35+ Best Things to Do in NYC This August (Insider Tips from a Local)

August in New York City is a whole vibe: from golden hour skyline views and car-free streets to free outdoor movies, yoga classes, and concerts under the stars. It’s the perfect month to explore the city’s best parks, beaches, and events!

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC in August, I’ve got you covered. This guide rounds up my favorite spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences, so you can make the most of summer in the city ☀️

Free Things to Do in NYC in August

One of the best parts of summer in NYC is that so many unforgettable experiences are completely free.

Here are my favorite free events and outdoor activities in NYC this August:

🎬 Free Outdoor Movies in NYC
Nothing says summer like watching a movie under the stars, with the skyline glowing around you. Parks across the city turn into open-air theaters in August. You can find the full list of where to go (and what to bring) on my “Full Schedule for the Best Outdoor Movies in NYC” post.

🧘‍♀️ Free Yoga in Bryant Park
Feel the city slow down for a moment. Take a deep breath and flow through an energizing class that’ll leave you feeling centered, strong, and totally connected. Classes are held Tuesdays at 10am (Upper Terrace) & Wednesdays at 6pm (Lawn) – open to all levels!!
While the event is free, registration is required and spots go fast, so book early and bring your own mat + water.

🧘‍♀️ Free Yoga at the Seaport
Every Saturday morning, you can challenge yourself with a very powerful and energizing Vinyasa class (open to all-levels!) on the Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17. The stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge will get you inspired all the way through!!!!
Classes run 9:30-10:30 AM, and you’ll need to sign a waiver on-site and arrive early to secure your spot.
Bring your mat, water, and a hat!
PS: You can also sign up for the Yoga + Brunch package ($40), which includes a post-class (DELICIOUS) meal at Malibu Farm.

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💪 Free Workout on the USS Intrepid Flight Deck
Monday August 11, 2025 at 5:30–7:30 PM
Feel the city buzz while working out on a historic aircraft carrier. The IronStrength series—led by 305 Fitness and Fogo Azul—offers pop-up HIIT, strength circuits, and movement classes for free on the USS Intrepid flight deck. Expect high energy, skyline views, and a community of 1,000+ participants. RSVP is required – spots go fast!

🚴 Summer Streets
For five Saturdays (July 26–Aug 23), NYC closes 22 miles of streets to cars, opening them up to bikes, rollerblades, and FUN! This year, it’s happening in all five boroughs. 7am–3pm, rain or shine.
– Queens & Staten Island: July 26
– Manhattan: Aug 2, 9 & 16
– Brooklyn & Bronx: Aug 23

🚇 Vintage Subway Rides to the Beach
Time travel + sun therapy in one: the NYC Transit Museum brings back 1930s R1‑9 vintage subway cars for Summer Nostalgia Rides to Coney Island (July 19) and Rockaway Beach (Aug 10). The two-hour tourism-worthy ride departs from 96th Street-Second Avenue, and regular fare applies, no extra ticket needed.
Expect rattan seats, cascading vintage ads, hand-operated doors, and a moving museum vibe, then land at the boardwalk or beach Insta-ready for Nathan’s hot dogs, boardwalk rides, or ocean splashes.

🛶 Free Kayaking at Pier 96 (Hudson River Park)
Yes, you can kayak on the Hudson – for free! Life jackets included, no sign-up needed. First-come, first-float. All gear provided.
– Saturdays & Sundays: 1-6 PM
– Mondays & Tuesdays: 5:30- 7:30 PM

🛶 Free Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Paddle out with stunning skyline views of Manhattan. Reservations open 2 weeks in advance (walk-ups possible).
– Wednesdays & Thursdays: 5–7 PM
– Saturdays: 10 AM–4 PM
– Sundays (Family Sessions): 12–2:30 PM

🎭 Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night
One of NYC’s most beloved summer traditions returns Aug 7-Sept 14 at the newly revamped Delacorte Theater.. This season’s Twelfth Night features stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Sandra Oh. Tickets are completely free via the Public Theater’s daily methods: online lottery (TodayTix), in-person lottery at the Public Theater, Central Park standby line (starting at 6 AM), and district distributions across NYC. Up to two tickets per person. Plan for early arrival and flexibility!

🚲 Governors Island Day Trip
Hop on the ferry and explore car-free roads, waterfront hammocks, and outdoor art. It’s perfect for a breathtaking skyline picnic or a midweek reset. (Indulge in a full day at QC Spa if you’re in the mood – I personally love it all year round!)
Saturday & Sunday ferries before 11 AM are free for all. After that, round-trip fares are $5 for adults (kids 12 and under always ride free). No surcharge for bikes or strollers. Reservations are recommended, but totally optional.

🖼 Brooklyn Museum First Saturdays
On August 2, the Brooklyn Museum stays open late (5–11 PM) with free general admission after 5 PM and a vibrant lineup of art, live music, dance parties, pop-up markets, and hands-on workshops. This event only happens on select months (February, March, May, August, and October) so don’t miss it! Space is limited and advance registration is required.

