Tis the season, people!

The theme this year is diversity, there will be over seventy free and benefit shows starting June 4th across the city showcasing women performers and artists from around the world through October 9th.

Central Park is the primary venue for the series, so this post will concentrate on that, but do head here to check out the full schedule, because there will be lots of good music happening in parks across all five boroughs of the city. (In venues like Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village.) Folks can enjoy jazz, salsa, indie-rock, country, opera, afrobeats and more in the 39th season of our favorite music festival.

Free dance performances and comedy are on tap along with the music--something for everyone.

Here are some highlights of the Central Park lineup:

June 4 - OPENING Night: Marcus Miller, Tank and the Bangas and The Soul Rebels in association with the Blue Note Jazz Festival

June 14 - The Aussie BBQ with Flewnt and Inkabee, Gordi, Grace Cummings, PINES, The Grogans and The Wiggles

June 14 - The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Janai Brugger, Jack Swanson and Benjamin Taylor with pianist Howard Watkins

June 18 - Juneteenth with Noname, Ravyn Lenar and Fana Hues

June 29 - Dreamland Pride with Anne Louise and HAYLA. Headlining DJ TBA

July 5 & 6 - Kes

July 26 - The Saw Doctors (Benefit)

August 3 - Taiwaneses Waves: Bulareyaung Dance Company with ABAO, Nanguaq Girls and Enno Cheng

August 27 - Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues in partnership with Park Avenue Artists

All concerts are free, except for benefits; pricing varies, but remember, proceeds go towards maintaining our beautiful parks!

SummerStage is located at the Rumsey Playfield, which is right off the 5th Avenue and 69th Street entrance to the park, a quick subway ride from the hotel. And admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early!  (Doors open an hour prior to performances.) Food and wine and beer are available for purchase. (You can bring your own grub, but leave your adult beverages at home.)

There's nothing like listening to music in the great outdoors.

Time to party!

Image via egon69/iStock