Top Things to Do in NYC in August 2024

Welcome to our August edition of Things to Do in NYC! We have reimagined our layout to bring you a handpicked selection of exciting and current activities, going beyond the typical listings to deliver fresh, engaging experiences.

For locals, this guide is your ticket to soaking up the final moments of summer with a diverse range of seasonal events and unique experiences around the city. If you are visiting NYC, we have crafted a roadmap that helps you dive deeper into the local scene. Our guide offers more than just the top tourist spots. Plus, check out our “read” sections at the end of each section for detailed recommendations on attractions, museums, restaurants, and more.

August in New York City is a vibrant celebration of summer’s last hurrah, brimming with exciting events and dynamic activities. Whether you are enjoying cultural festivals, thrilling performances at SummerStage in Central Park, or exploring new restaurants and the culinary wonders of NYC Restaurant Week, this month promises a wealth of memorable experiences.

Top MUST-SEE or MUST-DO Activities in NYC

NYC Restaurant Week

• Date: Through August 18, 2024
• Location: Various participating restaurants across NYC
• Description: NYC Restaurant Week is a biannual event offering three-course prix-fixe meals at top restaurants across the city at reduced prices. Held in winter and summer, it allows food enthusiasts to explore New York’s diverse culinary scene, making it a highlight for both residents and visitors.

Here is our guide for NYC Restaurant Week. With our guide, you will learn how to make the most of Restaurant Week and tips on how to navigate this event.

SummerStage in Central Park

• Date: Various dates
• Location: Rumsey Playfield—Central Park [also in additional parks that span across the five boroughs]
• Description: SummerStage in Central Park is an annual festival featuring free music, dance, and theater performances, showcasing a diverse array of artists. This vibrant festival brings together both locals and visitors to enjoy world-class performances in a scenic outdoor setting.

Lavitta’s Creole [Recent Opening]

• Date: Feel free to visit whenever you would like
• Location: 218 Malcolm X Blvd—Harlem
• Description: Lavitta’s Creole, nestled in a historic 1940s building that once housed a Harlem barbershop, serves up Louisiana Creole cuisine with a modern gourmet flair, embracing farm-to-table practices and fresh catches from local fisheries. This cozy 32-seat restaurant, adorned with antiques and a bar made from a repurposed Chicago gym floor, invites guests into a warm, nostalgic setting.

Lavitta’s Creole captures a cozy, nostalgic ambiance with its open kitchen and décor, including vintage books, magazines, and photos from the 1930s. This thoughtful design choice creates a welcoming environment that seamlessly blends modern dining with a respectful nod to the past.

Explore Chelsea Market

• Dates: Open daily
• Location: 75 Ninth Avenue [between 15th & 16th Streets]—Chelsea
• Description: Chelsea Market, located in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood, is a bustling indoor marketplace renowned for its diverse array of food vendors, specialty shops, and unique dining experiences. From artisanal chocolates to fresh seafood, visitors can explore a wide range of culinary delights and distinctive goods.

Black Seed Bagels x Minnow [Collaboration]

• Dates: August 3rd + 17th and September 7th
• Location: Eel Bar, at 252 Broome Street—Lower East Side|Hart’s, 506 Franklin Avenue—Clinton Hill|Cervo’s, 43 Canal Street—Chinatown
• Description: Black Seed Bagels is partnering with Minnow for an exciting series of FREE summer pop-ups, featuring inventive dishes made with Minnow’s sustainable tinned fish. The series begins at Eel Bar on August 3rd, where you can enjoy smoked trout on freshly baked bagels. Do not miss out on these one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, with additional events at Hart’s and Cervo’s later in the summer.

Seasonal Highlights

August in New York City brings a wealth of seasonal highlights, perfect for enjoying the summer weather. From nostalgic Jazz Age Lawn Parties to vibrant outdoor movie screenings, these events capture the essence of summer and offer unique ways to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.

DREAM IN LEMONS Summer Pop-up at PHD Terrace

• Date: Now through Autumn 2024
• Location: At Dream Midtown, 210 West 55th Street—Midtown West
• Description: Experience the DREAM IN LEMONS summer pop-up at PHD Terrace, on Dream Midtown’s rooftop in Midtown Manhattan. Dive into a citrus paradise with vibrant lemon décor and endless photo ops.

