As the crisp September air rolls in, New York City’s cultural calendar comes alive with vibrant events, performances, and exhibitions. From groundbreaking art shows to live jazz, comedy, and garden celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the season. We’ve highlighted some of the most exciting happenings at our partner venues this month—perfect for planning a day or evening out in the city.
September is buzzing with creativity at the Brooklyn Museum, offering engaging exhibitions and community-driven events.
Opening Celebration: Oliver Jeffers, Life at Sea – September 20, 2025
Celebrate the launch of this immersive exhibition exploring Oliver Jeffers’ whimsical artistry inspired by life on the water.
Weekend Art: Saturday Sketch Club – September 13, 2025
Unleash your inner artist in this open sketching session, guided by the museum’s dynamic educators.
Brooklyn Pop-Up Market – September 14, 2025
Support local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs at this community marketplace filled with unique finds.
The home of live jazz welcomes you with rhythm, soul, and world-class performances.
WeBop Family Jazz Party: La Reina – Celia Cruz, The Queen of Afrocuban Music
Bring the whole family for an interactive musical journey celebrating the legendary Celia Cruz.
Wynton Marsalis: Afro with Shenel Johns and Weedie Braimah & The JLCO
Experience the power of Afro-inspired jazz with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
This month, New-York Historical blends history with entertainment, offering a mix of laughter, film, and cultural reflection.
New York Hysterical: Stand-Up Comedy – September 12 & 19, 2025
Enjoy a night of history-meets-comedy, as comedians put a playful spin on the city’s past.
Blacklisted Movie: Roman Holiday – September 26, 2025
Revisit this classic Audrey Hepburn film while exploring its ties to the Hollywood blacklist era.
Step into the vibrant world of design and visual storytelling at Poster House this September.
Under the Subway Sun: 120 Years of Subway Style
Discover the evolution of New York’s subway system through a fascinating lens of art, fashion, and posters.
Vibrant Verbal Description Tour: Favorites from the Poster House Collection
An inclusive guided tour that brings iconic posters to life through rich verbal storytelling.
Escape to nature this month at Wave Hill, where art, gardens, and serene landscapes meet.
Celebrate Arts in the Garden: Wave Hill at 60
Mark Wave Hill’s 60th anniversary with live performances, family-friendly activities, and stunning art in bloom.
Afternoon Tea at Wave Hill House
Savor a relaxing afternoon tea surrounded by breathtaking views of the Hudson River and gardens.
Whether you’re looking to explore art, enjoy live music, laugh at a comedy show, or simply bask in the beauty of a garden escape, September in New York has something unforgettable for everyone.
At Great Performances, sustainability isn’t just a philosophy—it’s woven into everything we do, from the food we serve to the events we create. Our founder, Liz Neumark, has always championed creative ways to reduce waste. One day, while looking at the colorful flour, rice, and onion bags from our kitchens, she wondered: Why should these beautiful materials end up in the landfill?
That spark of inspiration led to Sustotes—durable, stylish tote bags crafted from materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Today, Sustotes are made not only from leftover ingredient bags but also from discontinued linens generously donated by Party Rental Ltd (PRL), one of the country’s leading event rental companies.
PRL has long been committed to sustainability in the event industry, from maintaining a massive linen inventory in constant rotation to finding ways to reuse, repurpose, or recycle materials once they’re no longer needed. When manufacturers discontinue a print or design, PRL often has yardage left in storage. Instead of letting those fabrics sit unused, PRL donates them to local organizations and projects like ours.
These discontinued linens have become an exciting addition to our Sustotes line. Just like the grain and flour sacks, they’re practical, usable, and beautiful—infusing the totes with new textures, colors, and designs while preventing perfectly good fabric from ending up in the landfill.
PRL’s approach to sustainability extends well beyond donations like these. From recycling and repairing linens behind the scenes to exploring how “pink is the new green”, they’ve built sustainability into their operations. You can also read more about their initiatives on their sustainability page and learn about the life cycle of a linen.
By partnering with PRL, we’ve expanded Sustotes into something even more impactful: a project that reflects collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
To bring Sustotes to life, we collaborate with talented artisans who share our passion for craft and sustainability. One of them is Seneca, a designer and founder of the clothing brand Good Days. Seneca learned to sew as a child from her grandmother and has been working with recycled materials throughout her career.
