35 Top-Rated Attractions to Add to Your New York City August Itinerary

 

Things to do in New York in August
35 Top-Rated Attractions to Add to Your New York City August Itinerary

New York is the busiest and most crowded city in the world, and thousands of tourists visit the city every season around the year. All the seasons and months have distinctive attractions, events and festivals, and fascinating things to do in NYC.

The summer season begins in June and ends in August. The weather is scorching, humid, and sweaty at the end of summer, August, in NYC, but it has various lovely tourist attractions in New York. Tourists can enjoy several cool spots, fantastic things to do, and New York Events in August.

Here we discuss various fascinating spots to explore, unique attractions and exciting festivals, and New York City Events in August 2023. You will get information on planning a trip to New York in August.

Weather in August in New York

Summer will end in August, the warmest and most humid weather in New York. The average temperature is 83F and 20C, hot and humid sunny days in NYC. Summer is also very famous to visit, the hotel rates are regularly high, and the humidity rises to the peak. Planning a trip to New York in August is a little expensive because you must travel in AC taxis, cabs, or cars and can't walk on the sidewalks easily on sunny days. Rain can be expected anytime in the summer, so you must be ready for August's beautiful, rainy days.

Tourists must pack their bags with light and airy clothes and some raincoats. You can use sunscreen lotions or creams to protect your skin from sun rays and get some sunglasses, flip-flops, or sandals and hats to wear in warm weather.

List of Spectacular NYC Events August

It lists exciting NYC Events in August for tourists and visitors. They can enjoy the end of the summer season with spectacular festivals, fun and entertainment, and unique places to visit in New York. You don't need to worry about what to do in New York in August and check this list of fantastic activities and events.

1. Whimsical Paradise at Wonderland Dreams in NYC in August

Whimsical Paradise at Wonderland Dreams in NYC in August

Wonderland Dreams by Alexa Meade is an immersive art experience in a twenty-six thousand square feet area, a whimsical paradise of your fantasies, a beautiful world made of hand paintings. You can feel the vibrant colors of life with the fascinating imaginations of Alice and Wonderland’s paintings that come alive. Step inside your dream world of wonderland and experience brilliant colors, exciting scenes, and illuminations. It’s one of the most fun things to do in NYC in August.

2. 90s Sitcom at The Friends Experience in NYC in August

90s Sitcom at The Friends Experience in NYC in August

Now you can enjoy the fantastic interactive experience of the famous Friends Show in real-time recreational settings, and it’s one of the best things to do in NYC in August. Experience your favorite scenes at the Friends set recreations, the perfect vibes for the real-time location, the famous orange couch, and actual costumes from the show. Shop exclusive items, clothes, and accessories from the Friends Store and bring your ideal character’s costumes and accessories into your real life.

3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in NYC in August

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in NYC in August

Summit One Vanderbilt skyscraper offers eleven hundred feet's sky-high observation deck and iconic views of New York City from the crystal-clear glass through. You can experience the highest peaks and watch the grand city from the clouds. They offer Astronomy Nights at the Summit to experience the fascinating wonders of star gazing through advanced telescopes from the highest spot in NYC. Join them at world photography day to enjoy the most incredible photo ops for exciting city scenes at sunrise with coffee and breakfast at Summit. These are the remarkable New York City events in August.

4. Jay Gatsby's Fabulous Parties in NYC in August

Jay Gatsby's Fabulous Parties in NYC in August

Jay Gatsby organizes fabulous parties and immersive shows on the twenty's theme. It's the perfect dance party with a flow of champagne and wines, sparkling lights, and a fantastic ball with beautiful nineties-themed costumes. The Party is based on famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel and portrays the actual scenes from the story with music, dance, and remarkable fun. Join these outstanding NYC events in August and enjoy the fantastic virtual experience of being a part of the famous story.

5. Chance To Relive the Splendors of Ancient Rome in NYC in August

Chance To Relive the Splendors of Ancient Rome in NYC in August

Visit the most outstanding exhibition to explore the fantastic Roman artifacts and recreations and experience the incredible history and glory of the Roman Empire. It's an audio-guided tour with headphones to learn the history and events of the legendary empire while going through the exhibition and discovering the facts about the victory of Julius Ceasar to the triumph of the Roman empire. It's one of the most remarkable things to do in New York City in August.

