Betsy Head Playground

at Betsy Head Memorial Playground (in Betsy Head Park) , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. The CityParks PuppetMobile production sets the timeless tale in the lush landscape of…
Free!

Best For
Kids

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Jul 5

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Maple Playground

at 136-50 Maple Ave. Queens, NY United States (in Maple Playground) , Queens

Best For
Kids

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Jul 6

Arm of the Sea Theater: 'The Rejuvenary River Circus'

at Buz O' Rourke Playground (in Crocheron Park) , Queens

10:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
This circus is an allegory featuring gorgeous masks and puppet characters, a unique handmade set and live original music.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Jul 6

Broadway in Bryant Park

at Bryant Park , Manhattan

12:30 p.m. –1:30 a.m.
The best of musicals on and off Broadway showcase their hits, plus lots of surprises from other Broadway shows.
Free!

Friday, July 7, 2017

Jul 7

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Al Smith Playground

at Alfred E Smith Park (in Alfred E. Smith Playground) , Manhattan

Best For
Kids

Jul 7

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Jul 7

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Jul 8

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Westerleigh Park

at 168 Willard Ave Staten Island, 10314 (in Westerleigh Park) , Staten Island

Best For
Kids

Jul 8

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Jul 9

Laughter in the Park 2017

at Garibaldi Plaza (in Washington Square Park) , Manhattan

2:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m.
Catch up to two hours of stand up comedy performed by some of comedy's most innovative and talked about artists.
Free!

Jul 9

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Jul 11

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Linden Park

at Stanley Ave. & Ashford St. Brooklyn, NY 11207 United States (in Linden Park) , Brooklyn

Best For
Kids

Jul 11

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Jul 11

Arts, Culture & Fun: La La Land

at Clove Road and Cheshire Place (in Clove Lakes Park) , Staten Island

8:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.
La La Land (2016) Sebastian and Mia are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile…
Free!

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Jul 12

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Highland Park

at Jackie Robinson Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11208 United States

5:00 p.m. –6:00 p.m.
Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. The CityParks PuppetMobile production sets the timeless tale in the lush landscape of…
Free!

Best For
Kids

Jul 12

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Jul 13

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Loreto Park

at Haight Ave Bronx, NY 10461 United States (in Loreto Playground) , Bronx

Best For
Kids

Jul 13

Broadway in Bryant Park

at Bryant Park , Manhattan

12:30 p.m. –1:30 a.m.
The best of musicals on and off Broadway showcase their hits, plus lots of surprises from other Broadway shows.
Free!

Jul 13

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Friday, July 14, 2017

Jul 14

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Jul 14

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Jul 15

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Fred Samuels Playground

at Samuel Playground (in Fred Samuel Playground) , Manhattan

Best For
Kids

Jul 15

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Jul 16

Laughter in the Park 2017

at The Granite Prospect (in Brooklyn Bridge Park) , Brooklyn

4:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m.
Catch up to two hours of stand up comedy performed by some of comedy's most innovative and talked about artists.
Free!

Jul 16

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Jul 18

Plaza Theatrical Presents "Madagascar"

at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Zoo Picnic Area

11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Join lions, hippos, and a group of plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in this live-action musical adventure.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Jul 18

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Jul 19

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Jul 20

Broadway in Bryant Park

at Bryant Park , Manhattan

12:30 p.m. –1:30 a.m.
The best of musicals on and off Broadway showcase their hits, plus lots of surprises from other Broadway shows.
Free!

Jul 20

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Friday, July 21, 2017

Jul 21

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Jul 21

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Jul 22

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Jul 23

Laughter in the Park 2017

at Old Bandshell Lawn (in Tompkins Square Park) , Manhattan

2:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m.
Catch up to two hours of stand up comedy performed by some of comedy's most innovative and talked about artists.
Free!

Jul 23

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Monday, July 24, 2017

Jul 24

Books Beneath the Bridge with Greenlight Bookstore: Greenlight Poetry Salon

at The Granite Prospect (in Brooklyn Bridge Park) , Brooklyn

7:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of poetry in performance with a special summer outdoor edition of our quarterly Greenlight Poetry Salon, hosted and curated by Angel Nafis!
Free!

Must See
Event

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Jul 25

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Jul 26

Catskill Puppet Theater Presents The Lion's Whiskers

at Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue (in Highland Park) , Queens

6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
Enjoy this musical adaptation of a traditional folktale.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Jul 26

Shakespeare in the Park Presents: 'Measure for Measure'

at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park) , Queens

7:00 p.m. –9:30 p.m.
Shakespeare's dark comedy examines the corrupting nature of power.
Free!

