Sunday, May 6, 2007

New Yorkers say Central Park is enjoyed best when you don't have a grand plan. That doesn't mean you have to just sit in the sun. Through Labor Day, the park comes alive with music, theater and other activities. -- Sue Kovach Shuman

* Taste of Summer. June 6, 7-11 p.m.

The official kickoff to summertime at Naumburg Bandshell (mid-park from 66th to 72nd Street) is this Central Park Conservancy fundraiser with tastings from more than 40 top restaurants. Dance under the under the stars to DJ-spun tunes. Tickets: $350 per person in advance ($250 is tax-deductible). Info: 212-310-6691.

* Harlem Meer Performance Festival. Sundays, May 27-Sept. 30 (except June 30), 4-6 p.m.

Local emerging and established artists perform Latin, jazz, gospel and other music at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue). Free. Info: 212-860-1370.

* Shakespeare in the Park. Tuesdays through Sundays, June 5-July 8, 8 p.m.

Camryn Manheim takes a break from her duties on CBS's "Ghost Whisperer" to be Nurse in "Romeo and Juliet" at the Delacorte Theater (mid-park at 80th Street). Free day-of-performance tickets (two per person) are available at the Delacorte at 1 p.m. (line starts forming about 9 a.m.) and at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette St.) from 1 to 3 p.m. Info: 212-539-8655.

* Dancing on the Plaza. Thursdays in August, 6-8:30 p.m.

Dance instruction at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is followed by dancing to live music under the stars. Free. Info: 212-860-1370.

* SummerStage. Various days/times beginning June 15.

Sponsored by the City Parks Foundation, SummerStage will present more than 30 free performances at Rumsey Playfield (enter the park at 69th Street and Fifth Avenue). Shows include punk rockers Television and new band Dragons of Zynth (June 16 at 3 p.m.). Benefit concerts to support SummerStage include R&B singer Joss Stone, rapper Common and singer Ryan Shaw on June 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Ticket info:http://www.bowerypresents.com/.)

The full SummerStage schedule will be released in mid-May. Info: 212-360-2777; http://www.cityparksfoundation.org.

* Metropolitan Opera. June 12-13, 8 p.m.

The Met performs Puccini's "La Boheme" June 12 and "Faust" June 13 on the Great Lawn (mid-park, 79th to 85th streets). The rain date is June 14. Free; no tickets needed. Info: 212-799-3100.

* Concerts in the Parks. July 11 and 17, 8 p.m.

The New York Philharmonic performs Berlioz, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky on July 11, with Ludovic Morlot conducting and Stefan Jackiw on violin. On July 17, Air Andrew Davis conducts Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." Both concerts on the Great Lawn. Free; no tickets needed. Info: 212-875-5709.

* New York Book Festival. June 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Near the Naumburg Bandshell, authors will read and sign their works, vendors will sell books, and musical and other entertainment will be provided for children. Info: 323-665-8068, http://www.newyorkbookfestival.com.

* Central Park Film Festival. Aug. 21-25, 8 p.m.

Films with scenes shot in New York City (including "Annie Hall" and "Ghostbusters") will be shown at Rumsey Playfield. Free.

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For more info on events, contact the City Parks Foundation at 212-360-1399 or the Central Park Conservancy at 212-310-6600.