Lincoln Center celebrates its 60th birthday next Sat., May 4th, with a full day of FREE live music and dance performances, film screenings, family-friendly events and activities and more.
The Lincoln Center 60th Anniversary Block Party features something for all ages and interests throughout the iconic Lincoln Center campus.
The all-day block party celebrates the anniversary of the groundbreaking for an arts and culture complex that changed the West Side forever and set the stage (pun intended) for modern arts and culture complexes in other cities, including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Although everything is FREE, some events require registration.
Since there are events in several locations at the same time, we’re giving you advance notice to help you plan your day celebrating Lincoln Center’s 60th birthday
See a map of the Lincon Center campus.
Lincoln Center Block Party Schedule of Activities:
Outdoor Performances and Events
10–10:45 am
Welcoming Event:
Chief Dwaine Perry of the Ramapough Mountain Indians of New Jersey opens this day’s celebrations with a land acknowledgement ceremony and is joined by Cliff Matias and artists from the Redhawk Dancers for a lively performance.
10–11 am
Dance Event Ticket Distribution:
Score free tickets to hear from the stars of today at New York City Ballet’s 11 am presentation of Inside NYCB: Originating Roles in David H. Koch Theater or see the stars of tomorrow hone their craft by observing School of American Ballet’s 12:30 pm class.
- Free tickets are limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
10 am–2 pm
Art-making Stations:
Flex your creative muscles with fun craft activities, including screen printing your own 60th Anniversary commemorative tote bag. While supplies last.
10 am–2 pm
Raffle:
Sign up to be entered to win tickets to a variety of performances across Lincoln Center.
10:45–11:15 am
Performance:
Brazilian-inspired, New York City–based, all-women drum line Fogo Azul performs samba and reggae.
11–11:30 am
Performance:
With traditional and handmade instruments, Plezi Rara brings the energy and sounds of Haitian roots music to our celebration on the plaza.
11:30 am–12:10 pm
Performance:
Christian Dante White delights with a song from Lincoln Center Theater’s My Fair Lady and Jazz at Lincoln Center artist Melanie Charles presents a unique blend of jazz, soul, experimental, and roots music.
12–12:15 pm
Performance:
Step dancing by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s Step It Up NYC, a city-wide program serving youth 10-20 with the aim of leveraging the performing arts and the building of community leadership. In 2019, DYCD is honoring the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising with theme of “Step It Up for LGBTQ rights.”
12:30–1 pm
Performance:
Enjoy a special concert by a Juilliard student ensemble.
1–1:30 pm
Performance:
Brooklyn’s own Red Baraat PLUS, a 30-piece ensemble led by Sunny Jain, mixes North Indian bhangra with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and raw punk energy.
1:30–2 pm
Grand Finale:
Musical Director Sunny Jain leads a super-ensemble of musicians from the day’s performances in an original arrangement of music that honors and celebrates our community and city.
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