6. Miniature Art Exhibition in NYC in August

Miniature Art Exhibition in NYC in August

Miniature Art Exhibition is the ultimate experience of teeny tiny icons and the outstanding artwork of thirty-two world's most remarkable artists who brought their skills into these little art collectibles to present their unique art and craft skills into the world. The museum is on the famous Broadway, and online bookings are available on the website. Reservations are recommended to avoid long waiting hours and unavailability. It’s an ideal spot to visit in New York City in August.

7. The Fourteen Piece Orchestra performs the Best of Queen in NYC in August

The Fourteen Piece Orchestra performs the Best of Queen in NYC in August

Experience the remarkable performance of Broadway Sings Queen concerts, the magical performance of Broadway singers with the fourteen-piece orchestra performing the Queen’s hits with fantastic musical energy and glorious ambiance. Enjoy the lovely cocktails and full menu in these remarkable musical events in NYC in August with award-winner artists, a full orchestra, sparkling lights, and a fantastic bar scene.

8. Gorgeous Concert by Candlelight in NYC in August

Gorgeous Concert by Candlelight in NYC in August

Join the remarkable August events in NYC and the gorgeous musical candlelight concerts decorated with illuminating candlelights. Experience the highest musical energy with bright flickering candle flames and exclusive musical performance. Embark on the musical journey with Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop music favorites or Sights and Sounds of Flamenco and Spanish Guitars.

9. Titanic Exhibit in NYC in August

Titanic Exhibit in NYC in August

The gripping Titanic exhibit was anchored in NYC, and it’s one of the most incredible things to do in August. Experience the facts about the legendary ship Titanic and its true story by exploring the photographs, personal letters, artifacts, and belongings of the people traveling on the cruise. Explore the recreational cabins of the ship, feel the vibes of the historical cruise and its crew, and discover the historical incident from the audio-guided tour and the actual story of the Titanic in a real-time experience in this museum.

10. Authentic Spanish Flamenco show has returned to NYC in August

Authentic Spanish Flamenco show has returned to NYC in August

Visit the best Spanish dance, music, and artistic performance from famous Spanish artists and professionals. Experience the passion, feelings, and intensive emotions and gestures with the lively rhythm of Spanish musical art and dances in New York City at the Williamsburg Opera House in Brooklyn. Enjoy these outstanding Flamenco shows and one of the most fantastic things to do in New York in August. 

11. La Barca Cantina Floating Mexican Restaurant in NYC in August

La Barca Cantina Floating Mexican Restaurant in NYC in August

Hop aboard NYC’s first-ever floating Mexican restaurant La Barca Cantina. They offer delicious Mexican cuisine and street food at the boat restaurant on the Hudson River. Enjoy the delightful tortillas and Mexican tacos floating on the river, pure chilly wind and iconic NYC skyline views at the cruise with delicious food and drinks. If you’re planning for New York trips in August, you must visit this cruise restaurant to get the best food and photo ops at this floating Mexican restaurant, an unforgettable experience in NYC.

12. Peekamoose Swimming Hole in NY in August

Peekamoose Swimming Hole in NY in August

New York has various attractions for the Fall season, but the ultimate interest is the fascinating natural scenes outside NYC. Peekamoose Swimming Hole is a remarkable natural swimming pool of fresh crystal blue water surrounded by lavish green, deep forests and the most visited spot in New York in August. It’s a fantastic location and a part of the Catskills Region, approximately two and a half hours' drive from NYC. If you’re afraid to jump into the deep water from the rocky cliffs, an easy trail helps you to get into the water safely.

13. Mountain Creek Water Park outside NYC in August

Mountain Creek Water Park outside NYC in August

Mountain Creek is a massive outdoor water park near NYC. It has a vast double-looping thrill water slide adjacent to the main pool, biking, ski lodging, snow tubing, high tide waves water pool, sky ride, and the most famous water slide Zero-G. It has unique famous attractions like Lost Island Lazy River, Water Spray Ground, Canyon Cliff Jump into the pool, and Surf Hill eight-lane water slide at the pool. It’s one of the most incredible things to do in August in NYC.

14. Floating Pool Lady in NYC in August

Floating Pool Lady in NYC in August

Visit America’s only fabulous floating pool in NYC. The Floating Pool Lady is on a ship on the East River at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx. It’s a fantastic water pool with locker rooms, bathrooms, and all other amenities with a beautiful riverside waterfront view. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in NYC in August.

