New York City is one of the most developed and vibrant metropolitan cities in the world. Despite being a modern city, it has a rich cultural history, fascinating monuments, and towering skyscrapers that attract people from all over the world. The best part about New York is its aura and energy, which sparks a genuine urge in true hustlers. While there are many interesting places to visit, there are also a lot of fun activities you can indulge yourself in. Each month offers a whole new set of things to do in New York, and August is no exception. Though it is slightly hotter than usual, New York in August presents a whole new vibe and offers a great deal of indoor and outdoor activities that keep you occupied during vacations. So, if you are planning a visit to New York in August, you must be well-prepared.
But we have got you covered. We have curated some engaging activities for you to ensure you have a good time in the city. Check out 21 fun things to do in NYC in August so you don’t have to do a lot of work.
Top 21 Things To Do In NYC In August
Here is a list of the top 21 things to do in NYC
1. Experience Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
At Alexa Meade’s Wonderland Dreams in New York City, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland comes to life. Look out for an interactive and extravagant art installation spanning 26,000 square feet with hand-painted life-sized chambers. You can, in fact, be a part of Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, as every painting and installation leaves you in an awe. It’s a perfect thing to do in NYC with kids.
2. Posh it out at The Great Gatsby Ball
Are you a fan of The Great Gatsby? Then, this is the perfect time for you to put your favorite cocktail dress on, and make your way to The Great Gatsby Ball. Enjoy the night out on the dance floor, showcasing your best moves alongside Nick Carraway, Daisy, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jay Gatsby himself. It is definitely one of the unusual things to do in new york.
3. Enjoy your Time at Summit One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers many summertime activities – for you to enjoy – at the height of approximately 1,100 feet. If you’re visiting New York in August, you’ve a chance to enjoy a special event, the World Photography Day, celebrated on August 19. You can also visit the breathtakingly beautiful Fotografiska Museum, and enjoy a cup of coffee with a sumptuous breakfast. You can also access all three floors during the event. For those who like to stay up late, SUMMIT holds the spectacular Astronomy Nights event during the summer, in collaboration with Amateur Astronomers Association. You’ll have a chance to meet with aspiring and professional astronomers during the event. This is one of the most adventurous things to do in New York.
4. Bryant Park Open Air Free Cinema
Too hot? How about chilling out at Bryant Park with some snacks and drinks, while watching a cult classic movie at the open-air cinema? This is unusual and one of the free things to do in new york. You get to watch all the best Hollywood movies, and have a wonderful time.
5. Miniature Art Exhibition
They say it’s always the little things that matter the most. And in this case, it cannot be more true. One of the weirdest things to do in NYC is to go to a miniature art show. Visit this enthralling exhibition and check the tiny art wonders that’ll leave you spellbound. The exhibition features 120 unique artworks and 80 portraits by 32 local and foreign artists.
6. Attend A Candlelight Concert
Many couples go out for a romantic candlelit dinner date to enjoy some quality time with their better halves or friends. But in New York, you can take it up a notch, by visiting a romantic candlelit concert. It is easily one of the many romantic things to do in NYC. Visit these breathtaking nighttime concerts in NYC to treat yourself to a peaceful, melodic evening under the twinkling stars and candles.
7. Have A Beach Day
Summer in New York City is characterized with scorching heat and humid weather. Who doesn’t enjoy being at the beach with their loved ones? August is the best time to plan a day out at the beach. It is one of the cheap things to do in NYC with your family.
8. Summer Streets is Coming Back
Summer Streets will be back in July (the 29th) and the first four Saturdays in August (the 5th, 12th, and 19th). For those who don’t know, it’s all about pedestrians and cyclists. Many of the NYC streets will be blocked for traffic, and those on foot and cycles will have the rare opportunity to enjoy their time, due to various events happening all along the way. It is easily among the unique things to do in NYC.
9. Indulge in Sky High Yoga
Whether you are a fitness freak or not, you wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to meditate or work out at the highest observation deck in the city. Offering amazing yoga courses, Edge has re-introduced its most popular Sky-High Yoga series in collaboration with Equinox Gym. Every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m., classes begin, and tickets are released once a month.
10. Enjoy Authentic Spanish Flamenco
Everyone loves a good tune to jive to, but in summer, everything Spanish has a whole new vibe. And Flamenco, a peculiar dance that has its roots in Southern Spain, is no exception. That’s why we bring you one of the bucket list things to do in New York. Some of the most exhilarating Flamenco performances will take place in NYC from July 27 to August 6. Don’t miss the chance to admire the amazing Spanish artists including, the famous flamenco artist Yolanda Osuna.
11. Have A Splash at an Outdoor Waterpark
What is a fun thing to do in NYC on the weekend? Go and explore an outdoor waterpark. It’s the summertime favorite activity amongst tourists who frequent Mountain Creek Resort, a multipurpose resort with a bike park, ski lodge, zip-lining, and snow tubing. Even though it’s in Vernon, NJ, New Jersey, you can still manage your time and enjoy your experience to the fullest.
12. Chill out on the Poolside
New York City is home to some of the best public pools operational in the country. They are absolutely free and are the perfect place for kids to cool off in summer and enjoy their time.
