Founded By Broadway Free Times Square Concert Celebrates Nycs 400Th Anniversary

The "Founded By Broadway" concert represents a significant cultural event offering free entertainment to the public in Times Square. Scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, this open-air concert will celebrate the 400th anniversary of New York City while showcasing performances from 23 acclaimed Broadway productions. The event, which is part of the larger "Founded By NYC" campaign, will take place in Duffy Square between West 46th and 47th Streets from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, rain or shine. With no tickets required, this free concert provides an accessible opportunity for both New Yorkers and visitors to experience the magic of Broadway without admission fees.

Event Overview and Purpose

"Founded By Broadway" is a marquee event within the year-long "Founded By NYC" campaign, which commemorates 400 years of New York City history through various cultural celebrations across the five boroughs. The concert specifically highlights Broadway's vital role in the city's cultural and economic development. As Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League, stated, "There's only one Broadway and there's only one New York City. The heart of Times Square is the perfect place to celebrate Broadway's legacy."

The event is being organized through a collaboration between New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, NYC Tourism + Conventions, and The Broadway League. This partnership underscores the importance of Broadway as both a cultural cornerstone and economic engine for the city. The concert aims to showcase the energy, talent, and storytelling that define New York and have inspired audiences worldwide.

Julie Coker, president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, emphasized the significance of this free event for visitors: "Broadway is synonymous with a visit to New York City, and what better way to celebrate 400 years than with a free, live concert in the center of it all, Times Square." The celebration also coincides with the kickoff of NYC Broadway Week, which offers theatergoers special 2-for-1 ticket promotions at numerous productions across the city.

Event Details and Logistics

The "Founded By Broadway" concert is meticulously planned to provide an optimal experience for attendees:

• Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Location: Duffy Square in Times Square (between West 46th and 47th Streets, Broadway and 7th Avenue)
• Cost: Free admission, no tickets required
• Weather Policy: The event will proceed rain or shine
• Website: nyctourism.com/foundedbybroadway

The venue, Duffy Square, is centrally located in Times Square, making it easily accessible via public transportation. The square will be transformed into an open-air stage, allowing for maximum visibility and crowd capacity. Event organizers have ensured that the space can accommodate large numbers of attendees while maintaining a comfortable viewing experience.

The concert is scheduled for the morning hours (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM), which may help manage crowd size and provide a more comfortable experience, especially considering the rain-or-shine policy. Morning events also typically allow attendees to enjoy the concert and still have time for other activities later in the day.

Participating Broadway Productions

One of the most remarkable aspects of the "Founded By Broadway" concert is the impressive lineup of 23 celebrated Broadway shows. This diverse roster represents both long-running hits and newer productions, offering a comprehensive showcase of Broadway's current offerings:

• Aladdin
• & Juliet
• The Book of Mormon
• Buena Vista Social Club
• Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
• Chicago
• Death Becomes Her
• The Great Gatsby
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
• Hell's Kitchen
• Just in Time
• The Lion King
• Mamma Mia!
• Maybe Happy Ending
• MJ
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical
• Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
• The Outsiders
• Punch
• SIX: The Musical
• Stranger Things: The First Shadow
• Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
• Wicked

This impressive lineup spans multiple genres and styles, from classic musicals and contemporary productions to plays based on popular culture phenomena. The inclusion of both established shows like "Wicked," "The Lion King," and "Chicago" alongside newer productions like "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" and "Operation Mincemeat" provides a comprehensive snapshot of Broadway's current landscape.

Many of the performers will reportedly walk directly from their theaters to participate in the concert, then return to prepare for their regularly scheduled matinee performances. This logistical feat highlights the dedication and talent of Broadway performers and the efficiency of the production teams.

Hosts and Production Elements

The concert will be hosted by two prominent Broadway personalities: - Christopher Sieber, currently starring in "Death Becomes Her" - Jessica Vosk, currently starring in "Hell's Kitchen"

These hosts, with their extensive Broadway experience, will guide the audience through the performances, providing context and maintaining the celebratory atmosphere of the event.

All performances will be accompanied by live music, courtesy of The Music Performance Trust Fund and the Film Funds. This ensures that the concert maintains the authentic sound quality and energy that audiences expect from Broadway productions, even in an outdoor setting. The live music component is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of the performances while adapting to the unique challenges of an open-air venue.

Audience Experience and Accessibility

The "Founded By Broadway" concert is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, with no tickets or reservations required. This open-access approach aligns with the spirit of celebration and commemoration that defines the event. Attendees can simply arrive at Duffy Square on the morning of September 7, 2025, and find a spot to enjoy the performances.

