Watch A Movie In Bryant Park
Rounding out this list of free things to do in NYC is a summertime favorite. Lay down a blanket and bring some popcorn and candy and settle in for an open-air movie in Bryant Park during the summer. Films include classics like Big, Goodfellas, and The Birdcage, and the program even holds fan votes so people can pick their favorite flicks. Get there early as it gets crowded: the lawn opens at 5 p.m. for blankets and picnicking and the movie starts at sunset.
Catch A Hilarious Rooftop Comedy Show
Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather & enjoy performance arts in NYC once again at this hilarious rooftop comedy show in Brooklyn. The Tiny Cupboard, a self-proclaimed hipster comedy club with its own church, is hosting incredible comics on its giant rooftop in Bushwick! Grab your tickets here.
Things To Do In New York In August
Enjoy great weather in New York and take a river cruise: a 2-hour lunch or a 3-hour dinner cruise along the most recognizable skyline in the world. Lots of sports events in August: US Open Tennis Championship, Mets and Yankees baseball games, Jets and Giants football games. Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center host several concerts , and Broadway is welcoming everyone to its 41 theaters to see all kinds of shows: The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Stomp and so many more.
Also Check: Mystic Ct What To Do
Holiday Trains Are Back
Image courtesy of The New York Botanical Garden.
For the 30th year, The New York Botanical Garden lays out the tracks for its Holiday Train Show. Explore a miniature wonderland of 175 New York landmarksincluding the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Centerall made with natural ingredients like acorns, pine cones, and seeds. The scene is cozy inside the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory . At night, the garden lights up for GLOW, a mile-and-a-half long light show.
Where To Stay In New York City

Theres absolutely no shortage of accommodation in New York City, and the first thing youll need to do when deciding where to stay is to pick a Manhattan neighbourhood to use as a base.
It all depends on your budget and what you want to see when youre in town, and theres plenty of great articles online to help you decide which one suits you.
Read Also: Fun Things To Do Around Syracuse Ny
Go On A Summer Wellness Kick
With flowers and trees in full bloom, and long bright days, theres no better time to recenter, connect with nature, and kickstart your wellness goals for the year. Nestled in the tranquil Catskills Mountains, YO1 Wellness Resort & Spa offers the ultimate wellness getaway, with health programs, spa treatments and curative therapies tailored to your personal goals to help you relax and reset. The 20th Annual Solstice in Times Square takes place on June 21, with all day yoga classes for first-timers and experienced yogis. Register for the Lake Placid Marathon & Half Marathon on June 12 and run through the charming village of Lake Placid with epic mountain views along the route. If you like to keep things simple, detox and destress from everyday life on a camping trip in one of New York States beautiful State and National parks for some calming forest bathing.
Have The Most Fun At The Jazz Age Lawn Party
The Jazz Age Party, what is it about and what can you expect from it? This party is planned for a few days between the first two weeks of August, it is one of the most anticipated events in the Big Apple, why?
It’s inspired by the 1920s, so it’s centered around the time when Prohibition existed. You still have the opportunity to drink alcohol, because it is legal, the experience you live in the Jazz Age Lawn Party is unique.
Don’t think that the only thing you do at this festival is drink, the organizers make sure that there are activities for everyone. The party also features performances and you will even see many people dressed in costumes typical of the 1920s in the United States.
You May Like: Fun Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Summer In New York City Is Filled With Plenty Of Things To Do And Its Finally The Perfect Outdoor Weather
With 4th of July on the horizon and summer in full swing, July will offer plenty of opportunities to soak in the sun and hang by the water before the brutal heat of August kicks in .
Check out glorious rooftops, cool off at beaches and pools, traipse through fields of sunflowers and lavender , and much more with our recommendations of things to do this month:
Best Accommodations In Town
We personally stayed in two different neighbourhoods TriBeCa and Midtown West and both are great options. TriBeCa feels a little more local, and has good access to the southern tip of Manhattan, while Midtown West is more central located on the west side of the island.
Best Hostel in Manhattan Jazz on Columbus Circle
Staying downtown in Manhattan is always going to be expensive, but if youre in a budget and still want to be in the heart of everything, then the absolute best hostel in town is Jazz on Columbus Circle.
Its a small, boutique hostel and has been renovated to have modern amenities throughout. It has a funky vibe with some awesome decor, and the dorms are small with between 3-6 beds.
Best Mid-Range Hotel Pod 51 Hotel
High-quality accommodation in New York City is not cheap, but the closest balance you can get between affordability and quality is at Pod 51 Hotel.
The rooms are no-frills, but clean, bright and more spacious than you might expect. The location is great, theres fast wifi and an amazing rooftop garden to enjoy.
