It’s a summer tradition in New York City: the Philharmonic plays for free at public parks all around the city. The first of the shows is tonight, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. And next Monday they come to the Great Lawn in Central Park.
Last summer, just before hitting the road (or the jetway, more accurately), we sat in the middle of the Great Lawn and enjoyed the show.
The concerts begin at 8pm, but it’s best to get there early—at least an hour—to grab a spot on the lawn. If you’re meeting friends, consider bringing something distinctive to help you find each other; it gets crowded! For the Central Park concert, which is happening July 15th this year, there are entrances open at West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West, or East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue, but you can find all of the details on the New York Philharmonic’s site. Just click around on the July calendar to find the event nearest to you.
Bring friends, food …
and bug spray.
The closer you sit to the stage, the less talking you should do during the concert. (We usually sat fairly far back so we could keep a quiet conversation going.)
It’s definitely on my list of not-to-miss things to enjoy in the summer, in the city. (There are even usually fireworks at the end!)
P.S. Two other top summertime activities in NYC: movies under the Brooklyn Bridge, and art on the roof of the Met.
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