Jul 26

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Jul 27

Broadway in Bryant Park

at Bryant Park , Manhattan

12:30 p.m. –1:30 a.m.
The best of musicals on and off Broadway showcase their hits, plus lots of surprises from other Broadway shows.
Free!

Jul 27

Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1: The Prince and the Rebel

at 35th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway (in Crocheron Park) , Queens

7:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
The Hip to Hip Theatre Company and NYC Parks present Shakespeare's play live in the park.
Free!

Jul 27

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Friday, July 28, 2017

Jul 28

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Jul 28

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Jul 29

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Jul 30

Laughter in the Park 2017

at Mineral Springs (in Central Park) , Manhattan

2:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m.
Catch up to two hours of stand up comedy performed by some of comedy's most innovative and talked about artists.
Free!

Jul 30

Classical Theatre of Harlem Presents The Three Musketeers

at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (in Marcus Garvey Park) , Manhattan

8:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
It's all for one and one for all as D'Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
Free!

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Aug 1

Puppets in the Park Presents: 'Cinderella Samba'

at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Zoo Picnic Area

11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Enjoy this modern version of the classic tale set in the lush landscape of Brazil. This timeless story finds Cinderella and her prince in a samba contest at the Carnival Ball.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Aug 1

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Best For
Kids

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Aug 2

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Maria Hernandez Park

at Maria Hernandez Park , Brooklyn

11:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.
Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. The CityParks PuppetMobile production sets the timeless tale in the lush landscape of…
Free!

Best For
Kids

Aug 2

Plaza Theatrical Presents Madagascar

at Jamaica Avenue and Elton Street (in Highland Park) , Queens

6:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a live performance from Plaza Theatrical Productions of this popular comedy adventure.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Aug 3

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Underwood Park

at Underwood Park , Brooklyn

10:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. The CityParks PuppetMobile production sets the timeless tale in the lush landscape of…
Free!

Best For
Kids

Aug 3

Broadway in Bryant Park

at Bryant Park , Manhattan

12:30 p.m. –1:30 a.m.
The best of musicals on and off Broadway showcase their hits, plus lots of surprises from other Broadway shows.
Free!

Aug 3

Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure'

at 35th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway (in Crocheron Park) , Queens

7:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
The Duke of Vienna's puritanical deputy Angelo, tasked with cleaning up a city out of control, revives ancient laws regarding sex and marriage.
Free!

Friday, August 4, 2017

Aug 4

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Jennifer’s Playground

at Jennifer's Playground , Staten Island

1:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m.
Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. The CityParks PuppetMobile production sets the timeless tale in the lush landscape of…
Free!

Best For
Kids

Aug 4

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Monday, August 7, 2017

Aug 7

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Marion Hopkinson Playground

at Marion Hopkinson Park (in Marion Hopkinson Playground) , Brooklyn

Best For
Kids

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Aug 9

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Snug Harbor Cultural Center

at Snug Harbor Culture Center (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center) , Staten Island

Best For
Kids

Aug 9

Patty Cake Theatre Presents Alice in Wonderland

at Jamaica Avenue and Elton Street (in Highland Park) , Queens

6:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m.
Enjoy this enchanting classic fairy tale with a modern twist.
Free!

Best For
Kids

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Aug 10

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Ben Abrams Playground

at Ben Abrams Playground (in Bronx Park) , Bronx

Best For
Kids

Aug 10

Broadway in Bryant Park

at Bryant Park , Manhattan

12:30 p.m. –1:30 a.m.
The best of musicals on and off Broadway showcase their hits, plus lots of surprises from other Broadway shows.
Free!

Friday, August 11, 2017

Aug 11

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at Walker Park Summer Camp

at Walker Park , Staten Island

Best For
Kids

Aug 11

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Aug 12

CityParks PuppetMobile presents Cinderella Samba at SummerStage in Central Park as a part of Family Day

at Rumsey Playfield (in Central Park) , Manhattan

3:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m.
Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. The CityParks PuppetMobile production sets the timeless tale in the lush landscape of…
Free!

Best For
Kids

Friday, August 18, 2017

Aug 18

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Aug 22

Puppets in the Park presents "Cinderella Samba"

at 76th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard (in Alley Pond Park) , Queens

10:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
Join us for a free puppet show featuring "Cinderella Samba".
Free!

Best For
Kids

Friday, August 25, 2017

Aug 25

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Friday, September 1, 2017

Sep 1

Bryant Park Friday Picnics

at Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park) , Manhattan

5:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Every Friday on the lawn, Bryant Park has a free picnic, featuring over 100 free blankets to borrow, and live food and entertainment.
Free!

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Sep 17

NYC Parks Presents Gertrude Ederle Sings Out! — Musical Show

at Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center , Manhattan

6:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and AfterWork Theater, New York City’s one and only recreational theater for adults, for a special presentation of a fully-staged musical show!
Free!