15. Classic Ice Cream Shops in NYC in August

Classic Ice Cream Shops in NYC in August

One of the most delightful things to do in NYC in August is taste the yummy flavors of ice creams. You can find multiple dessert cafes and must-try ice cream shops in NYC, but here we go with a few more popular ice cream spots that offer unique flavors of ice cream are;

  • Mister Softee ice creams NYC
  • Whipped Urban Dessert Lab NYC
  • Tipsy Scoop ice creams NYC
  • Van Lewan’s ice creams NYC
  • Minus Celsius ice creams in NYC
  • Odd Fellows ice creams NYC
  • Sugar Hill Creamery ice creams NYC
  • Morgenstern ice creams NYC
  • and China Town ice cream Factory NYC.

16. Ravine Central Park Waterfall in NYC

Ravine Central Park Waterfall in NYC

Visit a stunning waterfall in New York City. The Ravine Central Park Waterfalls are in the stream valley of North Woods at the top of Central Park. It has exciting hiking trails perfect for a walk and bird watching. Five small waterfalls spread over forty acres in the north woods of Central Park. This hidden area of Central Park has iconic views and fascinating scenes for beautiful clicks at the water streams. Enjoy the fantastic woods, beautiful settings, and lovely waterfalls in August in NYC.

17. Enjoy the lovely Beaches of New York in August, High Summer.

Enjoy the lovely Beaches of New York in August, High Summer.

The high summer season in August brings great attractions for New Yorkers. Locals love to sunbathe on sunny days at the beaches and seashores, kids play around with sand, and adults get water skiing, boating, and swimming at the beach. It's one of the most amusing things to do in New York for first-timers in hot weather.

Famous NYC beaches are Manhattan Beach, Wolfe's Pond Beach in Staten Island, Fort Tilden Beach, Brighton Beach, Rockaway Beach, Jacob Riis Park Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, and Coney Island Beach.

18. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival New York in August

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival New York in August

New York City has several festivals and events in summer full of fun and amusement. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, for boat races, is held in August. The event celebrates the fifth moon from the lunar calendar, sports, and culture.

The festival is organized in Queens, Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Meadow Lake. Tourists can enjoy the fantastic site scene of over 150 colorful boats reflecting iconic dragon paintings and dragon art floating in the Meadow Lake. The dragon boat festival has various other attractions like Chinese food carts, traditional Chinese live music and dance performances, martial arts, and colorful floats looking adorable in Corona Park. It's the most popular event and the best activity to do in New York.

19. Jet Water Skiing in New York

Jet Water Skiing in New York

Hot weather in the summer season doesn't allow us to explore the city and go sightseeing on a Hop-on Hop-off ferry, public buses, and subways. People can enjoy fantastic Jet Skiing in High Summer. Explore the panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the stunning scenes while water skiing on the Hudson River. The local guides are available to give you complete access to the city's skyline. You can get Jet skiing spots at Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty at Staten Island, Governor's Island, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn, and Manhattan Bridges. It's the most beautiful thing to do in July and August in the hottest weather in NYC.

20. Broadway in Bryant Park in New York

Broadway in Bryant Park in New York

Broadway shows are organized at the famous Bryant Park NYC in August, and you can enjoy the lovely Broadway musicals at the open-air theater in Bryant Park's lush green space with a super relaxed atmosphere. It's the city's most popular event and the fun thing to do in NYC.

The famous Broadway shows held in August are Disney on Broadway, Aladdin, The Lion King, Kimberly Akimbo, Dear Evan Hansen, Phantom of Opera, Hades Town, Chicago, Mr. Saturday Night, Funny Girl, Six, The Wicked, A Strange Loop, Come from Away, Beetlejuice, and Moulin Rouge-The Musical.

21. Pan African Festival in New York

Pan African Festival in New York

Pan African Festival is held in Harlem Art Park in August, NYC. The beautiful celebrations of Pan-African Cultural Art, Intellectual Art, and Musical Dance performances at the festival, and the event is free for everyone. The tourists can also enjoy the glorious festival with lovely DJs, music and dance, flavorful meals from the Food Plaza, spicy savories, sweets, delicious food and drinks in NYC.

22. Creole Food Festival in New York

Creole Food Festival in New York

Creole Food Festival is held at Serafina on the Rooftop of Pod Hotel, New York City. You will enjoy the exclusive experience of tasting delicious, flavorful food from top-notch restaurants and highly professional chefs. You will also enjoy the lovely music, and live entertainment, with dance and fun. You will see the rising chefs, signature drinks, tasty treats and meals, and more.

