Rumsey Playfield, Central Park

Skipped Smorgasburg here last year and finally made it for Summerstage a year later. Nice venue in the Park, with acoustics that are better than they need to be.

Loved it. If you sign up for a summer concert (summerstage concert), they give you pretty clear instructions. Just make sure to enter from the south end of the 72^nd street to enter the park. Do not come from the north side of the street. You have to end up walking down further south anyway and make an u-​turn back.
Crowd control was great. And they have free sunscreen, which supplied me for a month during the summer time. Didn’t see bathroom nearby though so come «prepared.»
If the instructions tell you to get in line at 6am, then get in line at 6am. The lines get long super fast. Unless you are like the biggest fan or something, there is no need to come earlier than that since you can still get a good view regardless of your post. Probably just a bit towards the back.

Went to Summerstage events the last 5+ years at this venue and only the ticketed events (where you have to pay) allowed for late entry. The free events have long lines to enter and most of the people that are on line are holding spots for others. So after waiting 2+ hours for the gates to open and being sure to get into Rumsey all of a sudden those people that came late but had their friends hold spots for them were able to get into the venue while others that actually waited on line for 2+ hours could not. There should be a colored entry tickets provided for people that are actually waiting on line (1 – 100 blue ticket), (101 – 200 yellow ticket), (201 – 300 green ticket) and so forth. If you get there 10 minutes before the venue starts and they run out of tickets then you do not get in because you did not wait in line. For all of those people that can not get into the venues Rumsey should setup a large video screen facing the hill where people can at least watch the performance from the outside. Why trek all the way into central park only to find out you can not enter the premises? In the last few years the organizers have made efforts to get in as many people as possible by not allowing people to spread blankets in front of the stage but to rather stand and crowd in which is a good thing to get more people inside but not good for those that arrived with their picnic spreads. If the performance is not going well or the weather is getting nasty people start to leave early and then sometimes people waiting outside are allowed to enter but most of the time there is a lack of communication with the event staff and security. The event staff tells the security to allow people to enter but security does not allow them to. Rumsey may have the most popular performances but many of the other Summerstage performances are at venues where there are no entry limits. So if you do not want to wait on long lines and have people that did not wait get into Rumsey and you do not get in then skip Rumsey and go elsewhere.

I came to the free Passenger show at summer stage over the weekend. I thought this would be a great venue since it’s located in Central Park. I was very wrong. First of all the venue smelled so bad. It stunk of barbecue and hot dogs and cigarettes. About one fourth of the people I saw were smoking. It was disgusting. I don’t go to outdoor concerts to breathe smoke. None of the workers cared of said anything. The benches they had set up (which were the only seats) were extremely uncomfortable. Forget about standing unless you get to the venue hours early. You won’t be able to see much. There were also a bunch of poorly behaved kids there. I regret that I already bought a ticket for the Gavin degraw show here. I don’t ever want to return to this venue.

I came here for the Ingrid Michaelson Summerstage concert and was pretty underwhelmed by the space. Having attended the Black Eyed Peas benefit concert in Central Park a couple of years ago, I thought this event would be on par. There was very long, but very fast-​moving, line to get into the venue. Once inside I could tell that it was going to be a very claustrophobic evening. The space is very small and there are a number of bleachers that are blocked off specifically for SummerStage members. That left a small-​ish seating/​standing area in front of and to the left of the stage and two small bleachers…
Summerstage’s website encourages you to bring a picnic dinner and blanket to these events but the venue is nowhere near big enough for everyone (or even half of everyone) to do this. We had a blanket set up (since we got there relatively early) but were asked by staff multiple times to move forward to accomodate the rest of the ticket holders. Why not just tell people not to bring blankets and set up chairs on the turf? Or expand the temporary walls of the venue to make for a bigger space?
I was also underwhelmed by the sound set up. I understand this was probably an issue with the performer’s set up but there were only speakers on stage and the acoustics (or lack thereof, since we were outside in the middle of a park) were bad so it was a generally quiet show.
Honestly, I’ll probably stick with the summer concerts in Prospect Park in the future.

Shit be legit for outdoor concerts (we peeped The Neighbourhood and Danny Brown last night).
The sound system kill’t it. You can hear the concert from a mile away.
— Where to sit and watch the artists: the astro turf and the stands
— Where to make out or smoke the sticky icky: the stands (whaaaaaa…)
$ 8 beers and $ 7 kim-​chee pork/​burgers from the AsiaDog food stand.
I can’t believe we left the concert at 10:30pm and didn’t get sexually assaulted walking in the park. Oh yah, its not the puerto rican day parade.

