Summerstage: R&B Picnic

The Funk Flex Birthday R&B Picnic is the marquee rhythm and blues event for the 2026 Central Park SummerStage. The outdoor festival occurs on August 7, 2026. It features an epic lineup of classic R&B acts and rising stars curated by the legendary New York DJ. The Lineup The R&B Picnic celebrates both heritage acts and the new wave of the genre. The 2026 roster includes: Jon B. Fonda Rae Taana Gardner Strafe Dres From Blacksheep Music by Funk Flex And more special guests Event Details Date: Friday, August 7, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Location: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park (enter at East 71st Street and 5th Avenue) Cost: Free admission! No tickets are required. Vibe: Bring your own picnic blanket and food to enjoy on the lawn while listening to the music The quickest way to reach Rumsey Playfield in Central Park for the R&B Picnic is by using the New York City subway system. The venue is located on the east side of the park, closest to the 69th Street and 5th Avenue entrance. 🚇 Subway Options 6 Train (Lexington Avenue Local): Get off at the 68th Street–Hunter College station. Walk north to 69th Street, head west toward Fifth Avenue, and enter the park. B or C Trains (8th Avenue Local): Get off at the 72nd Street station on the west side of the park. You will enjoy a scenic walk across the park to the east side to reach the venue. N, R, or W Trains (Broadway Local): Get off at the 5 Av/59 St station. Walk north along 5th Avenue to the 69th Street entrance. 🚌 Bus Options Fifth Avenue Buses: The M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses run south along Fifth Avenue. You can drop off directly at the 72nd Street or 69th Street intersections. Crosstown Bus: The M66 runs east-west across 66th Street, offering an easy connection from other transit lines. 🚗 Rideshare & Taxi Drop-off Instruct your driver to drop you off at 69th Street and 5th Avenue. This places you right at the park gate for the shortest path to the stage.