Harlem Meer Performance Festival

The total commitment from arrival to departure is four (4) hours, from 12:30 pm–4:30 pm, including two (2) 50-minute performance sets. The schedule is as follows:

• 12:30 pm–1:00 pm: Arrival and setup
• 1:00 pm–2:00 pm: Sound check and lunch
• 2:00 pm–2:50 pm: First set
• 2:50 pm–3:10 pm: Intermission
• 3:10 pm–4:00 pm: Second set
• 4:00 pm–4:30 pm: Breakdown

The Central Park Conservancy cannot guarantee a performance date at the time of application. However, you may note dates you are unavailable during the application process. Please select only the dates for which you can guarantee availability.

Take the 2 or 3 train to the Central Park North–110th Street station (corner of Central Park North and Lenox Avenue).

Driving and parking in Central Park are prohibited. Limited free and metered street parking is available in the vicinity, but performers who plan to drive should arrive well before 12:30 pm to allow ample time to find parking.

The festival is a local event that primarily serves communities residing in the neighborhoods bordering the north end of Central Park, including Harlem and East Harlem. The festival is family-friendly and open to all ages.

• February 2–March 30: Performer applications open
• March 30 at 11:59 pm ET: Performer applications close
• March 31–April 13: Application review
• April 14: Performer selections notified
• April 18: Performer confirmation deadline; promotional materials (photos, biography, and social media) due
• April 18: Contracts and proof of liability insurance due
• May: Mandatory performer virtual orientation

Yes. Each performance receives a $2,500 stipend, regardless of group size or number of performers. Payment is made via direct deposit. Performers must submit vendor paperwork necessary to process payment prior to performance date. This stipend does not include liability insurance, which is required by NYC Parks.

Yes. NYC Parks requires all performers to carry liability insurance. Performers are responsible for the securing and paying for their own insurance; this is not included in the performance stipend.

Please see Central Park Conservancy's guidelines on required insurance.

The Central Park Conservancy will provide vocal monitors and a PA system, including audio speakers, microphones, and a sound board. We will also provide a professional sound engineer to install, run, and break down this equipment. The Conservancy does not provide backline support, piano or bass monitors, or a drum kit.

Yes. The Central Park Conservancy does not provide instruments. Performers are solely responsible for transporting, setting up, and breaking down their own instruments in the performance space. Dollies may be provided if needed.

Yes. A private greenroom with restroom access is provided, along with a light lunch and water.

The festival takes place rain or shine. The Central Park Conservancy will only cancel performances in the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or high winds. Cancellations are made on the morning of the performance date.

Due to high interest, some performers may be placed on the standby list and contacted in the event a performance slot becomes available.

Please email [email protected] with “Harlem Meer Performance Festival” in the subject.