🎤 SummerStage Concerts
Hear New York come alive in parks across all five boroughs from June through October, with over 80 free shows this summer, from indie, salsa, jazz, Afrobeat to experimental dance and poetry. Most performances are no ticket, first‑come first‑served, with benefit shows requiring tickets but free options at every turn.

🌿 Little Island Free Performances
Floating above the Hudson, Little Island is a summer oasis of art, music, and magic. All summer long (June through September), free pop-up shows happen every week in “The Glade”, from singer-songwriters and spoken-word to dance and trivia nights. Ticketed shows in the amphitheater cost up to $25, but many performances are totally free. Just wander in at sunset and soak it up.

🎷 Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City
From June 11–Aug 9, Lincoln Center transforms into a massive cultural hub offering hundreds of free and pay‑what‑you‑wish events from live jazz, silent discos, global dance parties, storytimes and more. Most of it free or pay-what-you-wish. The full series wraps Aug 9, so don’t miss it.

🎼 Met Opera HD Festival (Aug 22–Sept 1)
Grab a seat under the stars for 10 nights of free opera at Lincoln Center Plaza, with screenings projected on the Met’s facade. From Bradley Cooper’s Maestro opener to classics like Aida, Fidelio, Tosca and more. No tickets needed, just come early, find your spot, and soak in the magic. Over 2,500 seats nightly, first-come, first-served.

🎶 Jazz in Central Park – Naumburg Bandshell
Summer ends with elegance at Central Park’s legendary Naumburg Bandshell. Catch the final free classical concert on Tuesday, August 5 at 7:30 PM featuring ECCO: East Coast Chamber Orchestra under the stars. It’s NYC’s oldest continuous free outdoor series. Seating is first-come, first-served, no tickets needed. Come early to secure a spot.

🛍 Chinatown Night Market + Block Party
Final night market of the season is Aug 15, 8-11:30 PM at Forsyth Plaza under the Manhattan Bridge: expect street food, folk art vendors, live DJs (spin dat Canto-pop & jazz), and glowing lanterns.
Bonus: Aug 10’s block party on Mosco&Mott St: free neighborhood beats, Chinatown Records DJs, and community dance vibes. Rain or shine. You’ll feel the summer heartbeat.

NYC’s Can’t-Miss Events and Experiences This August

🎷 Jazz Age Lawn Party (Aug 9–10)
Step into a time machine on Governors Island, where the 20th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party brings the 1920s back to life. From 11 AM-5 PM, revel in live period music, vintage cocktails, dance lessons (Charleston, Peabody), croquet, motorcar displays, and creative picnic styling. General admission is $55 (kids 12 and under free). .

🌻 Van Gogh’s Flowers at NYBG (Through Oct 26)
Step into Van Gogh’s vibrant world at the New York Botanical Garden, from May 24-October 26, 2025. Wander through towering real and sculptural sunflowers, immersive floral installations inspired by his paintings, and interactive plein‑air painting sessions on weekends. On select summer nights, stay after hours for Starry Nights: live music, cocktails, and a stunning drone show finale bringing The Starry Night to life over the garden.
This is art, nature, and wonder in one unforgettable botanical celebration.

⛵️ Classic Harbor Line Sunset Sail (My Romantic Favorite)
I have a soft spot for Classic Harbor Line… it’s my top pick for elegance, history, and intimacy. Imagine sailing aboard a 1920s-style schooner or yacht at Chelsea Piers-Pier 62, glass in hand, with sunset light making the skyline glow. Tours like the Sunset Sail, Architecture Cruise, and Live Jazz Cruise start from $60, run 1.5–2.75 hrs and include a drink. The atmosphere feels curated, personal, and cinematic.

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🌟 Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (Budget-Friendly & Iconic)
Circle Line offers classic sightseeing cruises departing from Midtown Pier 83, covering Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Midtown, Harlem, and more. Tours range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours, with onboard narration, multiple languages, indoor and outdoor seating… and lower prices (around $40-$52). Great for first-timers, families, and anyone craving a comprehensive tour of NYC landmarks.

🍸 Rooftop Bars in NYC
There’s nothing like watching the sun set over the skyline with a drink in hand. Rooftop bars are a summer essential in NYC: breezy, beautiful, and full of those main character moments.
If you’re curious where to go, I listed my 10 favorite rooftops in this blog post: “10 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC with a View (That Are Actually Worth It).”

🧘‍♀️ Sky‑High Yoga at the Edge (Hudson Yards)
Ever wondered what yoga feels like when you’re 1,100 feet above New York City? At Edge, New York’s highest outdoor sky deck, you can flow through a 45-minute Equinox-led yoga class while gazing over Manhattan!!! Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from June 2 to September 30, 2025 – at 6:30 AM (doors open at 6:00 AM). Each experience includes mat rental and Edge admission (plus 30 minutes after class to soak in the view). Tickets are exclusive and usually priced around $75, with early access for Mastercard holders. Click here for more info and the official link to sign up.

