The Best August Events In NYC—US Open, Shakespeare in the Park & More

Summer’s not over yet, New York! While we may be the “dog days of summer,” August in the city is heating up with rooftop parties, outdoor movies, buzzy concerts, cultural festivals, and so much more . Whether you’re downing Honey Deuces at the US Open, catching a Yankees game, or cooling off in a rooftop pool, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the final stretch of summer. From can’t-miss annual events to new seasonal pop-ups, here are the absolute best things to do in NYC this August before the season starts to slip away. 1. Experience the US Open & US Open Fan Week -------------------------------------------- The US Open Tennis Championships returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens this August, featuring both the famed tennis tournament and a fan-filled week leading up to it! The US Open Fan Week (August 18 – 23) precedes the tournament, welcoming fans to Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center before competitive play— with free grounds admission, qualifying matches, player practices, and other fun fan activities . After that, the competitive tournament officially kicks off (August 24 – September 7), welcoming tennis’ biggest stars like Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka for two weeks of incredible competitive tennis action. 🎾 TIP: How to get tickets to the US Open before it sells out! 2. Check out Shakespeare In The Park at the revitalized Delacorte Theater ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This summer, *Shakespeare in the Park * returns to its iconic home at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater for its 63rd season after a hefty theater renovation, running from August 7 through September 14 . The 2025 production is *Twelfth Night *, featuring a star-studded cast including Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, and Sandra Oh. Directed by Tony nominee Saheem Ali, the beloved tradition offers world-class theater completely free of charge to all New Yorkers! Tickets are available via in-person distribution and a digital lottery through TodayTix. 🎭 Learn more about this year’s*Shakespeare in the Park*programming here! 3. Walk through the bigger-than-ever iteration of “Summer Streets” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NYC’s beloved ‘Summer Streets’ initiative is back this August—and bigger than ever for 2025! In celebration of the city’s 400th anniversary, this year’s edition spans over 400 blocks across all five boroughs , making it the largest in the program’s history . For five Saturdays from July 26 to August 23 , streets will close to traffic and transform into car-free playgrounds filled with free live entertainment, fitness classes, art installations, and more . 🚶 Learn more about ‘Summer Streets’ and the daily programming here! 4. Dance the day away at Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Step back in time at the *Jazz Age Lawn Party *, returning to Governors Island this August 9–10 for its second and final weekend of the summer. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this beloved Prohibition-era–inspired event transforms the island into a 1920s dreamscape with live jazz from Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, dance lessons, vintage car exhibitions, retro cocktails, and artisanal vendors . Thousands of stylish New Yorkers attend in flapper dresses and fedoras to picnic, pose at vintage photo booths, and party Gatsby-style . It’s one of NYC’s most unique and glamorous summer events—not to be missed! 🎷 Learn more about Jazz Age Lawn Party and how to get tickets! 5. Sing your heart out at Z100 Summer Bash ------------------------------------------ iHeartMedia New York’sZ100 is closing out the Backyard at Hudson Yards concert series with a very special show called the z100 Summer Bash on Thursday, August 7, at 6 pm ! The open-air show is completely FREE and the lineup features Lewis Capaldi, Julia Michaels, Dom Innarella, and Magnus Ferrell . It will take place at the Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards and be hosted by the radio station’s on-air talent. 