For Seneca, working with grain sacks and linens posed unique challenges. She experimented with sewing machine settings to handle the heavy textures and learned how to adapt techniques for sturdier seams. But through that process came creativity: playful flourishes, durable stitching, and even whimsical details like burlap ruffles.
Seneca’s favorite bags? The ones made from chicken feed sacks—quirky, charming, and full of character. Like all Sustotes, they embody the spirit of reuse and reinvention.
Projects like Sustotes remind us that sustainability isn’t only about big initiatives—it’s also about the small, creative choices that make a difference. By transforming food bags and linens into durable totes, we give new life to materials that might otherwise be wasted. The result is functional, beautiful, and a reflection of what happens when organizations and individuals come together around shared values.
For us at Great Performances, sustainability extends beyond our menus and events. It’s part of how we think, create, and engage with our community. We’re proud to showcase Sustotes during Climate Week as one example of how we’re reducing waste, building partnerships, and inspiring conversations around sustainability.
🌱 Want to see Sustotes for yourself? You can find them at Wave Hill, where they’re as functional as they are beautiful—perfect for carrying produce, books, or everyday essentials.
Together with artisans like Seneca and partners like Party Rental LTD, we’re carrying sustainability forward—one tote at a time.
At Great Performances, we believe that people make things happen — and nowhere is that more true than at SummerStage, a showcase for our expertise in NYC cultural event catering and large-format festivals. Each summer, Great Performances manages concessions for thousands of guests, showcasing not just classic park favorites but also diverse and exciting food from our some of our favorite restaurants, chefs, and partners.
SummerStage is more than concerts under the stars; it’s a celebration of New York City itself — lively, diverse, and collaborative. It’s also a chance for us to demonstrate our expertise in NYC catering, cultural event food & beverage, and large-format festivals. At the heart of it all are the people who lead our teams, and this year, Giuliana Mariani, our VIP Manager at SummerStage, stepped into a leadership role that highlights the very best of GP values.
We sat down with Giuliana to learn more about her experience, what keeps her coming back each summer, and how she brings the SummerStage energy to life. Giuliana’s leadership reflects the excellence we bring to festival catering in NYC.
What brought you back to SummerStage this year, and how does it feel stepping into the manager role?
I have been working at SummerStage every summer since it returned after Covid in 2021. I always come back to it because I enjoy the fun atmosphere it provides. You get to see all kinds of different concerts and work in such a cool venue. Getting to be outside in Central Park all summer has always been a draw for me. It has felt great to step into a manager role this summer. We have a great team that supports each other, and I have loved getting to play a bigger role in running the concessions and keeping up the special energy that comes with working at a concert venue.
Can you describe a typical day for you at SummerStage?
A typical day for me at SummerStage looks like arriving at the venue before any other GP staff to make sure we receive all our correct deliveries and sending our staff list to CPF to give to security. I then put together the staffing assignments and check the menus for the day. Once staff starts arriving, we have our pre-shift meeting and manage the night as it goes.
What’s one standout memory or moment from this season so far?
One standout memory for me so far has been the raccoons. They are cute when you keep your distance, but there is a whole family that comes around as we are wrapping up and putting out family meal at the end of the night and it has become quite the show. My grandma got me two raccoon stuffed animals to commemorate our friends Ricky and Rhonda. I made them little SummerStage shirts from my old shirts from past summers and they are now our mascots that sit in our office window. All the staff has fallen in love with them and wants one of their own.
What makes the food & beverage experience at SummerStage special for guests?
The GP team has worked very hard this year to bring special and diverse food options to SummerStage this year. What makes the experience so special for guests is that they can get classic park staples like a hot dog or they can find more unique options such as the Momofuku Bang Bar. We have also secured very special partners throughout the summer, which has really elevated the food experience for guests this summer. We have had the BelFries food truck serving French Fries at select shows all season, and we have had Charles Pan Fried and Hudson Smokehouse operating out of one of our concession containers on select shows as well. In addition, on specific cultural shows we had special partners doing authentic cuisine for the respective show. For example, for Bastille Day we had O’Cabanon serving Crepes and Croque Monsieur. It has been great to work with so many partners who are always so excited to be working at SummerStage.
How do you keep your team motivated during the busiest shows?
