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(NEW YORK, NY — May 19, 2026) — The Times Square Alliance is proud to announce the return of Times Square Live (TSQ LIVE), the city’s expansive free outdoor performance series that transforms Times Square’s pedestrian plazas into a dynamic platform for live music, artistic discovery, and cultural exchange. Now entering its fifth season this May, TSQ LIVE continues to redefine the live entertainment experience in New York City by presenting hundreds of artists, cultural organizations, nightlife curators, music collectives, and creative communities across the public spaces of Times Square, creating direct access between performers and one of the largest and most diverse audiences in the world.
“TSQ LIVE exists at the intersection of music, culture, community, and public space in a way no traditional venue can replicate,” said Joe Papa, Senior Director of Events & Programming at the Times Square Alliance. “At a time when audiences are seeking more spontaneous, accessible, and immersive cultural experiences, TSQ LIVE offers something increasingly rare in today’s entertainment landscape – live performances without barriers. No tickets. No velvet rope. No traditional venue walls. Just artists and audiences connecting in real time creating a different kind of energy, visibility, and opportunity.”
“Just like Times Square itself, TSQ LIVE has something for everyone this year and we look forward to seeing the hundreds of thousands of visitors each day take in this amazing array of programs,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “Times Square celebrates programming of all sizes from small pop-up experiences to large-scale concerts and dance workshops. These events bring surprise-and-delight moments to hundreds of thousands of people in the district and elevate their public space experience.”
This year’s lineup unfolds across a weekly rhythm of live music, movement, and cultural programming throughout the summer with the return of TSQ LIVE’s marquee series. Here is how the weeks will play out with more details below about each event. Visit TSQ.org/LIVE for the full detailed lineup and follow @TSQLIVE to stay in the know on all of the exciting events coming to Times Square this summer.
TUESDAYS - DJ SETS IN TIMES SQUARE
Tuesdays launch the week with DJ Sets in Times Square, bringing electronic dance music and the nightlife scene into the heart of Manhattan. There will be a surprise artist opening the series on May 19, followed by a collaboration with Deep Root Records, known for their globally inspired house music sound. Then June 2 marks the return of the Caribbean-American Heritage celebration, Fete in Times Square with I AM CARIBBEING.
WEDNESDAYS - LIVE MUSIC AND DANCE
New this year, TSQ LIVE introduces lunchtime performances from 12pm-2pm on Wednesdays, bringing intimate live music experiences to the Broadway Plazas during the workday rush. Presented in partnership with MTA Arts & Design, the series offers a midday reprieve inviting New Yorkers, office workers, and visitors alike to pause, gather, and experience live music in a more personal setting amid the energy of Times Square. Wednesday evenings at 5pm expand TSQ LIVE’s focus on audience participation and community through Dance in Times Square, offering a series of free dance classes in partnership with Ailey Extension, opening the dance floor to people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. The classes range from Mambo, Dancehall, and celebrations of Pride and Black Music Month. Register for free here to reserve a class. All TSQ LIVE programming on Wednesdays is supported by Nasdaq.
THURSDAYS - LIVE MUSIC, JAZZ, AND MORE
Thursdays spotlight more Live Music in Times Square with internationally acclaimed institutions that bridge New York City’s rich foundation of music with the Crossroads of the World. Carnegie Hall Citywide returns to Time Square as part of its long-running free concert tradition across the five boroughs, presenting the The Gateways Brass Collective on June 4. Jazz at Lincoln Center will also return with 8 performances in August and September, bringing acclaimed musicians of traditional jazz and boundary-dissolving modern jazz to the TSQ LIVE stage, reinforcing Times Square’s role as a gathering place for world-class live performances outside the walls of traditional concert halls.
FRIDAYS - SUMMER FRIDAY CONCERTS AND KIDS PROGRAMMING
Fridays culminate with the coveted Summer Friday Concert Series, turning Times Square into a high-profile stage for emerging artists, breakout acts, and surprise performances throughout the season. Having already been credited for kicking off this year’s pop-up season with a surprise album release show by Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Benny Benassi on May 1, this year’s lineup is sure to keep audiences on their toes as more exciting announcements will be made throughout the season. Starting in June, this series will continue to showcase emerging talent based in New York City and touring artists from beyond, while creating opportunities for artists to debut new music and connect with the very public audience of Times Square, one of the most visible entertainment destinations in the world. On June 5, Divi Roxx Kids and friends will kick off our Fridays with an unforgettable family concert experience featuring a stacked lineup of Grammy Award-winning artists. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks regarding TSQ LIVE’s Summer Friday lineup and for Pride in Times Square as well.
Visit TSQ.org/LIVE for the full detailed lineup and follow @TSQLIVE to stay in the know on all of the exciting events coming to Times Square this summer.
DJ SETS IN TIMES SQUARE
Tuesdays, May – September | 5pm
Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets
Deep Root Records | June 9, September 9
As the biggest imprint from Deep Root Records, founded by Francis Mercier and Ajamu Kambon, Deep Root Tribe offers house music with a more organic essence that opens the heart and expands the mind, with a focus on compositions that incorporate world elements. While it highlights a different dimension of house music, Deep Root Tribe still sticks to the goals of its parent label in providing the best in Artist Management, Music Exploitation, and Event Production.
