HMPF-entry-2026

Apply to perform at the 2026 Harlem Meer Performance Festival! A beloved community tradition since the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center opened in 1993, this festival brings the best local talent to the stage each summer, filling Central Park with music, movement, and performances set against stunning Meer-side views. Central Park Conservancy invites both group and solo performers—including musicians, singers, and dancers—to apply. Learn more by reading our FAQs.

Performer/Performance Group’s Name*

If selected, this name will appear on the Central Park Conservancy’s website and in other promotional materials. Please submit the name exactly as you would like it to appear, mindful of capitalization and punctuation.

Number of Performers*

Contact Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Contact Email*

example@example.com

Contact Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Performer/Performance Group’s Webpage (personal, YouTube, etc.)

Performer/Performance Group’s Social Media Accounts

X

Facebook

Instagram

Other (please specify)

Genre (select all that apply)*

For musical acts, will your music be performed live or played digitally? Please note that live performance using instruments will be prioritized. For dance performers, please answer “N/A.”*

Performer Biography

Your responses will be used as part of your application. If selected, they may also be edited and used to create a short biography for our website and marketing materials. Please limit each response to 2–3 sentences. Responses may be edited for clarity and length.

How would you describe your music or performance style?*

What does a live audience feel, hear, or experience when they see you perform?*

What makes the experience memorable?*

What inspires your work?*

What is the connection between your work and the Harlem community?*

Please list up to 10 of your most recent or most significant live performances, including the venue/event name and month and year of each performance.*

Have you previously performed at the Harlem Meer Performance Festival? Please note we’re prioritizing opportunities for artists who are new to the Performance Festival.*

YesNo

If yes, when?

Date

The 2026 Harlem Meer Performance Festival takes place from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm on select Sundays between July 12–August 23, with a required call time of 12:30 pm. Which dates are you available to perform (Select all that apply)?*

Performance/Music Samples

Please share three samples of your music or performance here.

Each sample must feature one song or one performance.
The three samples must be submitted as either file uploads or links
At least one sample must be a video of a live performance.
- Professional or produced music videos do not count toward the live performance requirement.
Please do not submit playlists or links to general websites or channels (e.g. Soundcloud profiles or YouTube channels)
Recent work is preferred.

Sample 1

Upload performance/music sample or provide a link below.

Max file size: 1000 MB | 125000 KB

Link 1

Sample 2

Upload performance/music sample or provide a link below.

Max file size: 1000 MB | 125000 KB

Link 2

Sample 3

Upload performance/music sample or provide a link below.

Max file size: 1000 MB | 125000 KB

Link 3

Performer Images

Please upload at least one and up to three images of your performance act or group.

Image requirements:

High resolution (minimum 150 dpi, 2000 pixels wide)
Horizontal (landscape) orientation preferred

If selected, these images will be used in promotional materials, including our website, print brochures, banners, and flyers. The Central Park Conservancy will select the photo best suited for scaling and cropping across formats.

Upload Image Here

Max file size: 1000 MB | 125000 KB

Performer Agreement:

By submitting this application to perform in the 2026 Harlem Meer Performance Festival, I understand that (initial beside each statement to agree):

This application does not confirm participation in the 2026 Harlem Meer Performance Festival. Successful applicants will be notified no later than April 14.*

Initial Here

If invited to perform at the Harlem Meer Performance Festival, the performer agrees to the following: (check all of the following boxes)*

is responsible for providing their own instruments and purchasing pre-approved liability insurance (insurance guidelines available in the FAQ: https://www.centralparknyc.org/hmpf-application)will receive a one-time stipend by direct deposit of exactly $2,500 for the performance, regardless of group size.agrees to a four (4) hour time-commitment from 12:30 pm–4:30 pm on the performance date inclusive of set up, sound checks, two (2) 50-minute performance sets, and equipment breakdown.understands that performances may be canceled on the day of the scheduled performance due to inclement weather.

Initial Here

Please verify that you are human*