During the busiest shows the energy is always high. I make sure to make stops around the venue to check in with everyone and lend a hand wherever needed. But mostly I try to start the shift with good energy, starting at the pre-shift meeting with all the staff. Making sure they have all the information they need to be successful and getting them excited for the show ahead is the best way to keep up motivation.
What’s it like serving such a diverse audience in Central Park?
It is amazing seeing all the different demographics that different artists and genres attract. It is so great getting to serve all different types of people although occasionally challenging when there are language barriers. There is almost always someone on our staff that speaks the language of the guests though, as GP is also very diverse in our staff. It is very reflective of New York City as a whole.
How has this experience shaped you as a leader?
I have grown exponentially as a leader from this experience. It has been so rewarding to take on this role at SummerStage. I had already started gaining experience leading staff from captaining on events, but to take on managing the concessions at this venue was another step above that. I have gained invaluable knowledge on the administrative side of leadership as well as in building and maintaining client relationships.
If you had to describe SummerStage in three words, what would they be?
In three words I would describe SummerStage as Lively, Diverse, and Collaborative.
Giuliana’s story is just one example of how our people bring events like SummerStage to life. From ensuring smooth operations and motivating teams, to welcoming diverse audiences and curating unique culinary partnerships, her leadership reflects what makes Great Performances stand out in cultural event catering and large-scale festival concessions.
As the SummerStage season winds down, we celebrate not only the music and the memories, but also the extraordinary efforts of the people who make it all possible.
👉 Learn more about SummerStage at City Parks Foundation and discover how Great Performances can bring the same energy, expertise, and flavor to your next large-format event.
Explore what’s happening this month across the Bronx—from outdoor concerts and art festivals to family paddles and open mics. Scroll by venue to find your favorite neighborhood spots or discover somewhere new.
Fun things to do around the Bronx this month
The Bronx’s signature open-air food and culture festival! Sample bites from 40+ international vendors, enjoy live music, and connect with the local community. A family-friendly, must-visit event.
Volunteer with Bronx is Blooming to help care for one of the borough’s largest waterfront parks. Activities include planting, mulching, and eco-friendly projects.
Celebrate Italian culture with live entertainment, delicious food, and community spirit in the heart of the Bronx.
Enjoy music, food, and games for all ages at this lively neighborhood block party.
Take a stroll on your Friday lunch break and enjoy a fun street festival in front of Joyce Kilmer Park. Delicious food, unique vendors, and a lively atmosphere await.
A drop-in art-making workshop inspired by sculptor Joyce McDonald. Families can explore creativity together in a welcoming environment.
Catch the infamous Banana Ball spectacle—fast-paced, quirky, and wildly entertaining baseball with comedic routines, dance breaks, and nonstop fun. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Join the 9th Annual celebration of BIPOC string players—genre-defying performances, DJ sets, food, drinks, and a vibrant marketplace celebrating local artists. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Run the Bronx in this lively NYRR event along a scenic 10-mile course starting near Yankee Stadium, up Mosholu Parkway, and looping back to finish by 161st Street.
A lively, kid-friendly run held alongside the Bronx 10 Mile—perfect for families to participate or cheer on the action.
Join neighbors to revitalize Crotona Park through weeding, planting, and cleanup work.
An overnight nature adventure with the Urban Park Rangers—perfect for families. Lottery registration opens September 10. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Experience the timeless mambo sounds with vibrant performances from this renowned orchestra.
Walk through glowing pumpkin displays, illuminated sculptures, and fall-themed installations.
Celebrate the season with costumed characters, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and lively entertainment throughout the zoo.
Honor Indigenous communities with traditional music, dance, storytelling, and cultural activities in a beautiful outdoor setting. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
At Great Performances, we’ve long believed in the power of food to transform lives and create opportunity. That’s why our partnership with Hot Bread Kitchen holds such a special place in our work. Over the years, we’ve collaborated in countless ways — from celebrating milestones together to championing a new approach to community workforce development, and even sharing our perspectives in public forums like the Women’s Forum of New York. Most recently, we’ve deepened this relationship by welcoming Hot Bread Kitchen’s Culinary Career Pathways program into the Bronx, expanding access to training and opportunity in our home borough.
