Visiting New York City in August is not for the faint of heart. The summer heat and (intense) humidity requires a certain gumption. However, sometimes August is the only option available, thankfully there’s plenty to do, assuming you take adequate breaks and give yourself permission to go at a slower pace.
There is no shortage of fun things to do in NYC in August, so we’ve rounded-up the can’t-miss events happening this summer.
Load up on sunscreen, start your days early and don’t you dare think about leaving the hotel without a water bottle in hand! Let’s cover everything you need to know about visiting New York City in August.
Tips for Visiting NYC in August
August Weather in New York City
There’s no need to sugarcoat it, New York City in August is hot! Most of the city is concrete and cement, which absorbs heat and creates what scientist call the urban heat island effect.
To keep things short and sweet, urban heat island effect is where an island’s temperature is up to 7 degrees higher than the surrounding area. In NYC it’s boosted by the tons of concrete that retain heat longer than greenery would.
Now that’s not to say you can’t enjoy yourself when visiting NYC in August. Instead I encourage you to take the necessary precautions to not fall victim to the heat. Stay hydrated, wear your sunscreen and stop for breaks!
Things to Do in New York City in August
Table of Contents: Things to Do in New York City in August
Table of Contents: Things to Do in New York City in August
- Tips for Visiting NYC in August
- August Weather in New York City
- Things to Do in New York City in August
- Enjoy a Picnic in Central Park
- Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park
- Attend an Event at Bryant Park
- Take Advantage of Summer Streets
- Enjoy Jazz at Pier 84
- Celebrate International Beer Day
- See at Outdoor Movie at Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown
- Go Stargazing on the High Line
- Make Reservations at Grand Banks
- Indulge at Smorgasburg
- Visit Governor’s Island for Free
- Cheer on the Dominican Day Parade
- Free Kayaking on the Hudson
- Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Free Fridays
- Attend the U.S. Open
- Eat Your Weight in Ice Cream
- Enjoy Brooklyn’s Rooftop Bars
- Explore Coney Island
- Catch a Yankees Game
- August Festivals in New York City
- Best things to do in New York City in August (Post Summary)
- Map of New York City August Activities
Enjoy a Picnic in Central Park
But I’m going to be honest with you, August in NYC is hot… too damn hot. So don’t make the mistake of planning a lunch in the park unless you’re trying to overheat.
Instead opt for an early breakfast in the park or an evening dinner. Find the shadiest bench or spot on the grass and park yourself with a delicious meal in hand and watch the sun go down.
This is one of the most affordable things to do in NYC in August since you can keep things simple. Now the question stands which park is the best?
If helpful, here’s a list of my favorite parks for picnicking
- Central Park
- Bryant Park
- Domino Park
- Little Island
- Riverside Park
Need more suggestions? Check out 15 ICONIC New York City Parks You Can’t Afford to Miss.
Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park
Ever wanted to learn how to dance but had no idea where to begin? Well, I know just the spot if you’re seeking to get your heart racing and enjoy one of the greatest things to do in NYC in August.
Starting Thursday June 1st, Hudson River Park is turning Pier 76 into one big dance floor. Every Thursday until August folks are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and try their hand at Salsa dancing. I know this may sound intimidating but once you get going it’s hard to stop.
Beginners lessons start at 6:30pm that will have you feeling confident in no time. By the time the dance floor opens (7:15pm), everyone is grooving. It’s a great time for novices, amateurs and pros. Two left feet welcome!
It’s hard not to enjoy yourself when partaking in one of the best things to do in New York City in August.
Something to note: This is a free event. However Hudson River Park is not funded by the city so free events thrive off of donations. You can show your support by donating here.
Attend an Event at Bryant Park
The park is constantly bustling with different activities and hosting multiple events throughout the entire month. There’s simply no shortage of things to do in NYC this August at Bryant Park. Don’t believe me? Check out the park’s calendar.
Take Advantage of Summer Streets
One of the coolest things to do in New York City in August is to get outside and take advantage of the people-filled streets. Between the workshops, vendors and other programming there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy Jazz at Pier 84
Attending the Hudson River Park’s Jazz at Pier 84 performance is one of the best free things to do in New York City in August. This summer, on every Wednesday, local legends will serenade the crowd while they gaze over the picturesque Hudson River.
