MoMA PS1 Warm Up 2026: The Complete Guide to New York's Most Famous Summer Festival
Every summer, MoMA PS1 transforms its courtyard into one of New York's most electric cultural spaces. Warm Up is a festival that brings together electronic music, international DJs, contemporary art, and thousands of visitors in Long Island City, Queens.
It's a different kind of experience from a Broadway show or a traditional concert, blending culture, architecture, and music in a relaxed, open-air setting, inside the courtyard of one of the most influential contemporary art museums in the United States.
The History of MoMA PS1
Before becoming an internationally known museum, the building that now houses MoMA PS1 was a public school, the First Ward School, built in 1892 in Romanesque Revival style, with a red brick facade and ornate terra cotta detailing. The school closed in the early 1960s, and the building sat vacant for over a decade.
In 1971, curator Alanna Heiss founded the Institute for Art and Urban Resources, an organization dedicated to converting abandoned New York buildings into exhibition and studio spaces for artists. Five years later, in 1976, that organization found its permanent home in the old school building on Jackson Avenue, eventually becoming known as P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center.
In January 2000, the formal affiliation with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) began, the first partnership of its kind between a major encyclopedic museum and an independent contemporary art space in the United States. Since then, it's been known as MoMA PS1, and in 2026 the building marks 50 years as an uninterrupted art space in Long Island City.
How Long Has Warm Up Existed?
Warm Up was born in 1998 as a series of summer concerts organized by MoMA PS1. What started as a small event to promote emerging artists grew into one of New York's most important cultural festivals. Every summer it draws thousands of attendees and has featured DJs and musicians who later went on to international recognition.
In 2026, Warm Up reaches its 28th season, coinciding with the building's 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, this year's lineup brings back Lary 7, who played the very first Warm Up in 1998, alongside Detroit legend Marcellus Pittman, both performing on August 7, a direct nod to the festival's own history.
Why Is It So Famous?
Warm Up stands out because it combines electronic music, house, techno, hip hop, contemporary art, art installations, historic architecture, and a genuinely international crowd. It's considered one of the best urban summer festivals in New York, and its curatorial approach, with a focus on emerging artists and underrepresented subcultures, sets it apart from any conventional music festival.
MoMA PS1 Warm Up 2026 Dates
Fridays, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, and August 28, 2026.
Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
2026 Ticket Prices
General admission in advance: $25. General admission day-of: $35. Season Pass (expedited entry to all six dates): $95, or $75 for MoMA members. Prices are subject to availability, and the Season Pass typically sells while supplies last.
Note for Long Island City residents: residents with proof of address in zip codes 11101, 11106, and 11109 can claim one complimentary ticket per event, subject to availability.
Where MoMA PS1 Is Located
22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens, New York.
How to Get There
Subway: the 7, E, or M trains to Court Square, or the G train to 21 St-Van Alst. The museum is a short walk from any of these stations.
What You'll Find
International DJs, outdoor stages, contemporary art, immersive installations, food trucks, drinks, thousands of attendees, and a multicultural atmosphere. And a major new development for 2026: MoMA PS1 introduced free general admission for all visitors this year, meaning you can also explore the museum's exhibitions at no extra cost on the same day as Warm Up.
Tips
Buy tickets in advance, since the most popular dates sell out. Arrive early to avoid long entry lines. Wear light clothing, since the event is outdoors and gets crowded. Wear comfortable shoes, you'll be on your feet for hours. Check the weather before heading out; the event typically continues through light rain but may be adjusted in extreme conditions. And take the opportunity to explore Long Island City before or after the festival, since the neighborhood has plenty to offer on its own.
What to Do Nearby
Take advantage of your visit to check out Gantry Plaza State Park, Hunters Point South Park, the historic Pepsi-Cola sign overlooking the East River, the Noguchi Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park, and Roosevelt Island, all within easy reach of MoMA PS1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I leave and re-enter the event? Policy can vary year to year; confirm at momaps1.org before your visit, since many outdoor festivals don't allow re-entry once you leave the venue.
Is food and drink available at the event? Yes, Warm Up features food trucks and drink vendors inside the museum courtyard.
Is it suitable for all ages? Yes, Warm Up is designed to welcome audiences of all ages, though the atmosphere and evening hours make it an experience geared primarily toward adults and young people.
Is there parking near the museum? Parking in Long Island City is limited and variable; taking the subway is the most practical and recommended option.
What happens if it rains on the day of the event? The event typically continues through light rain. In extreme weather conditions, MoMA PS1 communicates changes or cancellations through its official site and social media, so it's worth checking before heading to the museum.
Is It Worth It?
If you're looking for an authentic New York experience during the summer, MoMA PS1 Warm Up is an excellent choice. It combines music, art, and culture in a unique setting that draws New Yorkers and travelers from around the world alike, in one of the most creatively charged neighborhoods in all of Queens.
Real's Tours NYC has been showing visitors the New York that extends beyond Manhattan since 2011, including Queens and its most vibrant neighborhoods.
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Sources
This article was researched using momaps1.org, official Warm Up 2026 program page and museum calendar; Time Out New York, "MoMA PS1 2026 Warm Up Lineup," June 2026; Hoodline, "LIC courtyard turns club as MoMA PS1 Warm Up drops global DJ heat," June 2026; BrooklynVegan, "MoMA PS1 Warm Up 2026 lineup announced," June 2026; press.moma.org, official Warm Up 2026 press release; and Wikipedia, "MoMA PS1," alongside the MoMA Research Library historical archive.
Real's Tours NYC is not affiliated with MoMA PS1 or the Museum of Modern Art. Confirmed dates, prices, and artists are subject to change; confirm current details at momaps1.org before attending.