Since 2008, Hot Bread Kitchen has provided culinary job training, food business incubation, and an ecosystem of support for New Yorkers looking to get their start in the food industry. Their programs promote economic mobility and professional growth using culinary careers as a catalyst.
For the first time, Hot Bread Kitchen has expanded to the Bronx through a partnership with longtime employer partner Great Performances, bringing their transformative programs closer to Bronx residents.
Now offered in the Bronx, Culinary Career Pathways for New New Yorkers helps newly arrived, Spanish-speaking residents authorized to work build skills for a culinary career. Participants receive hands-on training in cooking techniques, baking, food safety, and kitchen operations. In its second year, the program is already making a significant impact.
Recent graduate Wendy is a perfect example of the program’s reach. Born in the U.S. to Mexican parents and raised in Mexico, Wendy returned to the U.S. seeking better opportunities for herself and her children. After hearing about the program from her sister, also a Hot Bread Kitchen alum, she applied.
Learning new skills and being part of this community was a beautiful experience.
For Wendy, the program offered not only new skills but also a sense of belonging. Since graduating, she is ready to build a brighter future for her family.
Stories like Wendy’s reflect the heart of why we partner with Hot Bread Kitchen: together, we’re creating real opportunities for New Yorkers to thrive in the culinary world. We’re honored to support this work in the Bronx and look forward to celebrating the successes of future graduates. To hear more about the impact of this partnership, watch this conversation between Liz Neumark and Leslie Abbey.
Explore what’s happening this month across the Bronx—from outdoor concerts and art festivals to family paddles and open mics. Scroll by venue to find your favorite neighborhood spots or discover somewhere new.
Location: Tiffany Street & Viele Avenue
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed 3:00 – 4:00 PM for cleaning)
Phone: (646) 831-6759
Cool off this summer at the Bronx’s beloved Floating Pool, a barge-turned-pool docked right on the river. Family-friendly and free, it’s one of NYC’s most unique swimming spots.
Date: Saturday, August 2
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Concrete Plant Park boat launch
Cost: Free (first come, first served)
Get out on the water and see your neighborhood from a whole new angle! No registration needed. Waves of paddlers leave hourly. Safety equipment provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Email paddle@bronxriver.org for questions.
Date: Thursday, August 7
Time: 8:00 PM (Doors 7:30 PM)
Cost: $15.00
Details: A high-energy night of Colombian brass, rhythm, and joy. Martin Vejarano’s quintet blends traditional grooves with improvisation for a danceable and uplifting experience.
Buy Tickets
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 1 Fordham Plaza
Cost: Free
Say farewell to a Bronx institution. After eight seasons, the Bronx Night Market wraps up its run. Celebrate food, culture, and community with vendors, live music, and surprises at this finale event.
Click here to learn more
Dates: Every Friday in August
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Grab a mic and sing your heart out! Bronx Beer Hall hosts a fun and supportive karaoke night with drinks flowing and good vibes only.
Click here to learn more
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free
The Bronx Museum is undergoing an exciting renovation, expected to be completed in 2026. In the meantime, the North Wing remains open with exhibitions and events for all ages.
Click here to learn more
Date: Thursday, August 1
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 1700 Crotona Ave, Bronx, NY 10457
Cost: Free
A historic celebration of hip-hop’s roots and legends with Doug E. Fresh, Funk Flex, Taana Gardner, and more. It’s a Bronx-style jam you don’t want to miss!
Date: Friday, August 2
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 1700 Crotona Ave, Bronx, NY 10457
Cost: Free
Celebrate Ghanaian music and culture with KiDi, Skrewfaze, and DJ Chvmeleon in this vibrant, high-energy concert. Presented in association with GhanaFest-NY.
Date: Sunday, August 31
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Crotona Nature Center (Crotona Park East & Charlotte Street)
Phone: (646) 808-7621
Cost: Free
Join Urban Park Rangers for a relaxing, creative afternoon of sketching nature scenes and capturing the beauty of Crotona Park.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Canoe & Kayak Launch (northwest corner of Orchard Beach parking lot)
Cost: Free (Registration opens August 6–9)
Phone: (718) 319-7258
Paddle through the Bronx’s coastal islands and enjoy scenic views, wildlife sightings, and fresh air on this guided adventure.
Date: Monday, August 25
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 221 Clinton Ave, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free | All Ages
Celebrate 80 years of Pippi Longstocking with this enchanting marionette show from City Parks Foundation. A magical adventure for kids and families alike.
