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Where to find free live music—jazz and more—in Harlem and beyond

Updated: Aug 3, 2021


Jazzmobile's free jazz concerts are every Wednesday in front of Grant's Tomb
Jazzmobile holds free jazz concerts every Wednesday in front of Grant's Tomb.

Uptown really is alive with the sound of music.


From the return of Jazzmobile in front of Grant's Tomb to a new jazz series in Jackie Robinson Park, free concerts are popping up all over Harlem and Washington Heights this summer.


Here's a list of the most notable. Keep in mind that schedules can change due to the weather, so always check ahead.


Aug 1, Aug 8

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves

Live performances in front of the picturesque Harlem Meer.


Aug 13, Aug 27, Sept 10, Sept 24 (4pm-7pm)

Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Ave and 148th St

A new live jazz series on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month, through September. (Also check out Harlem Late Night Jazz's summer events page for more concerts, including sponsored weekly events at Harlem Shake, the American Legion Post #398, New Amsterdam Music Association and more.)


Aug 7-Aug 15

Details coming soon.


• Grant's Tomb: July 28, Aug 4; Aug 11, Aug 18, Aug 25

Grant's Tomb, W 122nd St and Riverside Dr

• Marcus Garvey Park: July 30, Aug 6, Aug 13, Aug 20, Aug 27

Marcus Garvey Park, Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, enter at Fifth Ave and W 124th St

Known for its free summer concerts on Wednesdays in front of Grant's Tomb and Fridays in Marcus Garvey Park, this jazz organization is also hosting upcoming performances at the Dizzy Gillespie mural on W 135th Street (Aug 3) and on W 126th Street, the block where a "Great Day in Harlem" was photographed (Aug 12).


Aug 9-Aug 13

Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace between W 160th and W 162nd Sts

Classical music, Latin jazz fusion, and more in the gardens and patios surrounding the Morris-Jumel mansion.


July 30, Aug 13, Aug 28

The Porch, 750A St. Nicholas Ave and W 147th St

New music venue The Porch is opening in Sugar Hill this fall. Until then, it's hosting free outdoor concerts every other weekend this summer.


Aug 7, Aug 8, Sept 5, Sept 6, Sept 25

Riverbank State Park, main stage, entrance on W 145th St and Riverside Drive

Live concerts with the Hudson River as a backdrop.


July 31

Fort Tryon Park, Cafe Lawn (the area south of the park’s concession building)

An afternoon of live jazz by beloved Harlem musician Marjorie Eliot, her son Rudel Drears, and their ensemble.


Aug 21, Aug 22

Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace between W 160th and W 162nd Sts

A weekend of classic jazz on the mansion's grounds featuring Marjorie Eliot.


For daily updates, follow The Curious Uptowner on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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