August in New York

August in New York City is full of exciting events, offering everything from outdoor festivals and concerts to cultural celebrations and sporting events. As the summer winds down, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the warm weather, and the city comes alive with activities for locals and visitors alike. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events happening in New York City in August.

U.S. Open Tennis Championships

• Dates: Late August to early September
• Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens
• Description: One of the biggest sporting events of the year, the U.S. Open kicks off in late August, attracting the world’s top tennis players and thousands of fans. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, the tournament is a must-see for tennis enthusiasts, with exciting matches across all divisions, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The grounds also feature food courts and shops, offering a festive atmosphere.

Summer Streets

• Dates: First three Saturdays in August
• Location: Park Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park
• Description: Summer Streets is an annual event where seven miles of streets are closed to traffic, turning them into a pedestrian paradise. The event spans three Saturdays in August, allowing people to walk, bike, run, or skate freely along Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park. Along the route, you’ll find free fitness classes, art installations, performances, and activities like rock climbing and zip-lining. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the city in a car-free environment.

Harlem Week

• Dates: Late July to mid-August
• Location: Harlem (various locations)
• Description: Harlem Week is a multi-week festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Harlem. Events range from musical performances and fashion shows to health expos and street fairs. Some of the highlights include live jazz, gospel, and R&B performances, as well as outdoor film screenings and cultural showcases. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant history and culture of one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

• Dates: Late July to early August
• Location: Lincoln Center Plaza
• Description: Lincoln Center Out of Doors is a free annual summer festival featuring outdoor performances of music, dance, and spoken word at Lincoln Center Plaza. The festival showcases a wide range of genres, from classical and world music to jazz, rock, and contemporary dance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy world-class performances in an open-air setting with no cost of admission.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

• Dates: Early August (usually the first weekend)
• Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
• Description: The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is a colorful and exciting event that celebrates Chinese culture with traditional dragon boat races on Meadow Lake. More than 200 teams compete in this thrilling water race, while onshore, you can enjoy cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and delicious Asian cuisine. It’s a lively festival that draws thousands of spectators and participants, making it one of the largest dragon boat festivals in the U.S.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival

• Dates: Throughout August (runs June to August)
• Location: Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn
• Description: The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is a beloved summer tradition featuring free outdoor concerts at the Prospect Park Bandshell. The festival offers a diverse lineup of musical genres, including indie rock, jazz, hip-hop, and world music. It’s a great way to enjoy live music in a laid-back outdoor setting, and there are food and drink vendors available, making it the perfect spot for a summer evening picnic.

Central Park SummerStage

• Dates: Throughout August
• Location: Central Park, Rumsey Playfield (East 72nd Street)
• Description: Central Park SummerStage is a popular outdoor concert series held at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, featuring performances from artists across all genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, classical, and world music. Many of the concerts are free, and the festival attracts a wide range of talent, from up-and-coming artists to well-known musicians. SummerStage also offers dance performances, poetry readings, and theater, making it a versatile arts festival.

NYC Restaurant Week

• Dates: Late July to mid-August
• Location: Various participating restaurants across NYC
• Description: NYC Restaurant Week offers food lovers the chance to dine at some of the city’s best restaurants at a fraction of the cost. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus, allowing diners to enjoy a three-course meal at a set price. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience New York’s diverse dining scene, with restaurants offering everything from high-end fine dining to local favorites in a range of cuisines, including Italian, French, Japanese, and more.

Afropunk Festival

• Dates: Late August
• Location: Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn
• Description: Afropunk Festival is a celebration of African-American culture, featuring live performances from artists in the genres of punk, hip-hop, R&B, and rock. The festival promotes inclusivity and self-expression, with art installations, fashion, and a marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses. Afropunk is known for its bold, eclectic style, drawing a diverse crowd of creatives, musicians, and artists.

Battery Dance Festival

• Dates: Mid-August
• Location: Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, Battery Park City
• Description: The Battery Dance Festival is the city’s longest-running free public dance festival, bringing together dancers and choreographers from around the world. Performances take place in the scenic Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, with the Statue of Liberty as the backdrop. The festival offers a mix of dance styles, including contemporary, ballet, and traditional forms, and it’s a fantastic way to experience international and local talent in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Jazz Age Lawn Party

• Dates: Mid-August
• Location: Governors Island
• Description: Step back in time to the roaring 1920s at the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. This popular event is a celebration of Jazz Age music, fashion, and culture, with attendees dressed in vintage attire and dancing to live jazz and swing music. The event also features dance lessons, a vintage car exhibition, and picnicking on the lawn. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a bit of nostalgia while taking in the stunning views of Manhattan from Governors Island.

Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk

• Dates: Open throughout the summer, with events in August
• Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn
• Description: August is the perfect time to visit Coney Island, with its lively boardwalk, amusement parks, and iconic beach. In addition to classic attractions like the Cyclone roller coaster and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, there are special summer events like Friday night fireworks, concerts, and street performances. Take a dip in the ocean, grab some ice cream, or ride the Wonder Wheel while enjoying the end of summer by the beach.

Shakespeare in the Park

• Dates: Early August (final performances of the season)
• Location: Delacorte Theater, Central Park
• Description: Shakespeare in the Park is one of New York City’s most beloved cultural traditions, offering free performances of Shakespeare’s plays in the stunning outdoor setting of Central Park’s Delacorte Theater. Although tickets are free, they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and lines can start early. For theater lovers, it’s an iconic experience to watch a Shakespearean play under the stars, surrounded by nature.

Movies Under the Stars

• Dates: Throughout August
• Location: Various parks across NYC
• Description: Movies Under the Stars is a free outdoor movie series hosted by NYC Parks, offering screenings of classic films, blockbusters, and family favorites in parks across the city. Grab a blanket and head to a local park to enjoy a movie under the open sky. Popular parks hosting screenings include Bryant Park, Central Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s a laid-back way to spend a summer evening with friends or family.

India Day Parade

• Date: Mid-August (around Indian Independence Day, August 15)
• Location: Madison Avenue, from 38th Street to 26th Street
• Description: The India Day Parade celebrates India’s Independence Day and is one of the largest Indian cultural parades outside of India. The parade features vibrant floats, live music, traditional dance performances, and delicious Indian food. It’s a fantastic way to experience Indian culture, with participants dressed in colorful attire and waving the Indian flag, celebrating India’s history and heritage.

Tips for Attending August Events in NYC

• Stay Hydrated: August can be hot and humid in New York City, especially during outdoor events. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated while attending festivals and outdoor activities.
• Use Public Transportation: With large crowds attending many of these events, public transportation is often the easiest way to get around. The subway and buses are convenient for reaching most event venues.
• Arrive Early for Free Events: For popular free events like Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage, it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot, as these events can draw large crowds.

Conclusion

August in New York City is full of exciting events that cater to all interests, from music and food festivals to cultural celebrations and sporting events. Whether you’re attending the U.S. Open, enjoying live music at Central Park SummerStage, or soaking up the sun at Coney Island, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as summer winds down in the city.