Best Luxury Hotel in Manhattan Hotel Giraffe by Library Collection
This is it the top of the cream for hotels in New York that you can still get for well under $1000 a night.
The Library Collection has some of the best hotels all around the city, but our favourite is Hotel Giraffe. Youll be treated like a king or queen here!
Don’t Miss: Things For Kids To Do In Cleveland Ohio
Cool Off On A Jet Ski
New York in August is hot! So why not cool off by jet skiing on the Hudson and East River? If you take a jet ski tour you will be guided along many of New Yorks famous landmarks. A guide is always there and brings you to the locations where youll have the best views. The jet skis pick up speed, which can go up to 55 mph. At that speed, youll fly over the water. Fun and action are guaranteed, just make sure youre safe! There are several providers of these tours. Take a look at Jetty Jumpers or Rockaway Jetski!
Happy Go Lucky Exhibit Nyc
Sunnyhues Entertainment is bringing back its wildly popular high-tech art exhibit this summer. HGL uses LED lighting and projections to transform rooms into glorious sensory experiences. Look out for fan-favorites: The Diamond Palace and Silver Ocean, and a brand new 360° installation called the Kaleidoscope.
Tickets:$17 Child Tickets Where: 32 Mercer Street, New York 10013When: June 23 – August 18
Read Also: Fun Places In Baytown
Fun Things To Do In New York In August
Seeing that we technically only have a few weeks of summer left, I thought I would share a handful of my favorite things to do in the month of August in New York. Click the read more to learn more!
Rooftop Cinema Club: I recently watched an open air movie on a rooftop in Brooklyn through the Rooftop Cinema Club and it was such a cool experience. I took my friend Liz and we saw American Psycho! You get to sit in these cute striped lawn chairs and they give you headphones so that you can really zone in on the movie and not get distracted by anything. An extra bonus? The view of the city skyline at dusk is incredible.
Smorgasborg: The Seaport Smorgasborg reopened this past May and although I have been to a couple of the other locations, I havent gotten down there yet to check it out. Some of the vendors include Fletchers BBQ, Home Frite and Red Hook Lobster Pound. YUM! Check out the locations here!
Rooftop Pools: There are a handful of really nice rooftop pools in New York open to the public and Ive been to a few of them, but would recommend McCarren Pool in Willimasburg and the Dream Hotel in the Meatpacking District. The fee for non guests at McCarren runs anywhere from is $15 Monday through Thursday, and $65 Friday to Sunday. And at The Dream, passes for non-guests are $60 apiece, Monday through Friday from 11am to 5pm. Its the perfect way to still be outside but beat the summer heat!
Check Out A Live Comedy Show

This month will bring a few notable comedians to New York City. One of the more famous of them all is Gabriel Iglesias, who will be performing at the Radio City Music Hall on August 19th.
In addition to this performance, you can also see Ricky Gervais at Madison Square Garden on August 13th.
If you feel like taking a trip to Atlantic City, you’ll also have an opportunity to see either Trevor Noah on the 13th or Tom Segura on the 28th.
TIP: Don’t forget that there are tours of both Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden, each of them included on at least one New York City Tourist Pass.
Don’t Miss: Minocqua Wi Activities
Have A Good Time On A Dinner Cruise
We have already tested many dinner cruises in New York for you. One that we have liked the best of all so far is the Bateaux Dinner Cruise. With a glass roof, the ship heads towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially when the weather is nice in the summer month of July, the wine or prosecco tastes especially good on the outdoor area of the boat. Enjoy the sunset and have an unforgettable time get the tickets here.
You can find more unique dinner cruises in NYC in this overview.
Do Prices Increase In New York In August
It is true that in summer prices tend to increase in the city due to the influx of tourists. However, compared to July, August prices are lower, and as the end of the month approaches, prices will go down more and more.
Therefore, it will be possible to find good places to stay, restaurants, tickets and tours with reasonable prices.
Also Check: Kid Friendly Things To Do In Cleveland Ohio
Hang With Farm Animals At The Queens County Farm Museum
Find cows, sheep, pigs, and more at the Queens County Farm Museum, which dates back to 1697 and is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. Spread out on 47 acres, the museum is free to enter , and it allows people to learn all about what the area was like before a bustling city sprung up around it.
Summer Streets New York City
Saturdays, August 7 & 14, 2021, 7am to 1pm
The first 3 Saturdays every August from 7am to 1pm, nearly seven miles of NYCs streets are closed to traffic and opened for people to play, run, walk and bike. You can walk, bike, run and blade directly from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge along Park Avenue. Theres tons of free activities and exhibits along the way, free exercise classes, food vendors and much more. Summer Streets is a true NYC experience!
