Central Park Music & Performance: Week of May 10–16

Hey music fans,

Quieter Bandshell week than last, but there’s one strong midweek pick and the Folkdancers are back. Here’s the rundown.

Today (Sun May 10) — Folkdancers return

Central Park International Folkdancers at King Jagiallo Plaza, 11 AM–7 PM. Free, ongoing all afternoon. Live music with costumed dancing from traditions around the world. If you’ve never gone, this is the best Sunday afternoon move in the park.

It’s Mother’s Day, so the south end will be full of family celebrations — busy at Bethesda and along the Mall — but the music side of things is mostly at King Jagiallo today.

Wed May 13 — Bill Popp and the Tapes at Bandshell

Bill Popp and the Tapes at Bandshell Plaza, 5–7 PM. Veteran NYC indie rock — Popp has been playing the downtown scene for decades. Free outdoor evening show, perfect weeknight stop after work.

Sun May 16 — quieter day for music

Nothing scheduled at the Bandshell this Saturday. If you want park music vibes, the Mall typically draws buskers on weekends — your best bet for impromptu music.

What’s continuing — Julius Caesar at The Pool

Not music exactly, but the production has live musical elements and runs daily 10 AM–9 PM through May 19 at The Pool Lawns (100th & CPW). If you’ve been meaning to go, this week’s the week.

Quick recap

Sun 5/10, 11 AM–7 PM — Folkdancers at King Jagiallo

Wed 5/13, 5–7 PM — Bill Popp at Bandshell

Daily through 5/19 — Julius Caesar at The Pool (musical staging)

Sat 5/16 — buskers on the Mall (no scheduled show)

If you catch a great show this week, reply with the tip — we’ll pass it along.

The Central Park Guide