Who says your kids have to wait until they’re older to experience the music you grew up loving? The Rock and Roll Playhouse has announced a slate of New York City concerts for families, featuring everything from hip-hop to Queen, Taylor Swift, the Grateful Dead and the Beatles.
The first date is coming up fast: The Q Brothers bring Hip Hop for Families to Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Upcoming Rock and Roll Playhouse NYC shows
Saturday, October 24: The Q Brothers — Hip Hop for Families, Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, November 8: Music of Queen for Kids, Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, November 15: Music of Taylor Swift for Kids, Soho Live
Sunday, November 15: Music of Dave Matthews Band for Kids, Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, November 22: Music of Grateful Dead for Kids, Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, November 29: Music of The Beatles for Kids, Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, December 13: Music of Taylor Swift for Kids, Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, December 27: Music of Olivia Rodrigo for Kids, Brooklyn Bowl
Live music for the whole family
These performances give parents an excuse to share familiar songs with their kids in a live setting. Whether your household is more Beatles than Swifties—or somewhere in between—the fall and holiday lineup offers several ways to make a family music outing happen.
Showtimes, ticket prices, age guidance and availability may vary by performance, so check the event listings before heading out. Find details and tickets through The Rock and Roll Playhouse.
Source: The Rock and Roll Playhouse October 19, 2026 email announcement. Event details are subject to change.
Banana Ball is headed to New York City! The Savannah Bananas and Firefighters are scheduled to bring their high-energy baseball entertainment to NYC on May 28 and 29, 2027—and families interested in tickets have a deadline coming up much sooner.
New York City is about to get louder—in a good way. HONK NYC! returns October 15–18, 2026, celebrating 20 years of brass bands, percussion and community-powered music across Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.
Rather than a single-ticket concert, HONK spreads performances across neighborhood spaces, including outdoor locations. Organizers describe the four-day program as a mix of free and affordable events, with music drawing on jazz, bhangra, Afro-Caribbean traditions and more.
Highlights from the 2026 schedule
Thursday, October 15: Opening night at Fifth Hammer Brewing in Long Island City, 6:30–9:30 p.m., with No Small Money Brass Band, Bhangra Liberation Orchestra and a participatory jam.
Friday, October 16: A Ghost Band event brings music to Midtown. Saturday, October 17: An afternoon performance is scheduled in Washington Square Park. Sunday, October 18: HONK! The Open Streets fills Underhill Plaza in Prospect Heights with afternoon music, followed by an evening finale at Loove Annex in Brooklyn.
Is it a good family outing?
For families with children who enjoy live music, the daytime outdoor events are worth considering. Because individual performances have different venues, hours and settings, check each listing before attending with younger kids. Some evening venues may be more adult-oriented.
New Yorkers looking for a quick escape from the usual weekday routine can take a very small break—literally—when MGA’s Miniverse brings a free, one-day pop-up to Astor Place Plaza on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The event, called NYC’s Smallest Break, runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to the public. Inspired by the tiny collectible creations of MGA’s Miniverse, the experience promises a playful change of pace in the middle of Manhattan.
What to expect at the Miniverse pop-up
According to the event invitation shared with DaDa Rocks by Falkowitz PR, visitors can explore a miniaturized New York City bodega, try a giant vending-machine game for Miniverse products and prizes, and pick up free coffee and snacks. The organizers also plan to hand out “Take a Mini Break” stickers or postcards, along with a giveaway for visitors.
It’s designed as a quick stop, whether you’re taking a lunch break, passing through the neighborhood, or exploring the city with a toy-loving friend or family member. Prize availability and any participation restrictions were not specified in the invitation, so visitors should not assume particular items are guaranteed.
Because this is a one-day event, consider checking for any last-minute changes before making a special trip. The invitation does not specify recommended ages, accessibility arrangements, or whether giveaways are limited while supplies last.