Enjoy the Terrace’s two bars and refreshing summer menu. Open through Fall 2024, it is perfect for after-work cocktails and summer hangs with stunning Times Square views. Do not miss the decadent “Sips of Summer” cocktails and the incredibly delicious “Lemon Lush” dessert.”

Experience the Endless Summer Happy Hour at Fornino at Brooklyn Bridge Park

• Date: Now through Autumn 2024
• Location: Pier 6—Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Description: Fornino’s summer hotspot at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 is turning up the heat with a fresh Endless Summer happy hour, perfect for cooling down with unbeatable drink specials. At their park-level café and picturesque rooftop, enjoy draft beers for just $6, refreshing rosé and white wines for $8, and tantalizing Aperol Spritzes and Hibiscus Margaritas for $10.

Satisfy your cravings with delicious Margherita Pizzas at $12 and endless free popcorn with any drink purchase. Plus, on Friday nights from 9:30 pm to 11 pm, treat yourself to complimentary slices of Neapolitan Margherita pizza at the rooftop bar with every drink order.

This must-experience Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday from 4–6 pm at Fornino’s park-level café, with an after-dark rooftop happy hour on Wednesdays through Fridays from 9:30 PM to 11 PM. Rooftop reservations are weather-dependent and can be made on Resy.

NYC Summer Streets

• Date: Various dates
• Location: Various locations
• Description: NYC Summer Streets is an annual event that transforms city streets into a car-free playground for pedestrians, cyclists, and families, offering free activities and entertainment along the route. This event promotes healthy recreation and sustainable transportation, providing unique opportunities to experience the city’s streets in a new way.

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s “Movies With A View”

• Date: Thursdays in August 2024
• Location: Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn
• Description: Brooklyn Bridge Park’s “Movies With A View” is a popular outdoor film series offering free screenings of classic and contemporary films against the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Attendees can enjoy food and drinks from local vendors, making it a perfect summer evening activity.

READ

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Festivals in NYC

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Food + Drinks

The city is a culinary playground, with diverse food and drink events showcasing its vibrant flavors. From bustling street markets and innovative food festivals to exclusive cocktail expos, there is something to tantalize every palate.

Okiboru [Newest Opening] at Time Out Market New York

• Date: Feel free to visit whenever you would like!
• Location: Time Out Market New York, 55 Water Street—Dumbo
• Description: Okiboru made its grand debut at Time Out Market New York, bringing their famous tsukemen and ramen to Dumbo, Brooklyn. Known for their expertly crafted broths and creative spins on traditional ramen, Okiboru—founded by Justin Lim and Sean Park—has won over food lovers in LA and NYC, even earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019. Now, they’re here to wow Brooklynites with must-try dishes like Tan Tan Tsukemen, Tori Paitan Ramen, and Matcha Zaru Udon.

Smorgasburg

• Date: Every other Thursday, Saturday + Sunday
• Location: World Trade Center, The Oculus, Fulton Street + Church Street—Financial District|Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Avenue—Williamsburg|Prospect Park, Breeze Hill [enter at Lincoln Road]—Prospect Park
• Description: Smorgasburg, a renowned open-air food market, offers a delightful array of local and international cuisine from diverse vendors, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. It provides a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can savor unique culinary creations while enjoying the scenic views.

Experience Psaraki a traditional urban Greek restaurant [Recent Opening]

• Date: At Anytime
• Location: 420 Kent Avenue—Williamsburg
• Description: Psaraki is a charming new urban Greek restaurant on the Brooklyn waterfront. It was created by hospitality veteran James Paloumbis and perfectly captures the essence of Greek seaside tavernas. With breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan skyline, and Williamsburg Bridge, Psaraki offers a serene escape.

Delight in traditional homemade Greek dishes like horiatiki, saganaki, calamari, octopus, and branzino, all paired with a curated wine list and seasonal cocktails. Nestled next to Domino Park in South Williamsburg, Psaraki is just a picturesque ferry ride away from Midtown Manhattan and Wall Street.

