- The Solstice Series runs June 19–22 at Times Square–42nd St station.
- Over 30 musicians and groups from Music Under New York (MTA) perform live.
- Concerts are free and scheduled daily between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Times Square Solstice Series transforms one of the world’s busiest transit hubs into a pulsating concert hall, inviting New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience subway music like never before. Organized by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Music Under New York program, the event showcases the city’s diverse musical voices in the renowned 42nd Street station’s mezzanine. As commuters hustle past, they’re greeted by professional-quality jazz, classical, hip-hop, and world music—all beneath the bright lights of Times Square.
For four days, the Times Square–42nd Street station becomes both a performance venue and a cultural crossroads, with over 30 acts scheduled across afternoons and evenings. The lineup is as eclectic as the city itself: acts include familiar MTA standouts like Natalia Paruz, also known as the Saw Lady, and Latin jazz ensemble Grupo Rebolú, both seasoned in drawing crowds on subway platforms. The event coincides with the summer solstice, symbolically ushering in the city’s most vibrant season and affirming New York’s reputation as a street-level arts capital.
Subway musicians have long served as the city’s unofficial soundtrack, but the Solstice Series elevates their craft, offering a formal platform that attracts both accidental audiences and devoted fans. “We’re not just background noise,” says violinist and regular subway performer David Mansfield, who will headline Wednesday’s opening night. The MTA’s increased investment in public arts, especially after years of pandemic-era interruptions, signals renewed commitment to the creative communities that keep New York’s energy humming—above and below ground.
The event’s open-access philosophy is central to its appeal. Admission is free, and performances are deliberately scheduled during peak foot traffic to maximize exposure. For tourists, it’s a quintessential New York experience; for locals, it’s a celebration of resilience and reinvention. As Times Square continues to evolve, this solstice festival serves as a reminder that music, in all its forms, remains at the heart of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the Times Square Solstice Series take place?
The Solstice Series happens June 19–22, 2024, at the Times Square–42nd Street subway station, primarily on the mezzanine level. Performances are scheduled daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., making it easy for commuters and visitors to drop in and enjoy the music.
How many musicians are performing, and how are they selected?
More than 30 subway musicians and groups are featured in the series. All performers are part of the Music Under New York program, selected through annual auditions and recognized for their artistic excellence and ability to engage diverse audiences.
Is there a fee to attend the concerts or reserve a spot?
No, all events are completely free, with no reservation required. The concerts are designed to be accessible to anyone passing through the station, reflecting the inclusive spirit of NYC’s public arts programming and its world-famous subway culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Times Square Solstice Series held?
The Solstice Series takes place June 19–22, 2024, at the Times Square–42nd Street subway station, mainly on the mezzanine level.
What are the Times Square Solstice Series concert hours?
Performances are scheduled daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the event.
How many musicians perform at the Times Square Solstice Series and how are they chosen?
More than 30 subway musicians and groups perform, all selected through annual auditions as part of the Music Under New York program.
Is there a fee or reservation needed to attend the Solstice Series concerts?
No, all concerts are free and do not require reservations.
What types of music can attendees expect at the Times Square Solstice Series?
Attendees can hear jazz, classical, hip-hop, and world music performed by a diverse lineup of subway musicians.
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