I’ve seen two shows here this summer — a Comedy Central «Indecision in the Park» (night of stand-​up), and the recent Friends/​Two Door Cinema Club show. Both were great, though I think they oversold for the amount of space the venue has. Luckily, we had good weather both times, because there’s no overhead cover. Expensive beers and food, so bring a picnic. Also, cash only!

I recently came here for Oktoberfest and it was a ton of fun!
I had never visited Rumsey Playfield before because it’s rare that I go to Central Park (I prefer smaller parks, to be quite honest). When I first arrived, security kept everyone organized by having standby groups in one line, and those of us with tickets in a separate line. The line did get a bit messy as it grew closer to the starting time of the event but it still remained fairly organized.
The tent with the tables was set up perfectly with the stage. There were TONS of portapotties around, and were clearly labeled men and women. Security inside the event was pretty laid-​back. It’s a great place to host an event and/​or catch a show. I would love to return for an actual concert one day just to see how that turns out.

Rumsey Playfield is a terrific spot for special events in Central Park located a few minutes walk away from the east side location by the 72^nd and 5^th Avenue entrance. I have been here a bunch of times for things and just this weekend for the annual German — American Oktoberfest that is held each year here. Again, a great time. PROST!
Usually, the security and line organization is set up pretty efficient and this event was no exception. The lines were marked with accurate signage, the crowds were under control, and the staff on hand were polite and did their jobs. They even had a lot of new portapotties around that were labeled for men and women. The huge tent was set up with a ton of tables. Plenty of space to get around for beer and food outside of it. Large stage set up for all the bands to perform. Security was walking around but you hardly noticed them. Very laid back and did not have any attitude or get in the way of the festivities.
The weather was perfect this day and the event was a blast. They do a great job setting this up each year. One of the best locations for a public event as long as the weather cooperates.

Imagine being exhausted, having slept only a couple of hours the night before, and then getting up at the crack of dawn to see Demi Lovato!!! No, I wasn’t chaperoning, although the tweens looked at me, like, «Is that Ms. Kim?»
One of the things on my «must-​do list» was to attend a free GMA concert taping. I just so happen to love Demi’s music… so, low and behold, I got up that morning, called my friend (with a baby– such a trooper), and said, «meet me at Central Park, we’re sooooo doing this!» «You’re crazy, Soo!» Better believe it.
I walked across Central Park with my fobby backpack (about a mile) to the East Side at around 6:30am, followed the herd of young teenagers and their disgruntled parents, and watched the most awesome taping.
I was surprised that the crowd wasn’t as big as I had thought. Luckily, it wasn’t Coldplay or a bigger band, I think then, the entire place would have been packed!
The funniest part: was seeing my friend with her baby just shaking her head in disbelief. 1) security must have thought she was the biggest freak, like, «she’s that big of a fan that she brought her baby?» 2) she didn’t know who the hell Demi Lovato was. Poor thing. But I loved the fact that she was such a trooper! That’s what friends are for.
Seeing a live taping is different than a real concert, for starters, they stop the song half way through to do interviews. Or, she’ll sing a little bit of one song and then start over. After an hour and half, we both looked at each other and said, «it’s hot and it’s time for some coffee.»
I will never forget this experience. Hands down, one of my best moments. See link for vid:

I think there’s a rule here that the main act can’t start until the audience has stood around for an hour and a half. In both of my experiences at the Rumsey Playfield SummerStage, once for Foster the People and the Kooks and again for Childish Gambino, Unilocaler Ben Y. and I waited through long stalls between opener (s) and the headliner. But I think some sort of chemical is released in your brain the moment the headliner does come on, because the frustration over waiting dissipates as quickly as your money when you buy anything from the merch stand.
Security is super light at these concerts. «Security» is 20 – 25 year old girls walking around with a badge that says «staff,» telling concert-​goers to not cross the yellow line. The whole place is super lax.
The food is classier than you would initially expect. City Winery (love the place) has a booth set up for wine, and there are several beer stands, and a homemade brick-​oven pizza stand. We ordered two slices and a water bottle and the total was twelve bucks. Not bad.
Both shows I’ve seen here were great, and we got to sit in the bleachers they have set up. Most people choose to stand, but I’d rather not get involved in the riff-​raff of mosh-​pits, etc.
I look forward to next year’s SummerStage line-​up!