Experience La Tradizione Summer Tasting Menu with Chef Alessio Rossetti

• Date: All of Summer 2024
• Location: THE OVAL La Devozione—Chelsea Market
• Description: Step into an immersive dining adventure at THE OVAL La Devozione in Chelsea Market with Chef Alessio Rossetti’s La Tradizione Summer Tasting Menu. This exclusive summer experience features a fine-dining pasta-tasting menu crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Peppe Guida.

At the intimate 30-seat Oval, you will enjoy an open-kitchen experience highlighting seasonal ingredients and traditional Neapolitan recipes while showcasing the creative and versatile use of Di Martino’s premium PGI Gragnano pasta.

RUMOR Rosé x Lure Fishbar [Collaboration]

• Date: Starts July 30th and throughout the summer of 2024
• Location: 142 Mercer Street—SoHo
• Description: This August, Lure Fishbar in SoHo is celebrating with a Rosé & Oysters activation, offering a delightful menu that pairs specialty oysters with RUMOR Rosé. Indulge in this exquisite combination with options to savor the rosé by the glass, bottle, or magnum, along with two exclusive signature cocktails. Don’t miss the opening event this Tuesday, July 30th, from 5 pm to 7 pm, and treat yourself to a summer evening of delectable flavors.

READ

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Outdoor Activities

August invites you to embrace the great outdoors with various exciting events and activities. From lively festivals and unique sports events to scenic outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy under the summer sky.

Visit New York City Portal

• Date: Now through Autumn 2024
• Location: Flatiron South Public Plaza, located at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, adjacent to the iconic Flatiron Building in New York City.
• Description: Discover The Portal is a groundbreaking public sculpture that visually links New York City and Dublin. Located in NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood, this innovative artwork offers a 24/7 live stream, connecting you in real-time with the vibrant streets of Dublin.

The Portal fosters unique interactions between New Yorkers, Dubliners, and visitors, bridging the gap between these two dynamic cities with its continuous digital window into each other’s worlds.

Swing at Sunset at Pier 35

• Date: Every Day from 6 AM to Midnight
• Location: Pier 35 FDR Drive, Two Bridges Waterfront at South Street + Rutgers Slip—Lower East Side
• Description: Relax on a swing and take in a breathtaking sunset at this hidden gem on the Lower East Side: Pier 35. Nestled along the scenic East River Esplanade, this eco-friendly park, designed by SHoP and Ken Smith Workshop, offers a serene escape with four charming wooden swings. Enjoy an immersive nautical experience and stunning vistas of the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn, making it the perfect spot to unwind and savor the city’s beauty.

These swings are not just for kids—they are for anyone who wants to relive the joy of swinging while enjoying the view.

New York Renaissance Faire

• Date: August 17 to October 6, 2024
• Location: 600 Route 17A—Tuxedo, New York
• Description: The New York Renaissance Faire celebrates the spirit of the Renaissance era with period costumes, jousting tournaments, theatrical performances, and artisanal crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in a recreated 16th-century English village setting, enjoying themed weekends and a variety of entertainment options.

Rooftop Cinema Club

• Date: Various dates
• Location: 60 West 37th Street 3rd Floor—Midtown West
• Description: Rooftop Cinema Club offers a unique outdoor movie experience with screenings atop iconic rooftops in various cities, including New York City. Guests can enjoy classic and contemporary films under the stars with wireless headphones and stunning city views.

READ

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Cultural Experiences

New York City offers a rich array of cultural experiences that highlight its artistic and historical depth. Expect to explore engaging museum exhibits, dynamic dance performances, and unique art events that celebrate the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

Explore the New York Transit Museum

• Date: Opens Thursday – Sunday
• Location: 99 Schermerhorn Street—Brooklyn Heights
• Description: The New York Transit Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of New York City’s public transportation, featuring vintage subway cars, buses, and exhibits on the development of the transit system. Visitors can explore interactive displays and learn about the impact of transit on the city’s growth and daily life.