🎤 Learn more about the Z100 Summer Bash here! 6. Try your luck at a George Constanza bobblehead at the Yankees game --------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s true that August equals the “dog days” of summer in the baseball season, but this one Yankees game in August is drawing headlines for a whole different reason! The team announced that they’ll be giving the first 18,000 fans at the Yankees’ Aug. 21 matchup against theBoston Red Sox a bobblehead of George Costanza sleeping under former owner George Steinbrenner’s desk . Fans are already losing their minds over the “Seinfeld Night” promo, and tickets are flying fast! It’s set to be one of the most coveted Yankees promo items this season. ⚾ See the Yankees’ full promotional schedule for the rest of the season 7. Watch Free outdoor movies around NYC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This summer’s free outdoor movies are in full swing, and the screenings continue all August long! Grab your blanket, some snacks, and head to one of the many places around the city showing films! You can see the full movie calendar here, or check out some of our standouts below: * [Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park](https://secretnyc.co/bryant-park-movie-nights-2025/) — The park in Midtown is showing*Blades of Glory*on August 4th and*The Godfather*on August 11th. * [Elizabeth Street Garden Movie Nights](https://secretnyc.co/elizabeth-street-garden-movie-nights-return-summer-2025/) — The Nolita green space is not only back but back with a bang, showing *Laura (1994)* on August 6th and *The Royal Tenenbaums*on August 20th. * [Pluto TV Movies With A View at Brooklyn Bridge Park](https://secretnyc.co/brooklyn-bridge-park-movies-with-a-view-2025/) — The Brooklyn park is screening *The Wizard of Oz* on August 7th. 8. Celebrate Harlem during Harlem Week -------------------------------------- What once began in the summer of 1974 as a “one-time only,” one-day event to celebrate Harlem’s culture, Harlem Week has now grown into a full-blown celebration...this year spanning from August 1 – 17 ! Over that period, there will be tons of both in-person and virtual events in Harlem highlighting the African, Caribbean and Hispanic history of the district— ranging fromlive performances to film festivals, and so much more! 🥁 Learn more about Harlem Week and stay tuned for this year’s events here! 9. Enjoy Summer Ice Cream Mondays at Squid Game: The Experience ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our love for Squid Game: The Experience is pretty document by now, but you have to check it out this August once you finish up season 3! The Netflix experience is super immersive and comparable to the gameshow, and in the summer they’ll be introducing “Summer Ice Cream Mondays” which come along with a sweet treat. 🔺 Learn more about Squid Game: The Experience and how to buy tickets here! 10. Take in the last days of Summer in the City at Lincoln Center ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lincoln Center’s *Summer for the City * is wrapping up soon, so this is your last chance to catch one of NYC’s most vibrant cultural celebrations before it ends on August 9 . From globalFEST (Aug 2) to Brooklyn Rider’s 20th anniversary concert (Aug 9), and even a Double Dutch jam session (Aug 7), August is packed with can’t-miss moments. There’s plenty of dazzling performances, silent discos, and food trucks to go around, so you’ll want to soak it all in before it disappears for the season. 🪩 Learn more about Summer in the City at Lincoln Center here! 11. Dance at EDGE to a sky-high DJ set with Tao Hospitality ----------------------------------------------------------- The Marquee Skydeck summer DJ series at EDGE is in full swing, bringing world-class nightlife to the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere . Presented by Tao Group Hospitality, the pop-up runs Friday and Saturday nights through September while the iconic Marquee nightclub undergoes renovations. Upcoming August performances include international headliners like Benny Benassi , Rossi, , and more artists to be announced soon. Expect high-energy sets, epic skyline views, and the signature Marquee vibe—1,100 feet in the air. 🪩 Learn more about the Marquee Skydeck here! 12. Feast your way through NYC Restaurant Week ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NYC Restaurant Week is making its return from July 19 toAugust 17 , offering food lovers the perfect excuse to try some of the city’s top dining spots without breaking the bank. With prix fixe menus typically priced at $30, $45, or $60 , hundreds of restaurants across all five boroughs will be serving up delicious two- or three-course meals. The event runs for nearly a month—despite the name—and gives diners a chance to discover new favorites or revisit beloved classics. