‘Rise Up NYC’ Summer Concert Series returns, features 18 world-class concerts across boroughs

Mayor Eric Adams.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

New York City Mayor Eric Adams last Wednesday announced the return of the ‘Rise Up NYC’ summer concert series, offering 18 free outdoor concerts to New Yorkers across all five boroughs this summer.

Adams said the highly anticipated concert series — put on in partnership with City Parks Foundation SummerStage — is expanding significantly for its third season, inspiring all New Yorkers to unite and uplift New York City.

He said this collaboration will incorporate select events from City Parks Foundation SummerStage’s free outdoor concerts into the Rise Up NYC lineup — promising “an extraordinary and unforgettable summer filled with exceptional music.”

“Once again, starting on July 14th, New Yorkers will gather together and partake in the music and culture that keeps our city moving,” said Mayor Adams. “‘Rise Up NYC’ is a free concert series that fosters camaraderie among New Yorkers and brings enjoyment to our beloved city.

“Music and the arts are essential to our city, and this summer, we are going to amplify the experience and make sure we are giving residents of the five boroughs an all-star experience at no cost,” he added. “We welcome all New Yorkers to join us in celebrating the vibrant energy of our city through the shared joy of music.”

“Our ‘Rise Up NYC’ concert series is back, offering free outdoor concerts in all five boroughs,” said Chief Advisor to the Mayor Ingrid Lewis Martin, who traces her roots to Barbados and Panama. “As summer kicks into high gear, we invite all New Yorkers to bring their family and friends for fun nights and world-class entertainment in the city that never sleeps. Together we can Rise Up!”

The series kicked off on July 14 with Common, Pete Rock, and other performers at the Herbert Von King Park.

The mayor said the concert series will give New Yorkers “free and safe access to exceptional concerts at a time when rising costs are putting a strain on many families.”

In its previous two seasons, Rise Up NYC featured performances by critically acclaimed artists such as Chrisette Michele, Maxi Priest, Mary Mary, Ja Rule, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Wyclef Jean, and many more.

From July 14 through Aug. 25, Adams said his administration will present 18 free concerts to New Yorkers across the five boroughs:

Bronx

Thursday, Aug. 1
Crotona Park (Presented by City Parks Foundation SummerStage)
Crotona Avenue & Claremont Parkway

Friday, Aug. 2
Crotona Park (Presented by City Parks Foundation SummerStage)
Crotona Avenue & Claremont Parkway

Saturday, Aug. 3
Crotona Park (Presented by City Parks Foundation SummerStage)
Crotona Avenue & Claremont Parkway

Tuesday, Aug. 20
Orchard Beach
One Orchard Beach Road

Wednesday, Aug. 21
Orchard Beach
One Orchard Beach Road

Brooklyn

Friday, Aug. 9
Wingate Park, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street & Rutland Road

Saturday, Aug. 10
Wingate Park, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street & Rutland Road

Sunday, Aug. 11
Wingate Park, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street & Rutland Road, Brooklyn, NY

Manhattan

Sunday, July 21
SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan (Presented by City Parks Foundation SummerStage)
Rumsey Playfield, 71st Street & 5th Avenue

Saturday, Aug. 3
Apollo Theatre, Manhattan
253 West 125th Street

Queens

Saturday, Aug. 24
Roy Wilkins Park, Queens
Merrick Boulevard & Baisley Boulevard

Sunday, Aug. 25
Roy Wilkins Park, Queens
Merrick Boulevard & Baisley Boulevard

Staten Island

Saturday, Aug. 11
Stapleton Waterfront Park (Presented by City Parks Foundation SummerStage)
Water Street & Prospect Street

Wednesday, Aug. 14
Midland Beach Parking Lot 8
Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue

Thursday, Aug. 15
Midland Beach Parking Lot 8
Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue

“The Rise Up NYC concert series will amplify local artists, encourage New Yorkers to support local small businesses near the concert venues, and provide the opportunity for New Yorkers, especially young New Yorkers, to come together to support non-violent solutions to conflicts across the city,” Adams said.

This comes as the mayor kicked off in June the city’s “Summer of Possibility,” a “celebration of New York City’s unrivaled summer offerings at a time when crime is down, jobs are up, and the city is more livable” than when the Adams administration came into office.