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A guide to summer theatre in NYC: locations, live shows, and more

A complete guide to summer theatre in NYC

Discover all the live theatre taking place in New York this summer.

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

To quote Hamilton, there’s nothing like summer in the city. Especially when New York theatres are open. With Broadway shows back in full swing and Off-Broadway theatres opening new shows citywide throughout the summer, there’s a ton of theatre and live entertainment on our doorstep.

Grab your friends and family. Hear an orchestra tune up again. Get ready to experience the summer of a lifetime at New York theatres. Here’s our guide to summer theatre in New York City.

Which outdoor shows can I see in New York this summer?

Explore all that NYC theatre has to offer this summer while being in the great outdoors. At the Delacorte Theater, Shakespeare in the Park returns for its 60th year, bringing the Bard's words to life. This year, Richard III takes center stage with Black Panther star Dani Gurira, and Shaina Taub presents a musical adaptation of As You Like It fresh off the hit run of her musical Suffs.

If you're craving the festival atmosphere, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts hosts Summer for the City through August 14. Free events are scheduled all summer long, including live concerts, recitals, dance exhibits, and poetry slams.

Which indoor shows can I see in New York this summer?

Live indoor theatre has been fully back since the fall, and the summer will be no different. Over 30 Broadway shows are running right now, including long-running hits like The Lion King and Hadestown and new hits like A Strange Loop and Six. Beyond Broadway, Off-Broadway theatres across the city are debuting new shows throughout the entire summer, so there's always something new to check out.

Discover Off-Broadway and Broadway shows to see in New York this summer.

Will New York theatres be Covid safe this summer?

Yes. New York theatres would not be allowed to stage live events if it wasn’t Covid safe. Certain regulations are still in place — for example, all Broadway theatres still require mask-wearing through at least May 31, though vaccine proof is no longer required at most Broadway theatres. Most Off-Broadway venues still require mask-wearing and proof of vaccination to keep everyone safe, and measures like frequent theatre cleaning and plentiful hand sanitizing stations are still in place.

Find out more about Covid protocols for New York theatres.

Are Covid vaccines mandatory to see a show in New York this summer?

Covid vaccines are not mandatory to see a Broadway show in New York this summer. Most Off-Broadway theatres, however, still require vaccination proof, and some still require proof of a booster. Check your individual theatre's website for the most up-to-date guidance on vaccination requirements.

Is mask-wearing mandatory at the theatre?

Yes, mask-wearing is still mandatory at all Broadway theatres and most Off-Broadway theatres. Broadway theatres require mask-wearing through at least June 30, and many Off-Broadway theatres will continue to maintain this requirement for the forseeable future. Check your individual theatre's website for the most up-to-date guidance on its mask-wearing requirements.

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