Best Things To Do in New York City This August
Looking for the best things to do in New York City this August? From outdoor film nights and live DJ sets to food pop-ups and neighbourhood parades, the month is filled with public events, pop culture, and outdoor fun. Use this guide to plan your month and make the most of the city while the summer is in full swing.
Best Things To Do in New York City This August
Free Shakespeare in the Park
The Public Theater returns with Twelfth Night at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, reopening August 7, 2025, after major renovations. This well-known event is free to attend. It’s a relaxed, outdoor way to enjoy live theatre in the middle of Manhattan.
Website: https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2425/fsitp/twelfth-night
Date: August 7 – September 14
Where: Delacorte Theater, Central Park
Price: Free
Sneaker Con
Sneaker Con returns to NYC August 9–10, bringing collectors, sellers, and fans of sneaker culture under one roof. Attendees can browse rare drops, meet designers, and participate in live events. Expect a wide range of limited-edition gear.
Website: https://sneakercon.com/event/sneaker-con-new-york-august-9-10-2025
Date: August 9–10
Where: Brooklyn Store House
Price: 1 Day general admission $32
African PopUp Festival
This cultural festival at Hillel Plaza features over 30 marketplace vendors and 15 food vendors (including vegan, traditional, and non-vegan chefs). Enjoy music by Afrobeat DJs Backbreaker and Gemini, plus live sets from Alain Nkossi Konda, Okeke, Summer 04, PrincePin, and others.
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/african-popup-festival-2025-summer-edition-tickets-1061583628209
Date: August 23
Where: Hillel Plaza
Price: Free
Brooklyn Unity Fest
Brooklyn Unity Fest brings together artists, performers, small businesses, and community organizations for a full day of music and activities.
Website: https://www.brooklynunityfest.com
Date: August 2
Where: Old Boys Field
Price: Ticket prices vary
NYC Restaurant Week
Hundreds of restaurants across NYC will offer fixed-price menus through August 17, allowing you to try a wide variety of dishes across cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials are priced at $30, $45, or $60.
Website: https://www.nyctourism.com/restaurant-week
Date: July 21 – August 17
Where: Various restaurants throughout the city
Price: $30–$60
NYC Summer Streets
Select streets across NYC are closed to cars every Saturday in August, opening them up for pedestrians, cyclists, and fitness programs. You can walk along Park Avenue, get handed some free goodies from sponsors, and check out pop-up installations.
Website: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml
Date: Saturdays: July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23
Where: Park Avenue and other routes
Price: Free
Harlem Week
Harlem Week spans several weeks and includes everything from concerts and street fairs to community events and local business showcases. It highlights Harlem’s history and current creative scene. Some activities are ticketed, while others are open to all.
Website: https://harlemweek.com
Date: August 1 – 17
Where: Various locations
Price: Free and ticketed events
K-Pop Club Night
This 18+ event is hosted at a local NYC club and features a full lineup of K-pop hits, fan interactions, and DJ sets. You’ll find photo areas, themed drinks, and high-energy dancing. Great for K-pop fans of all ages.
Website: https://kpopclubnight.com
Date: August 9
Where: Irving Plaza
Price: Tickets starting at $32
Dominican Day Parade
The Dominican Day Parade brings music, dancing, and large floats to 6th Avenue. It celebrates Dominican heritage and attracts a large crowd every year. Street vendors, performances, and local groups all take part.
Website: https://natddp.org
Date: August 10
Where: 6th Avenue, Manhatten
Bryant Park Movie Nights
Bryant Park hosts Mondday outdoor movie nights on the lawn, offering a relaxed way to wind down with friends or family. Starting at 5pm, you can grab food curated by Hester Street Fair on the Fountain Terrace and summer drinks from the bar tent beside the screen, with featured selections by Stout NYC.
Website: https://bryantpark.org/activities/movie-nights
Date: Every Monday until August 11
Where: Bryant Park
Price: Free
Anime NYC
This large-scale convention brings anime fans together for panels, concerts, cosplay, and merch, and it stands out as one of the best things to do in New York City this August.
Website: https://animenyc.com
Date: August 21 – 24
Where: Javits Center
Price: Tickets starting at $50
US Open & Fan Week
Before the tennis tournament begins, Fan Week gives the public access to free practices, qualifiers, and behind-the-scenes views. Once the tournament starts, ticket holders can watch matches featuring top-ranked players.
Website: https://www.usopen.org/en_US/fan-week/fan-week.html
Date: August 18 – 23 Fan Week, Tournament begins August 24
Where: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Price: Free and ticketed events
Z100 Summer Bash
This free concert event includes performances from top-charting pop artists and DJ
Website: https://z100.iheart.com/featured/z100s-summer-bash
Date: August 7
Where: Hudson Yards
Price: Free
Jazz Age Lawn Party
Step back in time at this themed event on Governors Island featuring 1920s-style music, outfits, and dancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear vintage clothing and enjoy the live jazz bands and picnic atmosphere.
Website: https://jazzagelawnparty.com
Date: August 9–10
Where: Governors Island
Price: General admission $45
Festival of Cinema NYC
This independent film festival screens work from international filmmakers, with Q&As, awards, and networking opportunities. With a range of indie films and emerging talent, it’s one of the best things to do in New York City this August.
Website: https://www.festivalofcinemanyc.com
Date: August 1–10
Where: Forest Hills, Queens
Price: $18 per showing (10 ticket bundle $145)
Diane Arbus Exhibit
Featuring more than 450 works, this exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory highlights the legacy of photographer Diane Arbus. The gallery layout is immersive and unconventional.
Website: https://www.armoryonpark.org/programs_events/detail/constellation
Date: Ends August 17
Venue: Park Avenue Armory
Price: Tickets $25
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
This long-running music event honors Charlie Parker with live jazz performances at parks and venues across Harlem. Events are open to the public and include both local and touring acts.
Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/charlieparker
Date: August 22 – 24
Venue: Various locations
Price: Free
August in New York is packed with music, markets, parades, and pop-ups taking over streets and parks throughout the five boroughs. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy some of the best things to do in New York City this August. To get even more out of your August in NYC, check out these Must-Catch Concerts in New York City This August.
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