Dates: May 24 – October 26
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: $35 Adults | $15 Children
Immerse yourself in floral installations inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic work. Experience towering sunflowers, living flower art, and “Starry Nights” with drone shows and evening performances.
Get Tickets
Dates: Wednesdays through October 22
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Voted one of NYC’s top farmers markets, this outdoor market offers fresh produce, local goods, and live music. Curated by Market Director Pascale Le Draoulec.
Click here to learn more
Date: Wednesday, August 6
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission (4–8 PM): $15 Adults | $10 Students/Seniors | $6 Children 6–18 | Free for Members & Children under 6
Experience an improvisational performance of live music and street dance by LayeRhythm on the Great Lawn. Bring a picnic, blanket, and join the rhythm.
Email Wave Hill or call 718-549-3200 for more info.
Click here to learn more
Experience an evening celebrating the timeless songs of Jimmy Van Heusen, one of the most prolific and celebrated composers in American music. Featuring classics made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and more, the set highlights his unforgettable melodies and collaborations with lyricists Johnny Burke and Sammy Cahn.
Acclaimed Virgin Islands saxophonist Ron Blake returns to Dizzy’s Club with SCRATCH Band, a spirited new project that celebrates the vibrant musical traditions of his Caribbean roots. Joined by Reuben Rogers on bass and John Hadfield on percussion, Blake blends jazz with the infectious rhythms of traditional Virgin Islands scratch bands, creating a rich, acoustic sound full of soul and joy.
Trombonist and composer Nick Finzer brings bold energy and a fresh perspective to the big band tradition. Featuring an all-star ensemble of New York’s top emerging talent, this set honors the legacy of the jazz orchestra while offering a dynamic new voice for today.
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6–9pm. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Explore what’s happening this month across the Bronx—from outdoor concerts and art festivals to family paddles and open mics. Scroll by venue to find your favorite neighborhood spots or discover somewhere new.
Date: Friday, July 12
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Details: Led by veteran timbalero Manuel Rivera, Son Del Monte delivers high-energy salsa with a signature blend of charanga elegance and conjunto punch. A must-see for Latin music lovers.
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free for audience members
Location: 868 Hunts Point Ave, Bronx, NY 10474
Details: Join a vibrant weekly open mic featuring live music, spoken word, and more. Come to perform or enjoy the show while sipping on drinks and supporting local talent.
Date: Friday, July 25
Time: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Band at 9:00 PM)
Cost: $16.50 – $31.00
Location: 856 E 136th St, Bronx, NY
Details: The Salsa Project and License to Love bring their summer concert series to the Bronx Brewery backyard. Expect top NYC salsa bands, DJs, dancing, and craft beer.
👉 Event & Tickets
Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: BDC Annex, 364 E 151st St, Bronx, NY 10455
Details: This annual festival features powerful photography from emerging and established Latin American artists. Work will be exhibited across the South Bronx and beyond through August 3.
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Starlight Park, 1490 Sheridan Blvd, Bronx, NY 10459
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate our waterfront with arts, music, foraged teas, drumming, plant walks, and a climate justice paddle. Registration required for canoe activities.
👉 Event Info + Paddle Sign-Up
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Mitsubishi River Walk (Bronx Zoo)
Cost: Free (registration required)
Details: A calm, family-friendly canoe tour along the Bronx River. Includes paddling equipment and safety orientation.
👉 Register Here
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 321 E 140th St, Bronx, NY 10454
Cost: Free
Details: Meet award-winning author Myriam J. A. Chancy as she discusses her acclaimed novel Village Weavers and shares insights on writing and culture.
Date: Wednesday, July 2
Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Play Area in Willis Playground, Willis Ave, Bronx, NY 10454
Cost: Free
Details: Watch your favorite heroes take on supernatural villains in this animated adventure. Bring a blanket and enjoy family-friendly fun under the stars.
Note: Canceled in the event of severe weather. No glass or alcohol permitted.
Date: Sunday, July 13
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center
Cost: Free
Details: Learn essential survival skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and water sourcing in this Urban Park Rangers program. Great for adventurers and outdoor beginners alike.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 9 – August 6
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Wave Hill Great Lawn
Cost: Premium admission in effect 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Details: Enjoy a picnic and stunning views of the Hudson while listening to live music performances in a relaxed garden setting.
