Free and Low-Cost Performances at Juilliard

Juilliard, founded in 1905, trains musicians, dancers and actors in its building on West 65th Street at Lincoln Center, and its students perform constantly: orchestra concerts, chamber music, jazz ensembles, fully staged operas, new plays and dance repertory. For the 2026–27 season the school says many performances are free and nearly all cost $50 or less, which makes it one of the most generous cultural offers in the city. The jazz program marks its 25th anniversary this season with concerts at the school and around town.

Browse the performance calendar on Juilliard's website and filter by division; free events still require a ticket reservation in many cases, so book once a date is released. Orchestra concerts in the larger halls and staged operas are the best value. Some events take place at outside venues and are ticketed there. Pair a performance with a walk across the Lincoln Center campus at night.