Based on similar events described in the sources, the audience is expected to be a diverse mix of: - Local New Yorkers - Tourists specifically visiting for the event - Passersby who happen upon the celebration

This diversity creates a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the multicultural character of New York City itself. As one attendee of a similar event noted, "When I think of New York, I think of Broadway, but we didn't think we'd be walking around and get to see it all just happening in the middle of Times Square."

The concert's timing in the morning may also make it more accessible to different segments of the population, including families with children and those who might prefer daytime events over evening ones. The rain-or-shine policy ensures that the event will proceed regardless of weather conditions, though attendees are encouraged to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

Connection to NYC Broadway Week

The "Founded By Broadway" concert coincides with the launch of NYC Broadway Week, a promotion that offers 2-for-1 ticket admissions to numerous productions across the city. This alignment creates a unique opportunity for theater enthusiasts to experience both a free preview of multiple shows and discounted access to full performances.

NYC Broadway Week has become an anticipated annual event that makes Broadway more accessible to a wider audience by reducing the financial barrier to attendance. The combination of the free concert and the discounted ticket promotions represents a comprehensive approach to celebrating Broadway's cultural significance while making it more accessible to both locals and visitors.

For tourists planning a trip to New York City, this timing provides an excellent opportunity to experience Broadway in multiple ways: through the free outdoor concert and through discounted indoor performances. For local residents, it offers a chance to reconnect with Broadway or discover new shows they might not have considered seeing.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

The "Founded By Broadway" concert holds significant cultural importance beyond its entertainment value. As part of the "Founded By NYC" campaign, the event contributes to telling a complete story of the city's 400-year history. The initiative aims to highlight the contributions of Indigenous people, women, and communities of color, acknowledging the diverse influences that have shaped New York City.

Broadway's role in this narrative is particularly significant, as the theater district has been a cultural and economic cornerstone of the city for decades. The concert serves as both a celebration of this legacy and a demonstration of Broadway's continued relevance in the 21st century.

The event also represents a broader trend of making cultural experiences more accessible to the public. By offering a high-quality, star-studded performance free of charge, organizers are ensuring that Broadway's magic is available to everyone, regardless of their ability to purchase tickets to indoor theaters. This democratization of cultural experiences aligns with New York City's identity as a place where arts and culture are accessible to all.

Practical Information for Attendees

For those planning to attend the "Founded By Broadway" concert, several practical considerations can enhance the experience:

1. Arrival Time: Given the popularity of free events in Times Square, arriving early is advisable to secure a good viewing spot. The concert begins at 11:00 AM, so arriving by 10:00 AM or earlier would be prudent.

2. Transportation: Duffy Square is easily accessible via multiple subway lines (the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines all have stops in or near Times Square). Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking in the area and expected pedestrian congestion.

3. What to Bring: Depending on the weather forecast, attendees may want to bring:

   • Folding chairs or blankets for seating (if allowed)
   • Rain gear (umbrellas or ponchos)
   • Sunscreen and hats (if the forecast calls for sunny weather)
   • Water bottles
   • Snacks

4. Accessibility: The event organizers have not specified accessibility details in the provided sources, but Duffy Square typically has accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Those with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to check the official website (nyctourism.com/foundedbybroadway) for more information.

5. Nearby Amenities: Times Square offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and restrooms that attendees can use before or after the concert.

6. Post-Concert Activities: With NYC Broadway Week launching the same day, attendees may consider taking advantage of the 2-for-1 ticket offers to see one of the participating shows in the afternoon or evening.

Conclusion

The "Founded By Broadway" concert represents a remarkable opportunity for the public to experience the magic of Broadway without admission fees. As part of New York City's 400th anniversary celebrations, this free outdoor concert in Times Square brings together performances from 23 acclaimed Broadway productions, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.

The event's significance extends beyond entertainment value, serving as both a celebration of Broadway's historical role in New York City and a demonstration of its continued cultural and economic importance. By making this high-quality performance accessible to all, regardless of their ability to purchase theater tickets, the event embodies the inclusive spirit that defines New York City.

For theater enthusiasts, the concert offers a rare opportunity to see performances from multiple shows in a single setting. For tourists, it provides an authentic Broadway experience that complements their sightseeing. For local residents, it offers a convenient and accessible way to reconnect with one of the city's most iconic cultural institutions.

As September 7, 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for this marquee event in the heart of Times Square. Whether you're a die-hard Broadway fan, a casual theatergoer, or simply someone looking for a free cultural experience in New York City, the "Founded By Broadway" concert promises to be a celebration not to be missed.

Sources

1. Announcing a FREE Broadway Concert in Times Square!
2. Free Broadway performances draw crowds to Times Square
3. Free Broadway concert in Times Square to celebrate NYC's 400th birthday
4. Founded By Broadway: A Free Live Concert on September 7, 2025
5. Broadway is staging a massive free concert in Times Square