The event runs from 7 to 8:30 PM, making for a memorable evening. Bring a loved one, some snacks and a blanket to sit on the lawn and enjoy one of the best things to do in NYC this August.
Celebrate International Beer Day
Luckily one of the best things to do in NYC this August is to go HAM on International Beer Day. Don’t worry since it’s a “holiday” it’s socially acceptable to start as early as you’d like. New York City doesn’t play second fiddle so the options of amazing breweries, local pubs and dive bars are endless.
Here is a round up of articles that will help you decide where to celebrate International Beer Day this August in NYC:
- 10 Thirst-Quenching Brooklyn Breweries Guaranteed to Impress
- 20 Buzz-Worthy Breweries in New York City (Local’s Guide)
See at Outdoor Movie at Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown
Prepare yourself for a movie viewing experience unlike anything you could imagine. Thanks to the Rooftop Cinema Club, you can watch some of the most timeless films under the open sky in New York City in August.
On the roof of the Embassy Suites in Midtown you’ll find lounge chairs and personal headphones to maximize comfort during your movie. The hotel provides a full bar and restaurant, and you’ll also find a concessions stand with typical movie snacks. This fun New York City August activity is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Arriving early and with your full party is paramount since the seats are first come first serve. Doors open an hour before the showing so there’s ample time for drinks and snacks too. The summer in New York City is never boring thanks to the Rooftop Cinema Club.
Go Stargazing on the High Line
Would you believe me if I told you that New York City offers free stargazing? That’s all thanks to the helpful members of the Amateur Astronomers Association. As one of the best free things to do in NYC in August, trust me when I tell you — you don’t want to miss out on this.
Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the High Line, a former elevated cargo line turned beloved New York City park. You don’t have to be Neil deGrasse Tyson to enjoy the beauty of our universe thanks this incredible New York City summer activity.
This is an excellent activity for both inexperienced and expert stargazers alike because the helpful members of the association are there to assist and answer any questions.
Bonus: If you need another reason as to why visiting the High Line is one of the best things to do in New York City in August let me help you. In the summer months the park brings in vendors that sell artwork, drinks and even ice cream. It’s a fun spot to bring the family to burn off some energy and to leave with a treat!
Make Reservations at Grand Banks
During the colder months, New Yorkers bid farewell to the delicious waterfront restaurant and count down the days until Grand Banks has its grand reopening. So if you find yourself visiting in the summer and are looking for things to do in New York City in August, I suggest making a beeline to this popular dining spot.
Located on Pier 25 in Tribeca, Grand Banks has caused massive waves and has gained the attention of all the bigwigs in New York City. Indeed, the waterfront restaurant has rave reviews from CNN Travel, The Observer and New York Magazine. Which only help draw in bigger crowds.
With so many eyes focused on Grand Banks, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t let you know dining here is one of the best things to do in New York City in August. Consider this an inside scoop and make reservations now!
Fun Fact: The ship (technically it’s a schooner) is named the Sherman Zwicker and was hand-built in 1942. In fact, it’s the largest wooden vessel in New York City!
Indulge at Smorgasburg
If you consider yourself to be a foodie, even in the slightest, one of the best things to do in New York City in August is to welcome the return of Smorgasburg, also referred to as “The Woodstock of Eating.”
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly outdoor food market in the U.S. Vendors from all across the Big Apple pitch canopies and come together enabling you to try a variety of the city’s best cuisines all in one place.
The event is hosted in three NYC neighborhoods. On Fridays they set up shop outside the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Saturdays is the original (and most popular) location in Williamsburg Brooklyn and Sundays they’re in Prospect Park (also in Brooklyn).
With more than 60 vendors you’ll find a broad variety of eats. If you do it right you’ll have to be rolled home. Plus, the portions at Smorgasburg are usually on the smaller side, enabling you to try a plethora of options.
One of the best things to do in New York City in August is meeting up with friends and jumping from vendor to vendor trying all the delicious food.
This is one of the most popular events in New York City in August, drawing 20,000 – 30,000 visitors every weekend!
