See the Most Popular Broadway Shows for Free in New York City This Summer

What insane amount of money New Yorkers pay in rent prices they recoup, at least partially, in free cultural happenings. Broadway in Bryant Park, the popular annual series which brings scaled-down versions of Broadway classics to the Manhattan park, will return for its 20th season this summer.

Each performance is a mini-musical starring actors from three separate shows performing hit songs and routines. Performances will include the biggest hits from classic musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, and Chicago. There’s also a “Disney on Broadway Takeover” on July 25, with songs from Aladdin, The Lion King, and Frozen to be performed.

The series kicks off on Thursday, July 11 through August 15. Performances take place each Thursday in Bryant Park’s amphitheater from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Lawn space is open and free, though you may need to arrive early to snag a seat. The full show schedule can be viewed on Bryant Park’s website. If your lunch break ends before the performance concludes or starts before it begins, you can hack the system by showing up early to catch the rehearsals, which take place on the same stage in the park.