China Institute Centennial Celebration: SummerStage Concert
For a century, China Institute of America has been dedicated to deepening the world’s understanding of China. In celebration of their Centennial, SummerStage brings two takes on the future sounds of Chinese pop to Central Park. The K-pop boy band NCT is so massive that it’s become its own ecosystem, spinning off members into their own sub-groups that establish their own voice. WayV are the fourth such to spin off—and its first China-based collective—recording pop songs that fuse hip-hop and dance with R&B-stylized vocals sung in Mandarin since their 2019 debut EP The Vision. They’re joined by THE EITHER, formed in New York in 2017. Their sound — Post-Orientalism — rebuilds Eastern elements for today, blending electrified traditional instruments, Chinese opera-inspired vocals, progressive rock energy, and compositions with a strong Eastern melodic identity into a bold, future-facing performance.
Entry FAQ for WayV / The Either / Chopstix
Will there be a ticketed/wristbanding system for entry?
As with all SummerStage free events, entry will be first-come first-serve. We will issue wristbands beginning at 11:00 AM on show day, August 2, 2026.
When are attendees allowed to line up?
Lines will open at 11:00 AM on August 2 at 72nd St & Fifth Ave. Wristbands will be handed out on a first-come first-serve basis. These bands will guarantee entry. Do not buy, sell, or transfer your wristband – they are free, non-transferable, and void if obtained off-site or tampered with.
Once you receive your wristband, keep it on and untouched all day. At 4:00 PM, if you have a wristband, you are permitted to come back and line up outside the venue for entry. Wristbands guarantee entry for the first hour of doors 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, after which the venue will open for any remaining attendees if space permits.
A general admission line for entry will also be available at the venue starting at 4:00PM for those without wristbands, first-come, first-served. Waiting in this line does not guarantee entry. Once this line exceeds capacity, the general line will be closed for entry.
Camping is strictly prohibited in Central Park. We will not allow lining up before 11:00 AM or camping overnight. Any camping or lines that attempt to form on Fifth Avenue or outside of doors will be dispersed by venue security or NYPD, including after 4:00 PM if there is believed to be a safety risk.
Do not block the Fifth Avenue sidewalk or crosswalks — follow all staff instructions.
What is permitted inside the venue?
Please follow the list of permitted items on our website FAQ. You are allowed to bring:
- Food
- Factory sealed plastic bottles and non-glass reusable bottles
- Strollers
- Hats, sunglasses, your phone – basic things you need to enjoy your time at SummerStage!
Do not bring large bags, banners, poles, or professional signs.
Are lightsticks allowed?
Yes, lightsticks are allowed inside the venue during this event. Lightsticks must not exceed 10 inches in length.
Will Capital One cardholders be permitted express entry?
Due to the expected demand for this show, there will not be a Capital One cardholder express entry line at door time, but instead a select number of guaranteed entry wristbands for Capital One cardholders only will be distributed simultaneously at the 11am wristband distribution. Only one (1) wristband will be distributed to each cardholder and must be applied to that person’s wrist. Cardholders must present their Capital One card or show their bank account with a valid photo ID.
Capital One cardholders who receive a wristband can return at 4:00 PM and join the entry line at the main SummerStage venue entrance.
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For real-time weather and Day of Show updates, announcements will be made via Instagram, X, Facebook, and our website. Please stay tuned.