This Month’s Feature: July 9 – Allison Miller
Dates: Fridays, July 11 – August 1
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Registration encouraged
Details: Explore the nocturnal side of Wave Hill with programs focused on bats, fireflies, and other night creatures. For ages 12+, accompanied by an adult.
Spend your holiday with us! We’re open 11 am to 8 pm on Friday, July 4. We’re collecting brief birthday messages to America: Visit our first-floor Smith Gallery and write a note telling us what your hopes are for the United States and our democracy. And don’t forget: We’ll be hosting a half-day of family activities for all ages, including old-fashioned ice-cream making and sing-alongs. Kids ages 17 and under get free admission!
We’re celebrating the summer with live music during pay-as-you wish admission hours on Fridays, July 11, 18, and 25! Swing by our restaurant Clara for a special menu of select wine, beer, and cocktails; and hear old-school jazz starting at 5:30 pm from Michael Hashim’s trio.
July 11 – 13
Join a three-day celebration with free admission to some of the best of the West Side at West Side Fest.
Poster House will be participating with a variety of activations, workshops and tours.
Wed, Jul 9–Aug 6 7:00PM – 8:00PM
Registration Encouraged
Wave Hill’s annual summer tradition is back, bringing five exciting performances Wednesday evenings to our Great Lawn! Pack a picnic and bring your favorite blanket or chair for an unforgettable summer evening as the sun sets over the Hudson. Delectable food and drinks also available for purchase. Premium admission is in effect from 4PM to 8PM each Sunset Wednesday.
Fri, Jul 11–Aug 1 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Registration Encouraged
After the sun sets, Wave Hill belongs to the creatures of the night. Bats, fireflies, katydids, and more emerge from their daytime slumber to animate the grounds far from human eyes and ears. The Garden is open late for all visitors until 8PM. Exclusive evening programs for ages 12 and older welcome with an adult.
Dates & Times
Saturday, July 19 – 6pm to 10pm ET
Doors Open at 5pm ET
Sunday, July 20 – 12pm to 4pm ET
Doors Open at 11am ET
Event Details
Week 6 of the 2025 League Season takes the AVP to the Big Apple.
Tickets for this iconic venue in Central Park are limited and on sale now.
Schedule of Play:
Sunday, July 20th:
At any Great Performances event, you’ll find beauty in the details—from thoughtful signage to imaginative food displays and custom design elements that transform spaces into immersive experiences. Behind much of that magic is Jason, a member of GP’s in-house design team. We sat down with him to talk about how his team brings events to life, what craftsmanship means in their work, and why collaboration is everything.
Tell us a bit about the design team—who you are and what you do at Great Performances.
GP’s design team is a group of creative individuals that work to help elevate Great Performances’ food, events, and venues through thoughtful and meaningful visuals. We provide events with a large breadth of brand and printed customization, as well as fun ideas to elevate the look and aesthetic of our food presentation when there isn’t another event designer involved.
How do you approach design for each event? What’s your starting point?
Every event is different, and that’s what makes them so fun! As such, the approach often varies as well. When we get an event brief, the first thing we like to do is have a kick-off meeting to make sure we’re all on the same page and have aligned goals and expectations. From there, we go through an ideation phase and try to define the overall feel and aesthetic behind the event. After the vision and mood boards are aligned, we define the design details and make sure all design elements are sorted and accounted for.
What about challenges? Are there any standout events where your team had to get especially creative?
We solve design challenges by dividing and conquering and playing to our strengths. Not everyone can be great at everything, so knowing who should take the lead on which parts of a project is crucial to our success.
How do you collaborate with the Event Directors, Event Producers, and clients?
We utilize forms to get notified about upcoming events and gather preliminary information. Following the initial “event design order,” we embark on a series of conversations—many in person—to capture continued event planning and changes. I find in-person or phone conversations to be so much more productive. There’s so much information that you can get through voice inflection and gestures that can’t be conveyed in an email.
What’s the creative exchange like with the chefs, floral designers, or venue teams? Can you walk us through a recent collaboration that brought a vision to life?