23. Seltzerland Drinks Event in New York

Seltzerland Drinks Event in New York

Seltzerland is a one-of-a-kind patio party to taste various kinds of sample canned cocktails and drinks, food, snacks, munchies, paid food stalls, DJs music with bass, rhythm, and dance, and various other games and attractions. Visitors must buy the tickets and get free tote bags, buzz balls, and sunglasses for fun.

24. Balkan Festival in New York

Balkan Festival in New York

Balkan Festival is a music and dance event celebrating Balkan culture and arts. Over 60 popular music bands performed live music and dances at four stages, and various Balkan music and dance genres were presented at the event. Visitors can enjoy beers and cocktails as refreshments. Balkan art collectibles and fabrics are displayed at the event to purchase as gifts for friends.

25. Harlem Week Festival in New York

Harlem Week Festival in New York

Harlem Week Festival is celebrated to honor the diverse society and culture of the American African, Caribbean, European, and Hispanic populations in Harlem, NYC. People can enjoy the event with cultural art and craft, kids' activities and games, music and dances, food stalls and drinks, and Broadway theater shows.

26. Elements Music and Arts Festival in New York

Elements Music and Arts Festival in New York

Elements Music and Arts Festival is held in August at Long Pond, NYC. It's a unique experience to listen to elemental music with incredible elemental-themed stages for Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. The festival is in great woods and forests, decorated with elemental arts and collectibles.

27. Summer Streets Festival in New York

Summer Streets Festival in New York

Summer Streets Festival is held in August to celebrate the traffic-free environment in Manhattan's busy streets. It begins seven miles from Park Avenue, and all the traffic shuts down for the festival. People walk on the streets or travel via bicycles. The Manhattan streets are decorated with local art collectibles, live music performances, and fun activities to present the city in a unique traffic-free atmosphere.

28. US Tennis Sports Event in New York

US Tennis Sports Event in New York

The US Tennis Open Championship is held in August in Flushing, Queens, NYC. Join the thrilling Tennis Sports event to watch NYC's favorite Tennis team players at the ground and enjoy the most famous Tennis League in NYC. It’s the best sports league for the fall season in NYC and one of the most remarkable things to do in New York in October.

29. Bad Bunny and Diplo Music Event in New York

Bad Bunny and Diplo Music Event in New York

Bad Bunny and Diplo are the most famous music artists in New York. The Music event is held in Yankee Stadium in August. Join the massive electric energy for this remarkable music event with superb live performances in Yankee Stadium, NYC.

30. Charlie Parker's Jazz Festival in New York

Charlie Parker's Jazz Festival in New York

The famous jazz musician Charlie Parker performed live jazz music by the City Park Foundation at the Jazz Festival in Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem. Entry is free for the public, and you can enjoy modern jazz music by highly influential and top jazz artist Charlie Parker at the show.

31. Poster House Block Party in New York

Poster House Block Party in New York

The Poster House Block Party is held in Flatiron Plaza. Free entry for everyone at the Poster House, and people can get their gig posters, screen printing, individual picture booths, and fantastic colorful vibes everywhere in the Block Party.

32. Floating Restaurant in New York

Floating Restaurant in New York

La Barca Cantina is the only Mexican floating restaurant in a boat on the Hudson River. The boat restaurant floating on the river surface gives an exquisite dine-in experience with a three-story bar and restaurant. You can enjoy the delicious Mexican cuisine at the top deck of the boat restaurant with a cool water breeze and a view of the city. Visit the lovely Mexican boat restaurant to enjoy Mexican food. It's the fantastic things to do in New York in the April, spring, and summer seasons.

33. Rock the Bells Festival in New York

Rock the Bells Festival in New York

Rock the Bells is a music festival for the daytime at the Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, NYC. The music festival is a celebration to honor Hip Hop music. People can enjoy the fascinating modern style of Hip Hop music, dance, food, and drinks with various art exhibitions at the festival. It’s a fun festival for everyone and one of the best things to do in New York.