Visit Governor’s Island for Free
Only a 10 minute ferry ride from lower Manhattan, Governor’s Island is a relaxing reprieve from the nonstop pace of New York City in summer.
You will find history dating back to the Revolutionary War at the island making it a great spot for history buffs. You can walk around Fort Jay and Castle Williams which are both run by the National Park Service.
There will be some exciting events hosted at Governor’s Island this August in NYC. This summer you’ll find the Jazz Age Lawn Party, Urban Farm Tour and an ice cream social fun-run. Some of these events may require tickets however, info can be found here.
If at the end of the day relaxing is more your style I suggest you bring a book and hang out at Hammock Grove. It’s a dedicated space for an array of hammocks available for visitors to enjoy. August in NYC is a fantastic time to visit Governors Island, where you can spend the day exploring or relaxing.
You might enjoy reading: 12 Fun Things to Do on Governors Island (Local’s Guide)
Cheer on the Dominican Day Parade
Free Kayaking on the Hudson
Kayaking on the Hudson River is a fantastic way to spend a day in New York City in August, regardless of your skill level. With a variety of locations offering both free and professional instruction, anyone can partake in this summer activity.
The best part? This NYC August activity is completely free! It’s good, clean fun that the whole family can be involved in. There is the ability for kids to kayak with a guardian, as well as Kayak Polo for the more competitive crowd. I can think of few better things to do during the New York City summer.
With so many available dates and times, it’s easy to add this summer activity to any NYC August itinerary. Check out the calendar here. Kayaking on the Hudson is simply a treat to experience!
Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Free Fridays
Home to a remarkable collection of military vessels of the sea and sky, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a must-see for any military enthusiast or history buff.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is considered one of the 10 best aviation museums in the world, reason alone to visit. Fortunately visiting is one of the best free things to in New York City in August thanks to Free Fridays.
During the event the Intrepid Museum extends its hours and is open, free of charge from 5-9pm on the last Friday of each month, April through September.
More than 1 million visitors per year choose to visit this important New York City museum to explore the exciting collection and you get to do it for free! Expect to find authentic WWII fighter planes, aircraft carriers, a submarine used during the Cold War, a supersonic jet and the NASA space shuttle Enterprise.
The event is especially one of the best things to do in New York City in August with kids. I was able to take my nephew to the museum last year who was wide-eyed during our entire visit!
Attend the U.S. Open
Even casual sports fans have heard of the US Open. It’s the final tennis Grand Slam tournament of the year and has been hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York since the 1970’s.
In 2022 the sum of all the prize money awarded was over $57 million, making it the largest pot in the Open’s history. If you have plans to visit NYC in August, don’t forget to grab tickets in advance for the US Open.
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and go live on June 5th. From the 34th St-Penn Station terminal you can take the LIRR for 25 minutes to the Tennis Center and enjoy the competition from August 28th to September 10th.
Few sporting events are as epic as the US Open, making it a great thing to do in New York City during August.
Address: Flushing Meadow – Corona Park, Flushing, NY 11368
Eat Your Weight in Ice Cream
If this article has drilled anything into your head, let it be that New York City summers are hot.
Aside from the boring (but necessary) ways of cooling down like staying hydrated, there is another way to escape the heat for a brief moment. A flavorsome reprieve that some might go so far as to call a heavenly experience.
That’s right, I’m talking ice cream. One of the most delicious things to do in NYC in August is to hunt down the (ice) crème de la crème.
And trust me, you won’t struggle! Ice cream shops are sprinkled all over the city. Some are on wheels, located in malls and markets and others are good old-fashioned brick and mortar stores. Regardless of where you’re at, you’re bound to have something close by.
Have more time? Check out 15 Satisfying New York City Ice Cream Shops (No Need for Napkins Here Folks).
Enjoy Brooklyn’s Rooftop Bars
That’s why rooftop bars make for a great summer activity when looking for things to do in NYC in August. Cocktails seem to go down easier, vibes seem to be higher and the sun setting over the city seems a little more magical.
In the land of skyscrapers and dreams, finding a decent rooftop bar in New York City won’t be too difficult. But if you need some guidance, here is a quick round up of some of the best rooftop bars to enjoy this August in NYC.
