De La Soul, Crystal Waters, Max B, and Mavis Staples Lead 2026 SummerStage Line-Up

By Michael Gonik

Well, it’s that time of the year again. The weather’s warming, the Maria Hernandez squirrels are resurfacing to eat from the palms of strangers, existing outdoors is not just palatable, but preferable, which means exactly one thing: SummerStage is once again upon us. And if we’re reading the schedule right, this year’s program is one for the books.

Announced on Tuesday, April 28, the 2026 SummerStage line-up, celebrating its 40th year of providing exceptionally curated free programming around the city, is headlined by sets from De La Soul, Crystal Waters, Mavis Staples, Laurie Anderson, Yellowcard, The Martinez Brothers, Bilal, Kokoroko, and literally dozens more, covering all five boroughs with performances from stars of all genres and eras. This year’s programming also features a number of mini-festivals, notably, after taking last year off, the return of MIKE’s Young World to Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy, which will feature a performance from Max B, the Harlem rap legend who’s hitting the road for the first time since his release from prison late last year. There’s also the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, two former stomping grounds of the late jazz luminary.

The season will open on Wednesday June 10, with a Central Park show from physiology-defying vocalist Ledisi, who will be performing selections from her Dinah Washington tribute album, For Dinah. The final show is currently a Charlie Crockett performance on October 1 in Central Park, but there’s a solid chance more shows will be added after and in between in the weeks ahead.

Many of this year’s shows are free, but some are ticketed, or require an RSVP to attend. Check out the full line-up by date, by borough, or by park, via SummerStage and plot your itinerary accordingly.