All That Jazz (and Dance and Soccer) Coming to Wagner Park This Summer
May 19, 2026
Wagner Park made its grand return last summer, coming out of its cocoon with resiliency improvements, storm fortification and a killer calendar of all-star performers. It’s keeping that new-park magic rolling this summer with another lineup of events that will have you coming back for more stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and peak sunset-watching spots. Highlights include a monthlong jazz/blues fest, dance performances, poetry nights and a headlining spot from Esperanza Spalding.
The summer fun starts May 28 with a performance by Red Baraat, who will bring their blend of Bhangra, funk, jazz and rock to the park just in time for Memorial Day weekend. On June 6, Pride Month kicks off with celebration of pop music and dance featuring Impress.
Then, it’s time for the Beautiful Game as the World Cup kicks off across the continent (including eight matches at MetLife Stadium). Wagner Park gets in on the fun on June 12 with a World Cup watch party, where fans will gather to watch USA vs. Paraguay, complete with a family-friendly tailgate and music by the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band. More watch parties for matches will be scheduled from July 5 to 19 during the elimination round.
In July, the temperature rises with a monthlong River & Blues series every Thursday in the month, bringing performances by Rebirth Brass Band, the War and Treaty, Allen Stone and Amelia Day. The park is getting in on the sesquicentennial celebrations that month as well, with a one-night-only performance on July 25 dubbed America: 250 that will reflect on the nation’s history through dance.
In August, Mane Kedang Dance Company kicks off the month with a program of West African dance and drumming. The stars come out on August 8 as five-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding performs new works as part of the River to River festival. Then from August 10–16, the 45th Annual Battery Dance Festival will show off international and local dance companies. The dance fever continues on August 28, when Ailey II performs works by established and emerging choreographers, with a movement workshop for the public afterwards.
It’s not just singing and dancing: the park is also hosting a series by Poets House all summer that will bring the likes of Kinsale Drake, Eileen Myles and Jenny Xie to the stage, along with music guests for each show as well.
Even all that is just a taste of what’s happening at the park this summer; more programming will fill out the calendar including a catch-and-release fishing program, sunset yoga, art walks, drawing sessions and more; see the full calendar here.