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular spots, so plan ahead and get ready to feast! 🍽️ Learn more about NYC Restaurant Week and what restaurants are participating here! 13. Do outdoor yoga around NYC ------------------------------ Finish out summer strong with some outdoor yoga , and most of these places are completely free! See our favorite places below: * Bryant Park — Tuesdays at 10 am & Wednesday’s at 6 pm on the lawn * Prospect Park — Thursdays at 7 pm on the Long Meadow * Brooklyn Bridge Park — Tuesdays at 6 pm on the Pier 3 Central Lawn 14. Strut through Van Gogh Starry Nights at New York Botanical Garden -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As August heats up, the New York Botanical Garden offers a stunning escape with *Van Gogh’s Flowers ,* an immersive celebration of art and nature running through October 26. Wander vibrant fields of yellow blooms by day, then stay for the breathtaking **illuminated drone show inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic *Starry Night* as night falls—the first of its kind at a NYC cultural institution. Enjoy live music, contemporary art installations, and handcrafted cocktails while soaking in this dreamy fusion of nature and creativity! 🎨 [Learn more about Van Gogh Starry Nights and how to get tickets here!](https://secretnyc.co/van-gogh-starry-nights-nybg/) 15. Hit the beaches near NYC ---------------------------- As we head into peak August heat, NYC’s beaches offer the perfect way to cool off without leaving the five boroughs. From the lively boardwalk at Coney Island to the more secluded stretches of Fort Tilden and the family-friendly shores of Manhattan Beach, there’s something for everyone—plus lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 pm. 🏖️ [See our full list of the best beaches to visit this August!](https://secretnyc.co/beaches-in-nyc/) 16. Sing along to [concerts around NYC](https://secretnyc.co/concerts-in-nyc-guide/) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Live concerts** are everywhere in August, and there’s never been a better time to catch a show! Check out our full list of free summer concerts here, and even more picks below: * [SummerStage](https://secretnyc.co/summerstage-nyc-2025/) — Central Park’s beloved concert series continues this August with events like Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, Blacktronika Festival, Doug E Fresh & Funk Flex Hip-Hop Appreciation Park Jam & BBQ, plus many more. * [Broadway Sings](https://secretnyc.co/broadway-sings/) — Hear Broadway singers belt covers of your favorite artist in various theme nights. 17. Walk through VR and immersive experiences around NYC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Step out of the August NYC heat and into an air-conditioned VR or immersive experience—there are plenty to choose from! See our list below of incredible options that will teleport you to a totally different world! * [Life Chronicles](https://secretnyc.co/life-chronicles-vr-nyc/) — Dive into Earth’s deep past over 3.5 billion years back to explore the origins of life, featuring scientifically accurate visuals and storytelling. * [Gustav Klimt: The Immersive Experience](https://secretnyc.co/klimt-immersive-360-experience-hall-des-lumieres-nyc/) — Step into the dazzling world of Gustav Klimt where his iconic works like *The Kiss* come alive with vibrant visuals, storytelling, and music. * [Amplified](https://secretnyc.co/rolling-stone-amplified-experience/) — Dive into six decades of music history at *Amplified*, an interactive Chelsea exhibit curated by Rolling Stone editors featuring over 1,000 rare photos, exclusive videos, and immersive 270-degree projections narrated by Kevin Bacon. * [Bubble Planet](https://secretnyc.co/bubble-planet-experience/) — Just outside NYC, *Bubble Planet* at American Dream Mall is an immersive, pastel-hued wonderland with 8 bubble-themed rooms, giant ball pits, and whimsical photo ops—perfect for kids, adults, and summer birthday celebrations. * [Blooming Wonders](https://secretnyc.co/artechouse-blooming-wonders-digital-exhibit-nyc/) — This exhibit at ARTECHOUSE transforms natural beauty into a dazzling digital garden of glowing flowers, butterflies, and immersive visuals. * [Eclipso VR Experiences](https://feverup.com/en/new-york/venue/eclipso-nyc) — Various VR experiences including a trip through Ancient Eygpt, a wander through Impressionist paintings, and more. 19. View the Banksy Museum in SoHo --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Step into the world of provocative street art at the Banksy Museum , home to the largest collection of Banksy-inspired works , now celebrating over a year at 277 Canal Street. Spanning 15,000 square feet, the space features **over 160 recreated pieces—including iconic murals like *Girl With Balloon*, *Flower Thrower*, and *Coppers Kissing*—plus immersive projections and life-size installations. Every Monday in August, visitors can enjoy free Banksy-themed movie nights with popcorn included, making it the perfect way to start the week! 