GrowNYC is a nonprofit providing essential sustainability services and opportunities to make NYC a greener city. At their gala this year, we were asked to build a farmer’s market stand that would display and provide the donated vegetables that guests were invited to take home at the end of the evening. It was beautifully photographed and perfectly conveyed the message and atmosphere we aimed to create: an inviting, plentiful, and authentic farmer’s market experience. What made it especially meaningful was the collaborative effort behind it. We were able to take our client’s idea and the beautiful produce of local farmers to create an abundant display of food that perfectly captured GrowNYC’s mission.
What does craftsmanship mean to you in the context of event design?
Craftsmanship means care, intention, and precision in the details—both big and small. It’s the collaboration of going beyond just making something look good; it’s about creating a thoughtful experience that feels unified and elevated from every angle. From fabricating custom pieces, designing signage, or finding a long enough extension cord—it shows up in the quality of execution and the impact it leaves not only on the client, but on the guests and staff.
How do you balance aesthetics with practicality, especially for large-scale or high-pressure events?
Balancing aesthetics with practicality means understanding limitations and knowing when to say no if something isn’t feasible, while always proposing alternative solutions to meet the vision halfway. At the end of the day, we feed people. Our designs must serve the function of getting food into people’s hands. If a design can’t do that, then it needs to be modified. Design must always serve function and work for the benefit of the food, the event, our chefs, and our guests. For large-scale or high-pressure events, we take time to review every detail, plan, and order extra materials to ensure that the overall experience exceeds everyone’s expectations. By thinking beyond just design and focusing on functionality, along with clear communication and collaboration, we ensure the event is a success.
How important are visuals—like sketches, mockups, or renderings—in your process and in telling the story of the event?
Incorporating visuals is a key component, as they clearly communicate how the result will look while ensuring all elements fit and harmonize within the space. They’re also a valuable tool during planning, making it easier to gather feedback from other teams and refine both the functionality and aesthetic of the overall design.
Do you work closely with the photographer or marketing team to capture your work? What kinds of photos make you proudest?
GP has an excellent internal marketing team that works tirelessly to go to and photograph as many of our events as possible, in addition to making sure those photos are of the highest quality. They make sure we have an online presence that visually tells GP’s story and showcases the incredible and vast catalog of events and venues that all of GP’s teams work so hard to create.
How does your team embody the values of Great Performances—creativity, sustainability, and excellence?
Our team brings events to life with creative, thoughtful ideas that leave a lasting wow factor as we stay up-to-date with current trends and personalization. Sustainability is always on our minds, whether it’s choosing eco-friendly materials, reusing elements from past events, or using our scrap paper as sketching and writing materials. We strive for excellence—always thinking about the details and making sure every piece feels intentional and well-executed. We want the work to feel not just beautiful, but meaningful.
What makes the GP design experience different from what clients might find elsewhere?
Our level of collaboration, creativity, and care we bring to every detail is different from the rest. We design beyond looks—we think about the impact, flow, and functionality. Our team works closely with clients and other departments to understand their vision, then brings it to life in a way that feels thoughtful and specifically curated for them.
What do clients most appreciate about the design team’s contributions to their events?
Our clients know that when they hire GP, they will get great food and great service. People love beautiful things, and I think that our clients really appreciate when we can deliver something that is highly visual, impactful, and interesting on top of what they know they are already going to get when working with Great Performances.
What’s inspiring you and your team these days? Are there any new trends or materials that have caught your attention?
I’m very excited about 3D printing and the world of opportunities that that technology unlocks. In addition, the design industry is making so many huge strides in sustainable materials and how to manufacture them in more responsible ways.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about what goes into exceptional event design?
We wish more people understood how much thought, teamwork, and time go into event design. It’s more than making things look pretty—we are carefully planning, refining, and collaborating behind the scenes. Food and station designs take a lot of time and attention to detail to make sure they not only taste amazing but also look beautiful, fit the theme, and are functional. Every detail is thought out and intentional.
Is there an upcoming project you’re especially excited about?
We’re really excited about some of our upcoming holiday parties. It’s an annual event for most companies, but this year we’ll be choosing new themes and finding ways to bring fresh energy and creativity. The projects will involve collaboration with many vendors and include lots of interactive features designed to engage guests of all ages, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
Stay tuned to see more of Jason’s work at upcoming events, or follow along on our blog and social media to catch the latest behind-the-scenes stories from the Great Performances team.
