10 Things to Do in New York City in August
August in New York doesn’t wind down but kicks into high gear. Long days stretch into packed nights, and nearly every corner of the city has something going on. If you’re in town this month and trying to make it count, here are some ways to do that, each worth seeing in person, not just bookmarking for later.
See Penn & Teller Live at Radio City
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Penn & Teller have performed together since the late 1970s and built a reputation for combining sleight-of-hand magic with deadpan humor and sharp social commentary. On August 21, they’ll bring their 50th-anniversary tour to Radio City Music Hall for one night only. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8, and ticket prices start around $62, based on the seats you choose.
Check Out the Puppet Fringe Festival Downtown
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The festival attracts artists not often seen in New York and highlights puppetry as a serious art form. Programming includes live performances, short films, workshops, and artist panels. All of this is thanks to International companies bringing a range of styles, from traditional marionettes to experimental techniques.
Join the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island
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The Jazz Age Lawn Party will be making a comeback to Governors Island for two weekends in August to display live 1920s jazz, social dancing, carnival games, and more. It began in 2005 as a small gathering and has since grown into a popular annual event that now draws thousands.
Visit the Anime NYC Convention at Javits Center
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Anime lovers will find plenty to explore at this year’s Anime NYC convention, which returns in August (21-24) for a four-day run at the Javits Center. The event includes panels, cosplay contests, screenings, concerts, and a massive exhibit hall. For newcomers or longtime fans, it’s one of the city’s biggest pop culture events.
Go for a CatVideoFest Screening Near You
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CatVideoFest is a curated screening of short feline-focused videos submitted by creators around the world—everything from amateur clips to mini-documentaries. The compilation plays in theaters across the city, and a portion of ticket sales supports local animal rescue groups. Most screenings take place in early August, though exact venues vary.
Experience Experimental Arts at TIME|SPANS Festival
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If you’re curious about new music or want something outside the usual concert format, TIME|SPANS provides a fresh alternative. Running August 9 to 23, the festival presents contemporary works across multiple Manhattan venues and hosts living composers and newly commissioned pieces.
Get Free Shakespeare Tickets at Delacorte Theater
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You can catch Twelfth Night in Central Park when the Delacorte Theater reopens on August 7 after a significant renovation. Peter Dinklage and Lupita Nyong’o lead the cast, and tickets remain free through lottery or in-person pickup. The upgraded venue now features improved seating, lighting, and accessibility while keeping its signature open-air setting.
Attend the Jerome Robbins Program at Joyce
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For those unfamiliar, Jerome Robbins was a groundbreaking choreographer whose work shaped classical ballet and Broadway—he also created iconic numbers for West Side Story. This August, Tiler Peck will curate a selection of his pieces at Joyce Theater, with performances running daily at 2 p.m. from August 12 to 17.
Walk Through the Updated Frick Collection Galleries
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The Frick reopened in April after a major renovation. Visitors now find extra galleries, better lighting, and more accessible layouts. Even with the upgrades, the museum’s quiet, townhouse feel remains. The art stays close, the crowds thin, and the mood unhurried.
Gather at the Brooklyn Banks Skate Spot Under the Bridge
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Brooklyn Banks is open again after fifteen years. The sloped brick plaza under the bridge, once packed with skaters and BMX riders, sat empty while the city used it for storage. Now the ledges and banks are back in play. Locals and out-of-towners show up with boards and cameras, picking up where things left off. It’s easy to spot the longtime regulars mixing with a new crowd.
Look Into New Museum Openings
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New York already has hundreds of museums, but it continues to add new ones that reflect broader stories. In August, the Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx will expand its programming, while the Studio Museum in Harlem moves closer to reopening after years of construction. Both offer public events and exhibitions while final work continues.
Explore the Redesigned Rockefeller Wing at The Met
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On May 31st, the Met reopened its Rockefeller Wing and revealed redesigned galleries dedicated to art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The layout now aligns more seamlessly with the museum’s newer galleries. In case you’ve overlooked this wing in the past, the updates make it highly accessible and engaging for all types of visitors.
Raekwon’s 30th Anniversary Show in Prospect Park
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On August 9, Prospect Park hosts a standout hip-hop show: Raekwon marks three decades since his landmark album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. The concert is free at the Lena Horne Bandshell as part of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. Expect a crowd, deep cuts from the album, and an open-lawn setup—no ticket required. Just bring yourself and enjoy a classic New York summer night.
Outdoor Summer Flicks at Brooklyn Bridge Park: Movies With a View
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Brooklyn Bridge Park runs free outdoor movies all August on Harbor View Lawn at Pier 1. Gates open at 6 p.m. and each screening draws a big crowd. The lineup covers classics and comedies: The Wizard of Oz on August 7, Trainwreck on August 14, Hidden Figures on August 21, and a vote-driven pick on August 28. Bring a blanket, grab something to eat, and watch a film as the sun goes down over the city.
Watch King Gizzard Perform with a Full Orchestra
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Fans of psych rock and orchestral fusion can catch King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard live with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s for around $88 a ticket. The Australian band is known for constantly shifting genres—psychedelia, prog rock, thrash, even jazz—often within a single set.