Lincoln Center Cancels Summer Events As Coronavirus Precaution

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN — Lincoln Center will not hold any events this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, the venue has announced.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced that it has canceled all summer programming, including three of its most popular festivals, "given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," according to an announcement on its website.

The venue had already canceled its spring events in March due to the pandemic and New York's stay-at-home order, which was most recently extended to May 15.

Lincoln Center has been offering programming online in the meantime and said that will continue for the foreseeable future.

"We are in awe of the teaching artists, musicians, dancers, educators, and staff who are sharing such impressive creativity during this time," the venue said.

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The summer cancellation came a few days before Mayor Bill de Blasio said all New York City public events in June would be postponed. Other popular summer events, like Shakespeare in the Park, have already canceled their entire summer line-up.

Lincoln Center's cancelation includes festivals Midsummer Night Swing, the Mostly Mozart Festival and Lincoln Center Out of Doors.

The venue said it hopes to hold a pop-up festival in "celebration of our great city" once it is safe to gather in-person again.

Lincoln Center will be reaching out to ticket-holders for cancelled events to facilitate donation or refund options. Ticket-holders can also contact their point of sale directly or call CenterCharge at 212.721.6500 to speak with a guest services representative, according to the venue.

They emphasized that ticket costs can be donated to the venue.

"Your support helps ensure the vitality of the arts now and into the future," they said. "...We are resolved not to lose sight of what connects us, and we hope you will follow us on social media and continue to be part of our community from wherever you are."

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