In the last two years, if you’ve headed for the West Side Highway in the vicinity of Chelsea and the West Village, you may have noticed a giant floating park. Called Little Island, it’s also a performance space. The $260 million, 2.4-acre project was piloted by Barry Diller, who wished to create a new cultural hub; he’s promised $100 million to fund programming over the next two decades. Since opening in 2021, however, Little Island’s performances have not received enough recognition. Enter its summer festival—a new series of music, dance, theater, and opera scheduled from June to September. Partly organized by the producer Scott Rudin, the festival was designed to impress. The nine offerings begin with an evening-length work choreographed by Twyla Tharp, How Long Blues (June 1-23), and Robeson, in which the opera singer Davóne Tines explores the legacy of Paul Robeson in words and music (June 26-29). Seats are shockingly affordable! Most go for $25, but there will also be some free first-come-first-served spots. “I want to produce a smile,” Diller says. We’re smiling already. —Jeanne Malle