Visit The Morgan Library & Museum

• Date: Open Tuesday – Sunday
• Location: 225 Madison Avenue—Midtown East
• Description: The Morgan Library & Museum offers a rich collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks, including works by Rembrandt and Mozart. Visitors can explore its historic library, beautifully restored interiors, and rotating exhibitions showcasing cultural treasures.

Limitless By Roy Nachum

• Date: Through August 2024
• Location: 21 Dey Street—Financial District
• Description: The MUSEUM OF ART AND TECHNOLOGY presents “Limitless,” an innovative exhibition by Roy Nachum that explores the intersection of art and technology. This captivating showcase delves into Nachum’s psyche, childhood memories, and vision of nature, creating a physical manifestation of his dreams. Through “Limitless,” Nachum redefines the viewer’s experience. He invites them to step inside his work and experience it from a unique perspective. The exhibition navigates the boundaries between narrative and abstraction, utilizing digital tools and machine intelligence to challenge human perception.

By blending elements of art history, conceptualism, and interactivity, Nachum pushes the limits of conventional art, exploring complex psych-visual factors such as sensory substitution and mental rotation. “Limitless” is a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and possibilities that technology introduces in the world of art, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live in the digital age.

“LOOK DOWN” 2020 by Jago

• Date: August 2, 9, and 16, 2024
• Location: Thomas Paine Park, Worth Street—Civic Center, Lower Manhattan
• Description: “LOOK DOWN” is a thought-provoking new sculpture by Italian artist Jago, now on display at Thomas Paine Park in Lower Manhattan. This marble masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder that everyone is someone’s child. This piece encourages us to reflect on our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all people. Inspired by his time living in NYC and witnessing the city’s increasing indifference towards the homeless, Jago created this piece to shed light on issues of poverty and discrimination.

Presented by NYC Park’s #ArtInThePark program and funded by Whoopi Goldberg, “LOOK DOWN” invites us all to pause, reflect, and foster empathy in our daily lives.

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Family-Friendly

There’s a range of family-friendly activities that provide fun for all ages. Expect interactive exhibits, engaging outdoor events, and exciting activities designed to create memorable experiences for kids and parents alike.

Balloon Story:

• Date: Through August 24, 2024
• Location: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue—Upper East Side
• Description: Step into a world of whimsy at Balloon Story: a magical balloon wonderland. The Balloon Story Experience invites you to explore stunning sculptures and immersive environments crafted entirely from eco-friendly, biodegradable balloons.

Wander through playful exhibits and interactive installations that bring larger-than-life balloon creations to life. This enchanting experience will delight visitors of all ages, offering a fantastical journey that will leave you awestruck and inspired.

Family Art Project at Wave Hill

• Date: Saturdays and Sundays in August 2024
• Location: 4900 Independence Avenue—Riverdale
• Description: The Family Art Project at Wave Hill offers engaging outdoor workshops where families can explore nature through hands-on art activities. Children and parents can join weekend sessions to create art inspired by the gardens and landscapes of Wave Hill, fostering creativity and appreciation for the natural world.

Washed Ashore at the New York Aquarium

• Date: Open now through September 2, 2024
• Location: 602 Surf Avenue—Coney Island
• Description: Washed Ashore at the New York Aquarium showcases stunning sculptures made entirely from marine debris collected from beaches. This unique exhibit highlights the impact of plastic pollution on marine life while promoting conservation awareness through art.

Wonderland: Curious Nature at the New York Botanical Garden

• Date: Open now through October 27, 2024
• Location: 2900 Southern Boulevard—Bronx
• Description: Wonderland: Curious Nature at the New York Botanical Garden features vibrant, imaginative displays of flora and fauna that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike, this immersive exhibition promises a unique and enchanting experience.

READ

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Conclusion

As summer in NYC reaches its peak, August offers an array of unforgettable experiences. From exploring art and technology at the MUSEUM OF ART AND TECHNOLOGY to immersing yourself in the whimsical world of Balloon Story, there is something for everyone. Do not miss out on these exciting Things to Do in NYC in August 2024. Whether you are a local or a visitor, make the most of the season and create lasting memories.

Be sure to check out our curated list of events and activities, and start planning your summer adventures today!