Best Things To Do in New York City This Week (August 11 – 17)
Searching for things to do in New York City from August 11 – 17? This week brings live music, dance parties, and block events across NYC. From community-driven fun to outdoor entertainment, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy summer in the city.
Things to do in New York City from August 11 – 17
Path of Liberty
Stroll down Lower Manhattan’s history route illuminated by lanterns, where guides weave stories from the Revolutionary era into today’s cityscape.
Website: https://pathoflibertynyc.com
Date: Ongoing
Where: Freedom Plaza, between East 38th Street and East 41st Street and First Avenue and the FDR Drive.
Price: Free
Katy Perry at Madison Square Garden
Pop icon Katy Perry performs her hits with a full stage production, choreography, and high-energy visuals.
Website: https://www.msg.com/events-tickets/katy-perry-madison-square-garden-august-2025/3B006229F1441942
Date: August 11
Where: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
Price: Tickets starting at $103
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow N’ Fire
See larger-than-life trucks perform jumps, crush cars, and race under glowing lights and pyrotechnics.
Website: https://ubsarena.com/event/monster-truck-show
Date: August 16–17
Where: UBS Arena, Queens
Price: Tickets starting at $25
Out of the Box Biodiversity Exhibit
Explore student-created artworks inspired by local ecosystems.
Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/08/16/ongoing-museum-exhibit-out-of-the-box-biodiversity-student-art
Date: August 16
Where: Rutan-Becket House, Conference House Park
Price: Free
India Day Parade
See float processions vendors, dance troupes, and cultural groups moving down Madison Avenue to honor Indian heritage and Independence Day. A colorful and lively community-led street event.
Website: https://www.fianynjct.org
Date: August 15 – 17
Where: Multiple locations
Price: Free
Blues BBQ Festival
Enjoy live blues music paired with barbecue vendors on the Hudson River’s waterfront. Food, music, and park views come together for a relaxed afternoon by the water.
Website: https://hudsonriverpark.org/visit/events/event/blues-bbq-festival-2025
Date: August 16
Where: Pier 76, Hudson River Park
Price: Free
Coney Island Sand Sculpting
Watch sculptors craft elaborate sand works beside the ocean at this beachside event.
Website: https://brooklyn.org/event/coney-island-sand-sculpting-competition
Date: August 16
Where: Coney Island Boardwalk at West 12th Street
MoMA PS1 Warm Up 2025
Catch live DJ sets and experimental performances in MoMA PS1’s courtyard, blending electronic rhythms with daytime energy. The event brings art and sound together in a summer setting.
Website: https://www.momaps1.org/en/programs/609-warm-up-2025
Date: August 1, 8, 15, 22
Where: MoMA PS1, Queens
Price: Ticketed
Brooklyn Rum Festival
Sample rum varieties from multiple regions, learn from distillers, and enjoy tastings paired with good food and music. Designed for those who want to sample and learn.
Website: https://www.bkrumfest.com
Date: August 16
Where: 153 26th Street, Brooklyn
Price: Tickets start at $65
Haza Summer Jam
A warehouse party in Brooklyn featuring DJs and live performers, blending global beats with local flavor. Expect dancing, visuals, and a youthful, social vibe.
Website: https://www.elsewhere.club/events/1415903949829
Date: August 16
Where: Elsewhere, Brooklyn
Price: Tickets starting at $27.84
Graffiti Hall of Fame 45th Annual Event
Watch street artists paint murals live, see live dance battles, shop vendors and more at this 2-day event.
Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/graffiti-hall-of-fame-45th-annual-edition-tickets-1478601128779
Date: August 16 – 17
Where: Graffiti Hall of Fame,106th Street and Park Avenue, New York
Price: Free with early bird RSVP, tickets starting at $12
Back‑to‑School Market
This back-to-school event features free storytime, face painting, and engaging games for kids, along with a wide selection of free books from Brooklyn Book Bodega. Families can also take advantage of complimentary bike repairs and a school supply giveaway provided by New York Cares.
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-market-tickets-1369097691049
Date: August 16
Where: 620 Schenck Avenue, Brooklyn
Price: Free entry
Hudson Kayak at Sunset
Paddle a 2-hour guided tour just before dusk while you take in city views from the water. All gear is provided and suitable for newcomers.
Website: https://kayakhudson.com/product/sunset-kayak-tour
Date: August 11–17
Where: Pier 96, Manhattan
Price: $79 – $89 per person
Azure Day Party
The Azure Day Party brings rooftop energy to Midtown with DJs, drinks, and views at Elsie Rooftop. Enjoy a lively afternoon of music, and dancing in the heart of the city.
Website: https://posh.vip/e/azure-day-party-august-17
Date: August 17
Where: ARLO WILLIAMSBURG (Rooftop)
Price: Tickets starting at $50
Silent Disco Party
Put on wireless headphones and choose your vibe at this all-ages silent dance party on Greene Ave. With multiple channels and genre-spanning playlists, everyone can move to their own rhythm, free entry with ID required.
Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2025/08/15/silent-disco-party
Date: August 16
Where: HVK South Terrace in Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
Price: Free
From music and movies to neighborhood events, it’s a great time to enjoy what’s happening across the city before summer starts to wind down. For more things to do in NYC this August, check out Central Park SummerStage: August Concerts You Can’t Miss.
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