Central Park SummerStage Approaches: Here’s What’s on the Calendar So Far

In the heart of the world’s most famous park (arguably), Central Park SummerStage is gearing up for another season at the Rumsey Playfield (view on map).

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SummerStage has been rolling out its lineup since January, starting with the announcement that Chris Tomlin, a 2012 Grammy winner for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, will perform on Friday, July 11. With 31 GMA Dove Awards recognizing his impact on gospel music and over 12 million records sold, Tomlin is one of the biggest names in Christian music. His songs, How Great Is Our God and Good Good Father, are among his most well-known. A vocalist and guitarist, Tomlin will bring his Worship Under the Stars event to Central Park.

Astropical, a South American supergroup featuring members of Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana, will take the SummerStage on Saturday, June 1. Their self-titled debut album, released on March 7, blends electro-pop with Latin rhythms. Rawayana recently won a Grammy for ¿Quién Trae Las Cornetas?, while Bomba Estéreo, known for hits like Fuego, has collaborated with artists such as Bad Bunny and Nelly Furtado. SummerStage offers a chance to catch them on their debut tour.

Buckle up—on Saturday, June 7, reggaeton icon Yandel will take the SummerStage for what the venue describes as a “one-of-a-kind” event. Yandel first rose to fame as part of the groundbreaking duo Wisin & Yandel before launching a successful solo career. His album Dangerous hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Albums chart, and collaborations with artists such as Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, and J Balvin have cemented his status as a legend in Latin music. With a career spanning more than two decades, Yandel remains a key figure in the evolution of reggaeton.

Three more shows are currently scheduled for July, including the return of soca sensations Kes to SummerStage. Soca—short for “(So)ul of (Ca)lypso”—has been a driving force in Caribbean music for decades, and Kes has been at the forefront for more than 20 years. The Trinidadian group blends soca, reggae, pop, and EDM, a fusion that has made them international stars. Hits like Hello, Savannah Grass, and Endless Summer have become Carnival staples, while collaborations with Major Lazer, Snoop Dogg, and Shaggy have brought their infectious sound to wider audiences. Their live performances, often described as euphoric dance parties, are not to be missed.

Irish rock legends The Saw Doctors take the stage on Tuesday, July 29. They hold the record for Ireland’s longest-running No. 1 single with I Useta Lover. Known for their mix of folk-rock, humor, and working-class storytelling, the band has built a loyal following over decades of touring. Their return to SummerStage promises to be a special moment for fans of Celtic rock.

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The Head and the Heart arrive in Central Park on Wednesday, July 30. This indie-folk powerhouse first gained attention with their 2011 self-titled debut, featuring Rivers and Roads, a heartfelt ballad that became an anthem of nostalgia and change. Over the years, they’ve evolved their sound while staying true to their folk roots, releasing albums like Let’s Be Still and Living Mirage. Their rich harmonies and uplifting melodies have earned them top spots on the Billboard Alternative and Folk charts, and they’ve toured with artists like Vampire Weekend, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Lumineers.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, September 9, Rilo Kiley’s long-awaited reunion tour stops at SummerStage. Fronted by Jenny Lewis, the beloved indie band built a cult following with their introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation. Their 2004 album More Adventurous featured indie classics like Portions for Foxes and Does He Love You?, cementing their status as indie darlings. This reunion marks a special moment on the Central Park SummerStage schedule.

Tickets for the above events are available on Ticketmaster. We’ll update you when the full lineup drops, but as you can see, there’s already plenty to look forward to.

We just wish SummerStage hadn’t added so much metal to the venue. The installation of multiple grandstands and storage containers over the years has taken away from the ‘in the park’ aesthetic. These monetization-driven changes have come at the cost of the visitor experience.

For updates and more info, visit cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage.

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