The 21 Can’t-Miss Outdoor Summer Concerts

Prepare for a beat wave, people

May 12, 2017 9:00 am

Live music and sunshine — does it get any better?

It does not.

And whether you want to head Upstate or simply around the corner, NYC will conveniently deliver concerts en plein air in spades over the next three months.

From ‘70s rock shows to ’80s dance parties to tomorrow’s classics, we’ve rounded up the 21 best outdoor shows coming to town this summer.

Snag your leading lady and a picnic blanket, because these streets are alive with the sound of music.

Because in summer, you never want the weekend to end
Mister Sunday at Nowadays, Sundays starting June 4

Because you take your whiskey with a side of nine-time Grammy winner
Dan Auerbach at The Whisky X at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, June 8

Because you’re an introverted indie rocker but also a do-gooder
The Shins and Tennis Benefit Concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell, June 15

Because you’re an Elvis man
Elvis Costello & The Imposters at Rumsey Playfield, June 15

Because we can go for that
Daryl Hall & John Oates and Tears for Fears at Forest Hills Stadium, June 16

Because that sh*t your kids listen to is decidedly not  hip-hop
Digable Planets and Natasha Diggs at Coffey Park, June 21

Because North America’s largest reggae fest is right next door
Groovin’ In The Park Concert Series at Roy Wilkins Park, June 25

Because this time freedom actually is free
The 14th Anniversary Freedom Party at Rumsey Playfield, June 28

Because we could all use some feel-good vibes right now
Everyday People at Betsy Head Park, July 1

Because it’s a night club on a museum’s patio, basically
The Warm-Up at MoMA PS1, Saturdays starting July 1

Because you’re into clubs but tired of bottle service
Flo Rida at the TODAY Show plaza, July 7

Because post-punk is in your DNA
Echo & The Bunnymen and Violent Femmes at the Coney Island Amphitheater, July 12

Because they’re a jam band for people who don’t like jam bands
My Morning Jacket at Forest Hills Stadium, July 15

Because they will play at least two great covers, guaranteed
Yo La Tengo at Rumsey Park, July 17

Because you’re a sucker for a well-mannered desperado
Conor Oberst Benefit Concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell, July 20

Because we all turn into our old man eventually
Chicago and The Doobie Brothers at Bethel Woods, July 22

Because he’s the man
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 40th Anniversary Tour at Forest Hills Stadium, July 26, 27

Because disco will never die
The 40th Anniversary Saturday Night Fever Celebration at the Coney Island Amphitheater, July 29

Because it’s been awhile since your last flashback
The Australian Pink Floyd Show at SPAC, July 29

Because those were the 18-karat days, baby
The Pack Is Back: Salute to the Rat Pack at the George Seuffert Bandshell, August 10

Because you want them and nobody else
The Temptations and The Four Tops at the Coney Island Amphitheater, August 24

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