Need more suggestions on which rooftop bars are worth visiting in New York City in August? We are currently working on a roundup of the best. Until then check out 10 Epic Lower East Side Rooftop Bars (You Won’t Want to Miss).
Explore Coney Island
Coney Island’s famed amusement parks and beaches are hot commodities during New York City’s summer months. You can spend an entire day eating delicious food and riding some fun rides and still be itching to come back for more.
That’s why one of the most entertaining things to do in NYC this August is to gather all your friends and make way to Coney Island in Brooklyn.
This vibrant neighborhood holds a lot of history and has fun things to do for all ages. Peruse the boardwalk and see if you can win a prize playing a carnival game or ride the nearly 100 year old wooden roller coaster named the Cyclone. You’re never short of fun summer activities in this New York City neighborhood.
Catch a Yankees Game
Located in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium is accessible by subway and tickets can be found for as little as $10 depending on the game. With a whopping 162 games played every season, there’s a plethora of both weekday and weekend games to choose from if you’re looking for things to do in NYC this August.
There’s no excuse for not checking out a game this summer.
Whether you love them or hate them, the New York Yankees are icons of both American sports as well as NYC.
Making it to one of their games should be high on your list of things to do during your trip to NYC this August.
This year the Yankees are one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, meaning every team they play against is hoping to bring them down. The intensity of every game will have the crowd fully engaged making this one of the best things you can do this August in New York City.
Address: 1 E 161 St, Bronx, NY 10451
August Festivals in New York City
The Blues BBQ Festival
Billed as the best free music and food festival in Manhattan, the day-long Blues BBQ Festival returns to Pier 76 this summer.
Hudson River Park hosts an annual BBQ & Blues event on Pier 76 where New Yorkers of all stripes can enjoy one massive BBQ.
The event starts at 1pm and goes into the evening. This is a great, family- friendly event happening in NYC this August that you don’t want to miss out on.
SummerStage Festival
SummerStage’s music varies in genre, so make sure to check the calendar to see who is performing before heading to the park. The event gets lively with people of all different generations and backgrounds. It’s a great way to spend your time if you’re looking for things to do in New York City in August.
Here is the brochure for SummerStage 2023 where you will find showtimes and locations.
Hindu Lamp Festival
The Aarti ceremony is traditionally performed each morning and evening along India’s rivers, in order to convey gratitude to mother river, reflect on community, and remember loved ones.
Brooklyn Bridge park
The ceremony’s goal is to unite the neighborhood in harmony and peace. Visitors are encouraged to paint palm leaf lamps and release them into the East River as a way to pay respect to loved ones.
The event is completely free and one of the most unique things to do in NYC this August.
Summer on the Hudson
Summer on the Hudson is an annual festival put on by NYC Parks in collaboration with the Riverside Park Conservancy. There are endless activities all summer long to partake in for both kids and adults alike so adding this to your NYC itinerary during August is a no-brainer.
The activities include things like movie showings, musical performances and Tai-Chi lessons. There’s a full PDF schedule available for you to survey the options and choose which you’d like to participate in. Luckily all the fun events that take place on the Hudson are free and easy to join.
If scheduling isn’t your style and you’re more go with the flow consider following Summer on the Hudson’s social media pages. This way you’ll get consistent reminders as to that day’s activities. August in NYC has never been more eventful!
Some events to look forward to this August in New York City:
- Trivia: August 4th
- FlyNYC: August 19th
- Pier I Game Night: August 11th
- Star Gaze Saturdays: August 26th
- Shakespeare Workout: August 12th
- Silent Disco: August 5th
- Game Days: Tuesdays in August
Summer Restaurant Week
This is the perfect way to spend your August in NYC if you’re anything like me and can never settle for just one dish. Temptation gets the best of me and Restaurant Week is the ideal way to indulge.
I’ve heard a few people recommend Hindu Lamp Festival and I think it’s about time me and my family get over there! We’ve been pretty busy over the last few months with home renovations, but now that we finally finished the last thing on our to-do list, I think it’s about time we take a break and check it out! Thank you for sharing!