Advice on Free Castle Clinton Concerts

It depends entirely on the show. I used to work these concerts, and for some, people would be lining up by 2pm. Others, people would meander up after 5 and get a ticket with no problem. As a general rule, though, I would say that most people begin lining up a 3pm. Example: I worked on the Roky Ericson show on June 2, and a couple of diehards were there by 1pm. The line began to form in earnest by 3. The place was entirely "sold out" (so to speak) and packed by 5:30.

Castle Clinton is very small, so it really is worth it to wait a while to get your ticket. The seating is also first-come, first-served, and there is always a rush to claim seats down at the front, and many people often find themselves forced to stand. There is always standing room at the back, but people often try to stand along the sides or in the exit aisles, and someone [like myself! or a Parks Ranger] must ask them to move along because those areas need to be kept open for emergency egress.

So honestly, if you can stand it, get there by 3 or 4. Bring a book. Bring your ipod, and enjoy Battery Park. When you realize how small the venue is inside, and how up-close-and-personal you are to the performers, I think you'll decide it was worth killing a couple of hours.