Make Music New York returns for a 16th year with performances of music by New Yorkers. Musicians of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, physical capabilities, and skill levels represent New York City’s remarkable creativity and diversity.

1,000 Drums Crying for Peace returns to Marcus Garvey Park and throughout East Harlem from 4pm-7pm. Register in advance online to participate (and bring your own drum). 

You can also kickstart your summer with an afternoon of music under the Apollo Theater’s iconic marquee. Hosts MamaSoul & The L.A.W. from The Harlem Connection radio show lead a musical journey through Motown, Soul, Hip-Hop, Afrobeat, Caribbean, Latin Music and more.

Kids Rock for Kids are at Old Stone House in Park Slope, Brooklyn to shine a spotlight on teen bands from around the world.

Other great participatory options include:

Mozart's Requiem 7-8:15pm, Oculus Plaza North
Mozart’s Requiem returns this season with an in-person, participatory performance open to singers and orchestra musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Sousapalooza 4-5pm, Upper Terrace in Bryant Park
Sight read the marches of the incomparable John Philip Sousa on the spot in a pop up performance from Bryant Park’s Upper Terrace under the direction of conductor Oscar Wiley Thorp.

Flowerpot Music 5-8pm, Nethermeade in Prospect Park
Flowerpot Music, written by celebrated composer Elliot Cole and directed by percussionist Peter Ferry, is a composition for an unlikely but beautiful percussion instrument–the flowerpot! Performers gather in a circle to create acoustic music using handheld flower pots, no experience is necessary. 

Mass Appeal Harmonicas 5-7pm, Pilgrim Hill in Central Park
Master harmonica player Jiayi leads lessons and a group play-along for harmonica players of all ages and skill levels, including beginners. Free Hohner harmonicas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mass Appeal Ukuleles 6-7:30pm Dana Discovery Center Plaza in Central Park
Gwendolyn Fitz is a jazz-pop singer-songwriter, ukulele player, and theater creator who enjoys weaving stories through music and bringing them to life virtually and onstage. People of all ages and skill levels are invited to bring their Ukuleles and join together to make music! Walk-ups are welcome.

Check the Make Music website to see what's happening near you.