34. Sports Events in NYC in August

Sports Events in NYC in August

The most popular sports events in August in New York City are; the 2023 New York Jets at the MetLife Stadium, Staten Island Ferry Hawks vs. York Revolution at the SIUH Community Park, New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays at the Yankee Stadium, New York Boulders vs. Trois-Rivieres Aigles at the Clover Stadium, New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros at the Yankee Stadium, New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces at the Barclays Center, New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs at the Citi Field, Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Aberdeen IronBirds at the Maimonides Park, Long Island Ducks vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at the Fairfield Properties Ballpark, New York Red Bulls II vs. Toronto FC II at the MSU Soccer Park At Pittser Field, New York City FC II vs. Orlando City B at the Belson Stadium, and New York Red Bulls II vs. Chicago Fire II at the MSU Soccer Park At Pittser Field. These sports events are famous for the fall season and the best things to do in New York in September.

35. Music Concerts in NYC in August

Music Concerts in NYC in August

The Popular music concert with exclusive tickets and seatings in August NYC includes performances such as Phish - 2-Day Pass at Madison Square Garden, Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon, Royal and The Serpent & Games We Play at Forest Hills Stadium, Lindsey Stirling & Walk off The Earth at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Jesse Cook at Sony Hall, Ali Wong at Beacon Theatre, Granger Smith at Irving Plaza, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa & Too Short at PNC Bank Arts Center, Pink Martini & China Forbes at The Rooftop at Pier 17, Foreigner & Loverboy at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Cavetown at City Parks Foundation SummerStage, Tyler Childers at Radio City Music Hall, The Airborne Toxic Event at Bowery Ballroom, The Drums at Webster Hall, Pink, Brandi Carlile & Group Love at Citi Field, Powerman 5000 at Ding Batz, Magic at Brooklyn Bowl, The Disco Nights at Ridgefield Playhouse, Bicep at Brooklyn Mirage, John Waite at City Winery - New York City, The Mountain Goats at The Rooftop at Pier 17, and King's X at The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, NYC. For those seeking things to do in Beacon, NY, these concerts offer a diverse range of musical experiences.

Conclusion

New York City has various attractions, events, and festivals to enjoy every month and all the seasons, but some particular events and spots can be visited in only specific months, like flower exhibitions and botanical garden events held in Spring. It's the most incredible thing to do in New York in May.

Swimming, pool parties, water sports, Jet skiing, speed boating, and cruises are the fun things to do in New York in June, the summer season, and ice skating is the best activity for winter in NYC. If you visit in August, you will find more activities for the hottest season in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is August a good time to go to New York?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit NYC, and June to August is the high season for travelers and visitors. The city is usually bustling with crowds, rush traffic on the roads, high rates in hotels and restaurants, and exciting events and festivals. If you want to avoid crowds and high prices on hotels and restaurants, you may visit in spring from April to May and fall from September to November.

What is New York like in August?

August is the end of summer in New York. The hot weather rises in the afternoons and mild temperatures in the morning and at night. If you are planning a trip in summer and looking for what to do in NYC in August, here are the best options. There are sunny days, ocean beach picnics, swimming at water pools, water skiing, speed boating, rooftop bars, patio dinners, visiting open air markets, and enjoying multiple summer festivals and August NYC events with high hotel and restaurant rates. So, you can plan a trip to NYC at the end of the summer season if you like the hot sunny weather on the trip.

Is New York busy in August?

New York has ultimately the busiest time throughout the summer, from June to August. People come out for outdoor adventures, picnics, patio parties, rooftop dinners, cruise tours, swimming at the water pools, seashores sunbath, and water sports at the ocean, fantastic open air theaters, movie nights, musical concerts, open-air markets, events, parades, and festivals in the city.

How should I dress in New York in August?

You can wear airy, light fabric and summer clothes in August in NYC, like cotton shorts and short skirts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, cotton blouses, short t shirts, backless tops, light cotton pants, cotton shirts with light jeans, and light-fabric dresses.

Is August the hottest month in NYC?

August has the average hot weather in NYC. The hottest month is July in New York City. However, August has a mild temperature in the morning and evening but is hot in the afternoons.

Is it cold in New York in August?

August has hot, humid, sweaty, and sunny weather in NYC.

Where to avoid crowds in August?

MET Cloisters Museum, Tenement Immigration Museum, New York Botanical Garden, City Island, New York City Panorama Queens Museum, MOMA in Long Island, Bronx Zoo, World Trade Center, Metropolitan Museum, Brooklyn Bridge, and Macys and Morgan Library are ideal spots to avoid crowds in hot weather in August in NYC.
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