🎈 [Learn more about the Banksy Museum and how to get tickets here!](https://secretnyc.co/banksy-art-museum-nyc/) 20. Float at a rooftop swimming pool ------------------------------------ August is rooftop pool season** in NYC at its absolute peak—and the best part? You *don’t* need a hotel key or pricey membership to dive in. From the massive new Bathhouse Williamsburg to skyline stunners like 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and The Dominick , these pools offer day passes (some starting at just $35!) for a perfect midweek cooldown or weekend escape. Parlay that with cocktails, sunset swims, and DJ dance parties, and we’re never leaving these public-access rooftop pools! 🏊 See our list of the best rooftop pools you should swim in this August 21. Swim in outdoor, free public pools --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As August brings peak summer heat to NYC, there’s no better (or cheaper) way to cool off than diving into one of the city’s free outdoor public pools . Open daily through the end of the season , these lifeguarded oases are perfect for a midday dip or a full day of sun-soaked fun. Some our favorites include the brand-new Gottesman Pool in Central Park, the massive Astoria Pool in Queens with skyline views, and McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn for post-swim hangs in Williamsburg. 🏊 See our list of the best public pools you should swim in this August 22. Take a weekend getaway to the “best boardwalk in the country” near NYC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s no better time than August to hit the Wildwoods Boardwalk —just ranked the #1 boardwalk in the country by USA Today! Stretching 38 blocks along the Jersey Shore , this retro seaside escape is packed with amusement rides, arcades, and all the iconic snacks your summer cravings demand (fried Oreos, curly fries, saltwater taffy—you get it). With Friday night fireworks, ocean breezes, and vintage vibes, it’s peak summer nostalgia just 2.5 hours from NYC . If the city heat’s getting to you, a weekend road trip to Wildwood might be just the move. 🎡 Learn more about the Wildwoods Boardwalk and what makes it so great here! 23. Swim in an Olympic-size swimming hole near NYC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beat the August heat with a refreshing escape to the Highlands Natural Pool in Ringwood, NJ—just an hour outside the city ! Open daily through the end of the month , this Olympic-sized, spring-fed swimming hole stays a brisk 65°F and offers a perfect nature-filled day trip. Surrounded by forest trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas, it’s a peaceful retreat from NYC’s steamy streets. With its century-old history and chemical-free waters, there’s no better way to cool off before summer slips away. 🏊 Learn more about Highlands Natural Pool here! 24. Enjoy summer events at Queens Botanical Garden -------------------------------------------------- Queens Botanical Garden is very much alive in August, hosting all sorts of fun events throughout the month! To name a few, there will be extended hours to the gardens, movie nights, volunteer days , and even a very special weekend event series called Taiwan: A World of Orchids on August 9 – 10 with themed activities and food and drink ! 🌸 Learn more about Queens Botanical Garden and how to get tickets here! 25. Drink at a rooftop bar -------------------------------------------------------------------- August is prime time for rooftop season in NYC , and this year’s lineup of brand-new spots is seriously next level. From sipping custom spritzes beneath lemon trees at Leonessa to enjoying sushi with a view at Akoya atop The Knickerbocker Hotel, there’s something for every vibe. Other hot newcomers include Bar Sprezzatura near Times Square with Italian Riviera flair, the chic Bar Tetto on the LES, and Hudson VU , a hidden gem with 360° skyline views. 🍸 See our full list of best NEW rooftop bars for summer 2025 here! Source: https://secretnyc.co/things-to-do-in-august-nyc-events-2025/