• By Mabel Pais

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA), for the third annual Summer for the City (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city), welcomes New Yorkers to hundreds of free events over three months.

A highly anticipated staple of New York City summers, this year’s festival features new commissions and a wide variety of programming bringing together thousands of artists from across the world in celebration of the multitude of cultural histories and stories that live within the city.

From June 12 to August 10 Lincoln Center’s campus transforms into a welcoming oasis where neighbors and New Yorkers from across the city can gather, relax, participate in performances, enjoy expanded food offerings at the Lincoln Center Night Market, and even play outdoor games. The outdoor spaces are designed by Visual Director Clint Ramos and inspired by flora and fauna of the American prairie, with greenery and plants by Donyale Werle Design, lighting designs by Andrew Grant, and projection designs by Zachary Borovay.

“Life, Liberty, and Happiness” is this year’s guiding curatorial theme, highlighting how active participation in the arts helps strengthen civic bonds and grow strong community. Throughout the summer, audiences are invited to be creators themselves—whether as songwriters, poets, dancers, or storytellers.

“The ethos that drives all we do for New York is to live up to our founding mission that the arts are for everyone. It is in service of this democratic ideal that we offer a summer with artistry from so many perspectives and lived experiences—all for free or Choose-What-You-Pay,” said Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Thake continued, “Our guiding theme this summer helps reinforce so much of what we all share, but sometimes lose in our busy daily lives. The arts are core to our collective well-being and to helping us realize our hopes and dreams for future generations. We look forward to coming together this summer with artists from across the globe and with neighbors from across New York City.”

“There’s no place like New York City in the summer, where people across the five boroughs gather in our public spaces to enjoy the events, programming, and the magic of our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams.

The majority of the more than 200 events during ‘Summer for the City’ are free, with select indoor performances having a Choose-What-You-Pay ticketing model, starting at $5.

Most free performances offer a free Fast Track (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/v/fast%20track) line to gain priority access to the event ahead of the general admission line, and these free Fast Track registrations are available every Monday at noon for that week’s performances. Check event webpages on SummerForTheCity.org (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/v/fast%20track) for performance-specific information on Fast Track availability or ticket on-sale dates.

This July, Lincoln Center will build off the success of last year’s Korean Arts Week with a week-long celebration of Indian cultural traditions during INDIA WEEK. This year’s festival will immerse audiences in a range of festivities that highlight the depth of India’s cultural landscape from July 10-14, showcasing the country’s music, dance, art, cuisine, and much more!

INDIA WEEK – July 10-14

Celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of Indian culture with a week-long extravaganza of events showcasing the country’s music, dance, art, cuisine, and more! The series immerses audiences in a range of festivities that highlight the depth of India’s cultural landscape. The week will offer silent discos curated by DJ Rekha, a performance by Ragamala Dance Company at Damrosch Park, a high-energy social dance party celebrating garba, comedy nights, a literary event presented by PEN America, and programming for families. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s a listing of events*:

Comedy Underground

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/comedy-underground-628)

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 8:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Jaffe Dr, New York, NY 10023

NYLaughs teams up with Lincoln Center for a free underground—literally—stand-up comedy showcase every Wednesday evening from June 19 to August 7.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Avimukta: Where the Seeker Meets the Sacred

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/avimukta-where-the-seeker-meets-the-sacred)

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 8:00 pm

Damrosch Park

Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

Celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of Indian culture with an extravaganza of events that highlight the depth of India’s cultural landscape, India Week kicks off with the acclaimed Ragamala Dance Company’s ‘Avimukta: Where the Seeker Meets the Sacred.’ Run time: 1 hour

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Rajuju – (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/rajuju-514)

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 9:00 pm

The Dance Floor

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

India Week continues with silent discos curated by DJ Rekha! Dance to the rhythms and sounds spun by renowned DJ and New York-based artist Rajuju Brown.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Garba360 Featuring Ujjval Vyas Musicals

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/garba360-785)

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6:30 pm

The Dance Floor

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of Indian culture and folk dance traditions with Garba360 as part of India Week, featuring Ujjval Vyas Musicals, dance instruction by Heena Patel, and produced by MELA Arts Connect.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Sonny Singh – (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/sonny-singh-850)

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

1887 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of Punjabi and Sikh culture with Sonny Singh! Simultaneously spiritual and rebellious, Sonny Singh’s music is a reminder that hope, love, and devotion are crucial to our struggles and our collective survival.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Samsara – (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/samsara-485)

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 7:30 pm & Friday, July 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Rose Theater

Broadway &, W 60th St, New York, NY 10019

India Week continues as Aakash Odedra Company presents the U.S. premiere of Samsara (inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West), a dance piece that traces the steps we take, both forward and backward, in search of our higher selves.