I AM CARIBBEING | June 2
I AM CARIBBEING is a multidisciplinary cultural venture dedicated to showcasing Caribbean culture + art + lifestyle in Greater New York City and around the world. We celebrate and amplify the Caribpolitan lifestyle by fostering community, supporting local, Caribbean-owned businesses, and promoting Caribbean culture. This award-winning cultural venture is based in Flatbush a.k.a. Little Caribbean (est. 2017), and is uniquely positioned to make Little Caribbean a thriving cultural attraction and global brand.
All Wednesday performances on the Broadway Plazas are supported by Nasdaq.
LUNCHTIME PERFORMANCES WITH MTA MUSIC
Wednesdays, May 27 – Sept 23 | 12pm
Various Broadway Pedestrian Plazas
MTA MUSIC is one of the visual and performing arts programs presented by MTA Arts & Design to enhance the transit system for riders. More than 350 individuals and ensembles present over 12,000 MTA MUSIC performances annually—featuring a wide range of instruments such as the Gambian kora, Korean drum, West Indian steel drums, Andean pipes, Cajun cello, Celtic and Baroque harps, guitars, violins, hammered dulcimers, and musical saws, and encompassing classical strings, jazz ensembles, world music bands, folk, a cappella groups, singer-songwriters, and more.
DANCE WORKSHOPS
Wednesdays, May 20 – June 17 | 5pm
Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets
Ailey Extension | May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17
Ailey Extension was founded to continue Alvin Ailey’s legacy that “dance came from the people and should be delivered back to the people” by offering open dance classes for all levels. For over 20 years, the Extension has brought together people of all backgrounds to train with renowned dance instructors from around the world at the home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. Join Ailey Extension online or in person for dance and fitness classes open to everyone, from absolute beginners to professional dancers. Learn more at ailey.org/classes and register for free here to reserve a class.
Carnegie Hall Citywide: Gateways Brass Collective
Thursday, June 4 | 4pm
Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets
The Gateways Brass Collective, resident ensemble of the Gateways Music Festival, unites leading musicians of African heritage to uplift and engage communities. Equally at home in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, the quintet members have performed with leading ensembles, from the Chicago and Boston symphony orchestras to the Mingus Big Band and The Roots. Experience the power of brass performance in high-energy Times Square.
Carnegie Hall Citywide continues its 50+ year tradition of bringing dynamic performances into neighborhoods across New York City’s five boroughs, partnering with local community organizations to present its free-concert series. Carnegie Hall concerts—featuring renowned artists of all musical genres including classical, jazz, folk, global music, and beyond— will return to Times Square.
Jazz At Lincoln Center
Thursdays, August 6 – Sept 24 | 5pm
Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets
The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC), a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit led by Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. JALC produces world-class jazz performances in Rose Theater, the Appel Room and Dizzy's Club, all located in Frederick P. Rose Hall on the 5th floor of the Deutsche Bank Center in Columbus Circle, NYC. JALC is the home of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, an ensemble that performs regularly in NYC and tours over 17 weeks a year both internationally and domestically. JALC education programs include the Essentially Ellington High School Band Competition and Festival, WeBop, Let Freedom Swing, Swing U and Jazz Academy Video Library. JALC's advocacy initiatives include Blue Engine Records and JazzCongress, an annual gathering of the global jazz community. To learn more about us, please visit www.jazz.org.
TSQ LIVE Playdate with Divi Roxx Kids and Friends!
Friday, June 5 | 5pm
Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets
Kick off New York Music Month at the TSQ LIVE stage on Broadway & 46th St for the ultimate kid-centric concert experience. Presented by IRoxx Entertainment and The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in partnership with Times Square Live, this two-hour showcase transforms the heart of NYC into a world-class stage for families. Featuring 2x Grammy nominee Divinity Roxx, Grammy winners FYÜTCH and Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats, plus Brooklyn’s life of the party, DJ TY FLY, it’s the definitive way to start the summer. Experience the energy where Broadway meets the beat. This is the premier family event of the year.
SUMMER FRIDAY CONCERTS
Fridays, June 12 – Sept 25 | 6pm
Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets
TSQ LIVE is turning up the heat with the Summer Friday concert series in Times Square this season. From pop-up shows with today’s top charting artists, to the trendiest up-and-coming artists hitting the airwaves, this series aims to showcase a wide range of talent across all genres with a strong focus on showcasing independent artists of the New York City music scene. Enjoy free concerts by musicians from New York City and beyond, many of whom will be celebrating the debut of new songs or an upcoming summer album release. Stay tuned on TSQ.org/LIVE and @TimesSquareNYC for more performances to be announced.
TSQ LIVE Open Call
For the third year, TSQ LIVE is handing over its stage with an open call, inviting singers and musicians to apply for the opportunity to join the roster and perform in Times Square, which sees over 400,000 visitors a day. Those interested can apply using the registration link for a chance to be on the stage.
ABOUT THE TIMES SQUARE ALLIANCE
The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square - cultivating the creativity, energy and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. Founded in 1992, the Alliance keeps the neighborhood clean and safe, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements and produces major annual events with partners including New Year's Eve, Solstice in Times Square and Taste of Times Square. As the custodians of Times Square, the Alliance works every day to improve the quality of life for the neighborhood residents and businesses while driving economic growth in New York City. www.TSq.org
ABOUT NASDAQ
Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading technology platform that powers the world’s economies. We architect the infrastructure of the world’s most modern markets, power the innovation economy, and build trust in the financial system. We empower economic opportunity by designing and deploying advanced technology, data, and intelligence solutions that enable our clients to capture opportunities, navigate risk, and strengthen resilience. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.
TJ Witham, tjwitham@tsq.org
Shin-Jung Hong, shinjung@nicolaslence.com