- Jimmy at the James in SoHo
- Roosevelt Island’s stunning multi-colored pool
- The Beach at Dream Downtown in Chelsea
- McCarren Hotel & Pool in Brooklyn
13. Dip Into America’s Only Floating Pool
The “Floating Pool Lady” in Barretto Point Park in the Bronx is situated on a barge floating in the East River, making it unique as compared to other swimming facilities. Enjoy amazing waterfront views from the seven-lane infinity pool with a gangplank that allows you to walk to the shore. Guests may also utilize the pool house, restrooms, and locker rooms to their advantage.
14. Try Out All the Best Ice Creams
New York is famous for its diversified eateries and tantalizing food that leaves you craving for more. It’s home to gastronomic wonders that you won’t find anywhere. It offers some really cool picks when it comes to ice creams. This is why you should explore your options and go on an ice cream hunt. This may be one of the crazy things to do in NYC. But it is totally worth it in the scorching heat of August.
- Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, Lower East Side
- Milk & Cream Cereal Bar, Little Italy
- Van Leeuwen’s, Multiple Locations
- Tipsy Scoop, Kips Bay & Williamsburg
15. Sunflower Picking In New Jersey
The sun’s out, and so are the sunflowers! Happy Day Farm, located in the neighboring New Jersey, welcomes visitors to choose fresh flowers, as per their liking, this summer. Besides, seeing a blossoming sunflower field in the shining sunlight is a valid reason to visit even if you decide not to take any flower home (though, why wouldn’t you?).
16. Go Glamping on Governor’s Island
Give yourself a wonderful glamping experience at Governors Island, the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City! Collective Governors Island Luxury Camping Retreat has added many new and exciting features to attract visitors. You can now have a ball, attending “live music nights; indulging yourself in tarot card readings; appreciating the local arts and crafts; participating in morning yoga; renting the bike, having massage treatments, while having cocktails” during your stay on the island. it is easily one of the best things to do in NYC with teens.
17. Dine At the Waterfront
Give yourself a sumptuous treat by having an exceptional dining experience at restaurant facing the NYC Waterfront. It is an experience of a lifetime. With your feet in the sand and the cool, steadily flowing ocean breeze, makes for a perfect night out, as you indulge in tantalizing food by the beach. This makes it one of the most romantic things to do in NYC.
18. Visit the NYC Street Fairs
Summertime in New York attract millions of tourists and locals who want to enjoy the pleasant weather out in the open. All five boroughs get transformed into massive block-long street fairs. Attending a street fair will let you enjoy delectable snacks, engage in vendor shopping, and a chance to show your enthralling dance moves. Who would want to turn that down? There are a number of summer fairs waiting to welcome you.
19. Have Some Oysters
While New York is home to several bagels and pizza outlets, the city also offers many delicious seafood alternatives, such as oysters, fish, and more. You can discover some of the most delicious varieties nearby your hotel.
Our top picks for oysters include the following places:
- Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co., Greenpoint
- East Village Upstate Craft Beer & Oyster Bar
20. Frozen Cocktails
If you want to quench your thirst, having a Frozen Margarita or the traditional Frosé, is all that you need. Fortunately, there are many outlets across the city, you can visit to keep yourself cool. Many NYC establishments also offer frozen slushes with a delightful alcohol boost.
Some of the best places to visit to experience the charm of frozen cocktails are:
- Pink’s Cantina in East Village
- The Sampler in Bushwick
21. Visit NYC Museum
If you are in New York, you can visit some of the historical museums in New York absolutely free of cost. Count yourself lucky. These museums serve as a hub of cultural heritage, and research institutions for history buffs. Plan a trip and enjoy your time to your heart’s content. You can also take your family along.
Conclusion
New York has plenty to offer for locals and tourists. The city never sleeps, and never fails to surprise you. But it’s important to plan your visit well ahead of time to avoid any delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Remember, the city is scorchingly hot in August, therefore, you must take a strategic and calculated approach – considering every aspect from clothing to accommodation, and from transportation to budget – to plan your trip. We have curated the list of 21 things to do in NYC in August. Hope you have a wonderful trip.
Frequently Asked Question’s
Is August a good month to visit New York?
Yes, of course. Despite the fact that it’s scorchingly hot in August, it’s still a good time for you to visit New York. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to indulge in New York, and you can choose, which activity to partake according to your budget. From June to August, the average temperature in New York remains as high as 80°F to 84°F, Therefore, you should plan your trip accordingly. You can visit historical museums, important landmarks, and various tourist attractions in New York. Since summer vacations are just round the corner, visiting the city with your family makes for a memorable experience.
What to wear in NYC in August?
August is one of the hottest months in New York. Hence, wearing loose, light, and comfortable clothes is a no-brainer. Unlike winters, when you have to wear warm clothes, you must opt for cool, breathable dresses. Pack some loose-fitting outfits, but avoid synthetic materials. If you plan to go to beach, do ensure to pack swimwear and pool essentials. Do not forget to have your sunscreen. Also, if you want to attend an event at night, you should pack dresses, rompers, shorts, and a pair of comfortable jeans that complement your style.
Is August rainy in NYC?
New York’s weather in August remains unpredictable, although it’s the hottest month of the year. This implies that there may be random rain showers. The high temperatures will continue, and you’ll get a lot of sunshine. You can spend the day by the poolside or beach, and your night doing the things you wouldn’t do in the heat. Nevertheless, it is the best time to sample ice creams and cold beverages.
Is New York cheap in August?
It is actually not. In New York, the summer is generally considered a high season. It’s the busiest time of the year. The prices are on a high. Due to summer vacations and other summer-related activities, there is a high influx of tourists, and demand for hotels and BNBs skyrockets.
