The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is back! This annual event has been a community fixture since the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center opened in 1993. Each summer, the festival brings the best local talent to Central Park and delights thousands of attendees with its celebratory atmosphere. Enjoy Meer-side views and a variety of performances, featuring multicultural and family-friendly music, dance, and entertainment. All ages are welcome.
2025 Schedule:
Sundays, July 13–August 17
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Interested in performing at the 2025 festival? Applications are now open!
Local performers are invited to apply for this year’s festival lineup. Applications are open until March 31 at 11:59 pm ET and can be submitted through our online application. Please review our Q&A section below for more details.
Acts from Harlem and surrounding communities are especially encouraged to apply, but all local acts are welcome.
HARLEM MEER PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL PERFORMER Q&A
Click on a question to display the answer.
What are the 2025 Harlem Meer Performance Festival dates?
This year’s festival will take place on six consecutive Sundays: July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, and August 17.
What is the time commitment for each performance?
The total commitment from arrival to departure is four (4) hours, from 12:30 pm–4:30 pm, including two (2) 50-minute sets. The schedule is as follows:
12:30 pm–1:00 pm: Arrival and setup
1:00 pm–2:00 pm: Sound check and lunch
2:00 pm–2:50 pm: First set
2:50 pm–3:10 pm: Intermission
3:10 pm–4:00 pm: Second set
4:00 pm–4:30 pm: Breakdown
Can I choose my performance date?
The Central Park Conservancy cannot guarantee a performance date at the time of application, but you can note dates you are unavailable during the application process.
Should I select a date I might be available to perform?
No. You should only select the dates for which you can guarantee availability.
Where does the event take place?
What are the closest subway stations?
Take the 2 or 3 train to the Central Park North–110th Street station (located at the corner of Central Park North and Lenox Avenue).
Is parking available?
Driving and parking in Central Park are prohibited. Limited free and metered street parking is available in the vicinity, but finding a space can be challenging. Performers should plan to arrive much earlier than 12:30 pm to allow ample time to find parking if they plan to drive.
Who attends the festival?
The festival is a local event that caters primarily to communities residing in the neighborhoods bordering the north end of Central Park, including Harlem and East Harlem. However, all are welcome!
What ages does the festival cater to?
The festival is a family-friendly event open to visitors of all ages.
Does it cost anything to attend?
No, the festival is free to attend.
Do visitors need to reserve tickets or pre-register to attend?
Tickets and pre-registration are not required to attend the festival.
When does the performer application for 2025 close?
Applications close on March 31 at 11:59 pm ET.
When will performers be notified if they have been selected for the festival?
Performers will be notified if they have been selected to perform no later than Monday, April 14.
What is the performer recruitment timeline?
January 6–March 31: Performer applications open
March 31 at 11:59 pm ET: Performer applications close
April 1–April 11: Application review
April 14: Performer selections notified
April 14–April 18: Performer participation confirmation deadline, promotional materials (photos, biography, and social media) due
April 18: Contract and proof of liability insurance due
April 21: Official festival lineup publicly announced
July 13–August 17: Harlem Meer Performance Festival
Do performers get paid?
Yes, each performance receives one $2,500 stipend, regardless of group size or number of performers. This stipend does not include liability insurance, which is required by NYC Parks in order to perform in Central Park.
Do performers need liability insurance to perform in Central Park?
Yes, NYC Parks requires all performers to purchase liability insurance.
Performers invited to participate in the Harlem Meer Performance Festival will receive guidance from the Central Park Conservancy on what kind of insurance is required and how to purchase it. Performers are responsible for the cost of their own insurance; this is not included in the performance stipend.
What does the audio setup look like?
The Central Park Conservancy will provide vocal monitors and a PA system, including audio speakers, microphones, and a sound board. We will also provide a professional sound engineer to install, run, and break down this equipment. The Conservancy does not provide backline support, piano or bass monitors, or a drum kit.
Do performers need to bring their own instruments?
Yes. The Central Park Conservancy does not provide instruments. Performers are solely responsible for the transport, setup, and breakdown of their own instruments in the performance space. Dollies can be provided for support if needed.
Is a greenroom provided?
The Central Park Conservancy provides a private greenroom with restroom access. A light lunch and water will be provided.
What is your cancellation policy?
The festival takes place rain or shine. The Central Park Conservancy will only cancel performances in the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or high winds. Cancellations are made by 10:00 am on the performance date.
I received notification that I’m on the standby list. What does this mean?
Unfortunately, the number of applications we receive far exceeds the number of performance slots that we offer. Performers on the standby list might be invited to participate in the event a performance date becomes available.
I applied to perform but can no longer participate. How do I withdraw my application?