This event is choose-what-you-pay, with tickets available at (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/samsara-485)

RRR – (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/rrr)

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 8:30 pm

Damrosch Park

Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

S.S. Rajamouli, 2022, India, 187m

English and Telugu with English subtitles

In the summer of 2022, Telugu-language cinema was thrust into the American pop-cultural limelight thanks to the unprecedented box office success of RRR, S.S. Rajamouli’s 1920-set action blockbuster, which charts an imaginary friendship between real-life anti-colonial revolutionaries Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao, Jr.), a leader of India’s marginalized Gond tribe, and A. Rama Raju (Ram Charan), an officer of the Indian Imperial Police with mysterious personal objectives. Composer M.M. Keeravani became the first Indian artist to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, ‘Naatu, Naatu’.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Offering Rain 

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/offering-rain-650)

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00 pm

The Dance Floor

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

India Week continues with silent discos curated by DJ Rekha! Free your mind and feel the beat with global music spun by DJ Offering Rain. Offering Rain (b. Melika Davé, 1996) is a NYC born and based multi-hyphenate artist and DJ of Gujarati & Ecuadorian heritage.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

PEN presents: A Celebration of Literature From the Indian Diaspora

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/pen-presents-a-celebration-of-literature-from-the-indian-diaspora-580)

Friday, July 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm

The Garden at Damrosch Park

Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

In partnership with Lincoln Center, PEN America brings together a group of distinguished NYC-based writers and creators of Indian descent for a discussion on what inspires their artistic practice, how their heritage has influenced their work, and the traditions that have had the greatest impact on their creative process. Learn more at pen.org. 

Run time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, followed by book signing.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Parapara and SAZ featuring Sumitra Das Goswami

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/parampara-and-saz-ft-sumitra-das-goswami)

Friday, July 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Damrosch Park

Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

In this enthralling double bill, Rajasthani folk group SAZ featuring Sumitra Das Goswami kicks off the evening with RANG-E-THAR, a journey through the myriad flavors of traditional music from the deserts of western Rajasthan in a unique narrative performance. 

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Ashu Rai

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/ashu-rai-216)

Friday, July 12, 2024 at 9:00 pm

The Dance Floor

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

India Week continues with silent discos curated by DJ Rekha! Follow your bliss, feel the beat and beat the heat with music spun by DJ Ashu Rai! The co-founder and resident DJ of Sholay Events’ long-running South Asian LGBTQIA+ dance party “Desilicious,” Ashu has performed at many of the premiere venues in NYC, including Limelight, Pacha, Club Shelter, Pyramid, the Highline Ballroom, and B.B. King’s.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Minila Shah – (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/minila-shah-578)

Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 10:00 am & 11:30 am

Griffin Sidewalk Studio, David Geffen Hall

(lincolncenter.org/venue/david-geffen-hall/info/kenneth-c-griffin-sidewalk-studio)

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 

Join dancer and yogi Minila Shah (Ajna Dance Company) and musicians Jay Gandhi (bansuri flute) and Ehren Hanson (tabla) for mindfulness practices, breathwork, and gentle stretches. 

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Kiran Ahluwalia –

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/kiran-ahluwalia-608)

Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm

LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall

(lincolncenter.org/venue/david-geffen-hall/info/welcome-center)

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Two-time JUNO winner (Canada’s GRAMMY) Kiran Ahluwalia’s open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators, bringing together the traditions of Indian music, West African blues, and jazz.

Run time: approximately 1 hour

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Comedy Night with: Aasif Mandvi, Hari Kondabolu, Nimesh Patel, Aparna Nancherla, and Kiran Deol

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/comedy-night)

Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Damrosch Park

Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

Get ready for a night of humor intertwined with cultural exploration all brought to you by a powerhouse lineup of comedians whose Indian heritage infuses into their comedic brilliance.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

DJ Rekha – (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/dj-rekha-263)

Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 9:00 pm

The Dance Floor

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

The iconic DJ Rekha transmits their groovy sounds to your ear at Lincoln Center’s Silent Disco this summer under the stars! DJ Rekha (born Rekha Malhotra) is a producer, curator, educator, and founder of “Basement Bhangra,” one of NYC’s longest-running club nights.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

SAZ Sunrise Concert

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/saz-sunrise-concert)

Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 5:00 am

Hearst Plaza

30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Welcome the day with music by Rajasthani folk group SAZ during India Week! Sunrise is an auspicious time in Indian culture—a symbol of divinity, energy and positivity—and the masterful artists of this celebrated group are sure to start your morning in an unforgettable way.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

RHEOLOGY: In Concert

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/rheology-in-concert-561)

Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 5:00 pm

Hearst Plaza

30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Obie Award-winning writer/director Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s recent play, Public Obscenities, was singled out as one of the best theater works of 2023 by The New Yorker. His newest work is a performance memoir created with his mother, the physicist Bulbul Chakraborty.

Run time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Priya Darshini

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/priya-darshini)

Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm

The Underground at Jaffe Drive

Jaffe Dr, New York, NY 10023

GRAMMY-nominated singer Priya Darshini joins forces with her all-star band at Jazz Underground at Jaffe Drive, blending Indian classical, electronica, ambient,

and jazz into an intimate and captivating experience.

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

Roshni Samlal (aka DJ Raat Ki Rani)

(lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/roshni-samlal-aka-dj-raat-ki-rani-884)

Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm

The Dance Floor

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

India Week continues with silent discos curated by DJ Rekha! Wine your body to music spun by Roshni Samlal (aka DJ Raat Ki Rani), influenced by her Indo-Caribbean diaspora heritage, experiences as a working-class, brown immigrant during the ’90s, focusing on Asian Underground music, global club, soca, and chutney. Join India Week for a feast for your ears!

This event is FREE and General Admission, first-come, first-served.

For updates and more information, visit

lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city

*All events are subject to change.*

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)