Best Summer Spots in NYC

✨Pier 35 Swings
Once a hidden gem, now one of NYC’s favorite sunset spots – and for good reason. These waterfront swings face the Brooklyn Bridge and glow at golden hour. It’s a very popular spot but you’ll often find people taking turns and keeping the vibe friendly. Come early or be patient; it’s still worth it.

🌴 Gansevoort Peninsula Beach
Manhattan’s first ever public beach (no swimming, just lounging!). Located next to the Whitney Museum, Gansevoort Beach has real sand, misting stations, wooden loungers, and unobstructed Hudson River views.
Perfect for barefoot moments, riverside journaling, or spontaneous picnics.

🌿 Pier 57 Rooftop Park
An elevated garden floating over the Hudson. This 2.5-acre rooftop park has sweeping skyline views, soft lawn space, and access to Market 57 below – NYC’s new food hall featuring local vendors and community programming. Quiet in the morning, magical at sunset.

🎨 Washington Square Park
NYU’s unofficial campus & Greenwich Village’s beating heart, Washington Square Park brings summer to life with street performers, chess players, and spontaneous fountain dips (yes, people jump in!!!). Stories and poetry performances float across the lawns, especially at the fountain plaza and around Holm’s pool—reminding you what public creativity feels like in New York. The energy is electric and alive.

📸 Pebble Beach in Dumbo, Brooklyn
Right under the Manhattan Bridge, Pebble Beach is definitely MAGIC!!! On your way there, snap that famous shot on Washington & Water Street (remember to frame the Empire State Building under the Manhattan Bridge!!!) then walk down to the water to see the skyline shimmer. It’s tiny, iconic, and unforgettable.

🌳 Brooklyn Bridge Park
A long, lush waterfront park stretching from DUMBO to Brooklyn Heights with piers, picnic lawns, kayaks, roller rinks, soccer fields, and hammocks. You’ll find something different at every turn. Get ready to fall in love with Brooklyn (and the Manhattan skyline view from here)!!!

🌉 Squibb Park Bridge & Brooklyn Heights Promenade
This pedestrian bridge is the artful link from Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1, offering sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and the East River. Designed with poetic suspension curves and built in 2020 as a sleek steel replacement for the old wooden bridge, it’s become a beloved scenic shortcut.
Come in early evening for golden hour atmosphere and families walking scooters across the Promenade. It’s a peaceful, photogenic moment in every New Yorker’s city rhythm.

🌿 Domino Park (Williamsburg Waterfront)
This 5-acre park along the East River is a perfect blend of history and design. Built on the former Domino Sugar refinery site, it features expansive lawns, gardens, an elevated Artifact Walk, reclaimed industrial sculpture, and lively public spaces. Free and open daily, it’s a local favorite for picnics, sunsets, and waterfront cityscapes.

🌿 Long Island City Waterfront
Just across from Midtown Manhattan, the Gantry Plaza State Park offers vast lawns, pier seating, and unbeatable skyline views. Stretch your legs, bring a picnic, and end the night watching city lights shimmer on the water.

🏙 Jersey City Waterfront – Only one Stop from Manhattan!
For postcard-perfect skyline views, ride the PATH train one stop to Exchange Place or Hoboken and walk the riverside. This ~2.5-mile walkway offers greenery, sculptures, piers, and panoramic views of Manhattan, especially stunning at sunset.

🌊 Rockaway Beach Day
Sandy toes, crashing waves, and fish tacos (Tacoway Beach is my favorite!)… without ever leaving the city!!! Take the NYC Ferry from Wall Street or hop on the A train (get off at Beach 67 and walk towards Beach 90) for the perfect escape when you need a little ocean therapy.

🌊 Coney Island Beach Day
Sun, sideshow, and retro boardwalk vibes – Nathan’s hot dogs included. Take the D train to Brighton Beach for a longer, scenic stroll to the Cyclone. Snap those iconic Luna Park shots, ride the Wonder Wheel, and catch the sunset straight from the sand. It’s NYC summer nostalgia at its finest.

🚡 Roosevelt Island Tram Ride
Glide over the East River on the iconic tram for $2.90 (each way). It’s a full skyline show for the price of a subway swipe. Perfect at sunrise or at golden hour, the views from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan are cinematic. Bonus: the island itself offers peaceful walkways for a low-key afternoon escape.

💫 Conclusion: Summer in NYC Is What You Make It

From beach escapes to sunset sails, golden-hour walks, rooftop chills, and free festivals across the five boroughs… NYC in August is pure magic.

These are the places I return to again and again when I want to feel inspired, recharged, and connected to the beauty all around me. I hope this list helps you plan your own unforgettable summer moments.

Bookmark this page or save it to your Pinterest folder so it’s always handy when you’re ready to create your next extraordinary NYC adventure.

And if there’s a spot you love that I missed—please share it in the comments! I tried to recall them all… but you know how New York is. Always something new, always something hidden. I’d love to keep this list growing with your favorites, too.