Festival of Firsts

The third annual Festival of Firsts at Lincoln Center from October 2–18, 2024 highlights artists exploring new horizons and celebrating major career milestones—from premiere performances in the U.S. and NYC to Lincoln Center debuts, album debuts, fresh collaborations, and so much more. Experience performers from across the globe, including Norway, Cuba, Chile, and Jordan; and witness groundbreaking moments by musical theater, pop, jazz, comedy, and indie folk stars... all for free at the David Rubenstein Atrium!

Upcoming Events

October 02 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Comedy in Español

Lincoln Center's First Comedy Night in Español

Lincoln Center Presents

October 02 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Be a part of history in the Atrium's very first Spanish-language comedy night, showcasing the side-splitting comedic chops of Spanish-speaking comedians!

October 03 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Truth Future Bachman's SECOND SIGHT

World Premiere

Lincoln Center Presents

October 03 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Sex, love, and music sow the seeds of change in SECOND SIGHT, a queer thriller by Truth Future Bachman.

October 04 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Y la Bamba

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 04 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Don’t miss the visionary band Y la Bamba in their Lincoln Center debut, fusing Indie pop and Mexican folk music into a global, experimental sound.

October 09 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Bendik Giske

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 09 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Don’t miss two-time Norwegian GRAMMY nominee, saxophonist Bendik Giske in his Lincoln Center debut!

October 10 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Amina Claudine Myers

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 10 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Pianist, organist, vocalist, composer, and educator Amina Claudine Myers makes her long overdue debut at Lincoln Center!

October 11 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Epidermis Circus: The Weirdest Puppet Show You’ve Ever Seen.

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 11 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Ingrid Hansen, puppeteer for the Jim Henson Company’s Fraggle Rock, makes her Lincoln Center debut with her award-winning spicy puppetry cabaret!

October 12 at 11:00 am

Festival of Firsts
Kids, Teens, and Families

Farah Siraj

World Premiere

Lincoln Center Presents

October 12 at 11:00 am

David Rubenstein Atrium

Farah and her band fuse Middle Eastern music, flamenco, jazz, bossa, and pop. Don't be surprised if she asks you to sing along with her!

October 16 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Alex Cuba

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 16 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Join GRAMMY Award winner Alex Cuba in his Lincoln Center debut as he mixes North American influences with Cuban folk traditions.

October 17 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts

Nova Materia

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 17 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

See the Lincoln Center debut of Nova Materia, the duet that uses raw and mineral materials to create powerful, hypnotic music.

October 18 at 7:30 pm

Festival of Firsts
¡VAYA!

Liza + Willie

Lincoln Center Debut

Lincoln Center Presents

October 18 at 7:30 pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Don’t miss rising stars and sensational bachata duo Liza + Willie as part of ¡VAYA!, a free showcase for NYC’s finest Latin music and dance traditions!