Harlem Meer Performance Fest In Central Park Returns This Summer

HARLEM, NY — The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is making its annual return to the north end of Central Park this summer.

The lively festival, focused on world music and dance, will kick off on July 14 and run every Sunday through the middle of August, according to festival organizers.

Each show will be free, with no tickets required, and held at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center near 110th Street at the northeast corner of the park.

"These intimate shows from the absolute top of local talent feature international and cultural experiences that span the globe, right in our own backyard," festival organizers said.

While accessible to all of New York City, the festival is specifically designed with a focus on the residents of neighborhoods surrounding the northern edge of Central Park, particularly Harlem and East Harlem.

The 2024 Harlem Meer Performance Festival will take place on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Although the exact lineup has not been revealed yet, the Central Park Conservancy assures that all performances will showcase multicultural and family-friendly music, dance and entertainment.

Since its inception with the opening of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in 1993, the Harlem Meer Performance Festival has been a steadfast presence in the community. Initially conceived to honor the restoration of the Harlem Meer and the surrounding 225 acres above 96th Street, the festival has grown into a beloved local tradition.

Over the years, it's been "known to get audience members dancing to an eclectic array of world music," according to the Central Park Conservancy.

Learn more about the festival from the Central Park Conservancy.