I saw The Kooks, Kimbra, and Foster The People here! And Childish Gambino next month. It’s a very cool venue in the belly of Central Park. There are very few shows like this in NYC!!!
The crowd mostly stands on the astroturf area in front of the stage, but it is not sloped so it’s very hard to see. I prefer sitting in the bleachers. They are far from the stage but it’s easier to sit when its so hot and so many people and you can still see the stage great.
The lines for the bathroom and all concessions are absolutely enormous, but hey that’s life. They say you can’t bring your own water/​drinks, but they barely check your bags when you come through security so it’s probably easy to sneak stuff through.
The performers play rain or shine, so buckle in if the drops start following from the sky! Could be a wet one, but you’ll never forget it!!!
The Summerstage and Rumsey Playfield are a fun and unique New York City venue. Tons of people and tons of great music!

I’ve seen a few shows here (wilco [twice] and pavement) and when the weather is nice, it’s a great summer/​fall venue for a show. Rain or shine the show goes on, well, unless there’s lightning involved. The area is general admission and SRO and obviously a first come, first serve basis. There are metal bleachers as well if you choose to sit. Food options are the usual: pizza slices, fries, burgers, some other tasty bites. The toilets are port o potties which can get gross, especially at night when one is unable to see, so it’s best to hold it if you can.
It rained when I saw wilco a couple days ago. Some people had their umbrellas up, but I find that rude to block peoples’ views (that, and the umbrellas weren’t helpful). As I stood there, completely drenched I didn’t give a shit. I was in my favorite park, watching one of my most favorite bands, the sound was amazing and the Six Point Pilsner (at $ 8 for 12oz! yikes.) was quenching my thirst. And really, what more does one need to be happy?

Why is everyone reviewing every nook and cranny of central park?
I came here because Barilla was hosting an event here. I had a great time, and if it was 5 stars because of Barilla, then they deserve it. I’m not sure if the actual playfield is all that, but when decorated Italian style, I had a wonderful experience.

This is a nice, outdoor venue located in the middle of Central Park. Depending on which show is playing, it can get pretty crowded. Since it has general admission, I recommended arriving early if you want a good spot on the AstroTurf.
Food vendors that sell hot dogs, tacos, pizza, beer and wine are located inside. Like any other venue the food is mediocre and a bit pricey, but good when you’re starving.
Beware of the long lines (at the entrance, for food and drink purchases) and the port-​o-​potties!

The setting here for concerts is great. I saw Nas and Damian Marley in August 2011. They performed fantastically. The venue had enough room for everyone, the crowd was live and enthusiastic, the police were unconcerned with non-​violent statutory violations, the search upon entry was cursory if you carried no bag, the line was not long, the beverages (while not cheap) were of solid quality, and everything just worked out well.
my only qualm was that the astroturf of the standing area in front of the stage was laid over very uneven stones, and one might easily have tripped and twisted an ankle dancing. On the other hand, I danced and jumped all night with no untoward effects, so maybe my concern is misplaced.

I stayed here over night, patiently waiting to see the beautiful Beyoncé. What a lovely experience. The park is very nice and kept clean. I didn’t see any strange animals but there was a lot of people so maybe they were frightened. Anyways, if you’re going for a concert don’t expect to see all that much. I could barely see Beyoncé, but I wouldn’t blame the park for that.
There were nice little benches to sit on and plenty of lanterns to keep the park well lit at night.

I saw my favorite band, arctic monkeys, here so my view may become a bit skewed. This place is great but it’s really a good idea to watch where you stand. There’s a large pole that can block your view of the stage, or part of the stage. The beer and drink lines are a bit of a free for all so stand your ground! People try and cut all the time.
The venue itself is on a big fieldturf carpet so if you’re short, get in front. It’s a cool place though and fantastic on a great night

Probably THEE MOST romantic place for summer-​night movies in the park! Enclosed venue surrounded by the darkness of the «forest,» lights draped around the trees, stars in the sky, and the wine booth; this place has it all.
Bring a blanket, bring some lawn chairs, bring some small bites, and enjoy the night with a classic movie and a beautiful date. =)

I like this place, I think this is where channel 7 does their concerts in the mornings now. I have not seen any of the Shakespeare in the Park but intend to soon. I saw a Calle 13 concert here about a year and a half ago and loved it. Also, M.I.A was here (before she really blew up) with Mr. Vegas and that was one of the best days of my life. It was perfect weather, I was with a perfect group of people and met some really cute shorties. Vegas was great on stage and M.I.A blew it out of the water. hands down, BEST FREE CONCERT I HAVE EVER BEEN TO.
That concert was in 2005 and I still consider it best free concert I have ever been to and honestly I have been to SOOOOO many since then. Still never made it to Shakespeare in the Park even in 2012 season, oh well– have to check next year.