Back to Topof New York City August Events NYC
Also Check: What To Do In The Summer When Your Bored
New York In August Travel Guide: Practical Guide On Things To Do In The City
One of the favorite times for tourists to go to New York is the summer, why? New York in August is very active, there are hundreds of things to do, from going to a park to enjoy good music to attend sporting events, here I talk in depth about all this.
Luisa María Lugo
11 min read
Visiting New York is a great experience for anyone, as having so many inhabitants and receiving so many tourists, there are many things to do. The citizens always plan events that are held annually in different months. For example, New York in August presents a great opportunity to do things outdoors.
During that month, summer temperatures rise and everyone wants to cool off while having a good time. Because of this, many of the events are held in parks or other outdoor venues. This allows people to enjoy the surrounding environment to the fullest and get to know the more natural side of the city. In fact, for many, summer is the best time to visit New York.
For the above I dedicate this article to tell you all the activities it is possible to go to in The Big Apple during August.
Plan Your Visit To Nycs Thrilling Money Heist Experience Coming This Winter
The infamous masked bandits of Netflixs hit show are planning their new attack and theyre looking for new members! Do you have what it takes to join the infamous gang as they take over the Big Apple? This immersive experience doesnt open until December, but get your tickets while theyre still available here!
Recommended Reading: Family Fun In Wichita Falls Tx
New York City Hotels With Pools
While a few of our hotels with pools are family-friendly, most are adult party zones with skyline views, cocktails, private cabanas and summer long pool parties. We highlight more than 10 family-friendly and adults-only hotel pools, many with day-pass availability for NYC locals.
- Gansevoort Meatpacking – rooftop pool, retractable roof for year-round
- The Watson Hotel – family-friendly, excellent value, 2 blocks from Central Park, swim up bar
- – new in 2021, home to Times Square’s ONLY outdoor pool
Since most are indoor/outoor and heated, anytime of year is a great time to check into one of our New York City Hotels with Pools.
Back to Top of New York City Events August Activities Calendar
Visit The Beaches Of Coney Island And The Boardwalk

The best season to go to New York’s beaches is summer, in August the weather is perfect to enjoy the sun, water and sand. Coney Island and Boardwalk have more than 5 kilometers of beaches.
When you want to get away from the heat of the city, going to one of these beaches is the best option. There are boardwalks, amusement rides and many more. To get to these beaches you can take a cab, it is fast and affordable.
Also Check: What To Do In Baytown
Relax In The Sand At The Citys Public Beaches
You dont need to go all the way to the Hamptons to find a good beach near the city. Head to Coney Island to combine the beach with a trip to the amusement park or head further down to Brighton Beach where you can also find some great Russian restaurants. Hop on the ferry for the cost of a MetroCard ticket and head to Rockaway Beach where you can combine a day of sand and surf with good food .
Check Out The Free Lemony Wonderland In Hudson Yards
When NYC gives you lemonsBe sure to take pictures with them? Well, thats the idea behind the brand new free pop-up Citrovia NYC on the West Side! In a rather creative turn of events, developers of the upcoming mixed-use development Manhattan West have disguised ugly construction scaffolding along 9th Ave. 31st & 33rd St. with enormous lemon slices and flowing fabrics. Find out exactly where it is here.
You May Like: Kid-friendly Hotels Cleveland Ohio
Show Globes In Times Square
Walter Wlodarczyk for Times Square Alliance.
You can find a great photo op in the Theatre District as the Times Square Alliance welcomes back its holiday Show Globes. These life-size glass bubbles portray scenes inspired by Broadway smashes Aint Too ProudThe Life and Times of the Temptations, Dear Evan Hansen, The Lion King, and Wicked. You can check out the installation throughout the holiday season . Stick around the neighborhood and youll find holiday deals at shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Camp Under The Stars On Governors Island
Treat yourself to this lovely glamping experience on NYCs perfect island getaway: Governors Island! Over the years, Collective Governors Island Luxury Camping Retreat introduced plenty of new and exciting amenities that included live music nights, tarot readings, crafting, morning yoga, bike rentals, chair massages, plenty of lawn games, campfires and cocktails throughout the seasonbut this year, the experience is offering even more incredible amenities than years prior. Find out more here!
Read Also: Indoor Activity Nyc
Tour The National Baseball Hall Of Fame
Sports fans will go gaga for the exhibits at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown. Walk the great hall and find your favorite baseball legends and explore all the memorabilia. The kids can even pick up a scavenger hunt to add more fun to the tour. Theres so much American history and culture wrapped up in the sport that it brings out the nostalgia and pride in even non-sports fans. Best of all, July 2225 is this years Hall of Fame Weekend, so you can watch baseball history in the making. Visitors can attend the induction ceremony, award presentation, Parade of Legends, roundtable discussions, and more.