9 Great Things to Do in New York in August

It might almost be time for kids to return to school, but there are a lot of great things to do in New York in August.

Whether you want to enjoy cultural activities, the excitement of a fair, or taste some delicious food, there’s a lot to do in NY during the last full month of summer.

Check out our full list of things to do in New York in August, and start planning your adventures today.

(Article updated July 14, 2023 for events in August 2023.)

Sterling Renaissance Festival in Cayuga County – July 1-August 13

Featuring themed weekends, a Queen’s Tea, jousting demonstrations, and much more, the Sterling Renaissance Festival transports you and your family to the English village of Warwick during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Experience a royal feast with the Queen & members of her court. Shop for handmade and one-of-a-kind artisan crafts at the royal marketplace. Try your luck at authentic games of the Elizabethan period.

For more information, visit the event’s website.

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown – August 2-6

Honoring the vision of the late Lucille Ball, this festival supports and showcases both established and rising comedians in her hometown of Jamestown each year.

Promising to be one of the largest Lucille Ball Comedy Fests ever, this year’s festival will feature some of stand-up comedy’s biggest stars such as Taylor Tomlinson and Gabriel “Fluff” Iglesias. In addition to these large shows, there will also be dozens of other live events throughout the festival that are sure to keep you entertained.

To find out all the details, visit the festival’s Facebook page.

Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally in Binghamton – August 4-6

If you love Binghamton’s signature dish, the spiedie, you definitely won’t want to miss the annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally happening this August.

This event draws tens of thousands of foodies and hot-air balloon enthusiasts to Central New York for this fun three-day festival. During the event, you’ll be able to sample delicious food, watch hot-air balloon launches or go for a ride, enjoy a car show, concerts with national recording artists, and much more.

For the kids, there will also be a meet and greet with CoComelon.

For more information, visit SpiedieFest.com.

Stony Creek Mountain Days Festival in the Adirondacks – August 5

If you have ever dreamed of becoming a lumberjack, then the Stony Creek Mountain Days Festival in the Adirondacks is a must-do in New York in August.

The highlight of this one-day festival is the New York State Lumberjack Competitions. You and your family can also enjoy live music, a town-wide garage sale, arts & crafts, free kids’ activities, and much more during this fun-packed festival.

To find out all the details, visit the festival’s website.

Putnam County Wine & Food Fest in Cold Spring – August 5-6

Located in Cold Spring, New York, the Putnam County Wine & Food Fest offers its guests the best of New York in the form of spirits, wine, and food, of course.

Enjoy cooking demonstrations and live music as you sample ciders, spirits, and wines from some of New York’s best producers. This family-friendly event will also feature arts & crafts, exhibits, and live entertainment for the kids.

Find out full details here.

Summer Streets in New York City – August 5, 12, and 19

On three Saturdays in August from 7 am until 1 pm, Park Avenue and many connecting streets are closed to cars from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park.

This gives people a chance to not only stroll or run down these empty streets but there are also some great events that coincide with each Summer Streets date. These include live entertainment, free public art displays, and much more.

There will also be streets closed in Brooklyn and the Bronx on August 29.

To find out more, check out the city’s website.

Catbird Music Festival at Bethel Woods – August 19-20

Located at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in the Catskills, the site of the original Woodstock Festival, the Catbird Music Festival is sure to delight this August.

This two-day festival is a brand-new festival in 2023 that will feature more than 20 bands and musicians that are sure to delight. Headliners include The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, Band of Horses, and more.

 For more information and tickets, visit the center’s website.

Great New York State Fair in Syracuse – August 23-September 4

Join the over 1 million people who will enjoy the 13-day Great New York State Fair this year! In addition to fun midway rides, the fair will also feature thousands of animals and hundreds of commercial attractions.

Enjoy big-name entertainers like the Salt ‘N Pepa, Lee Greenwood, and Chubby Checker, among many others. All concerts are provided for free for those that have bought tickets for the fair.

Find out full details here. Note that tickets must be purchased online and are not sold at the gate.

Lewiston Jazz Festival in Niagara County – August 25-26

Head to the historic town of Lewiston, New York for the largest free outdoor jazz music festival in western New York. With over 40,000 visitors each year, this two-day jazz festival features over 30 live performances as well as food & wine tastings.

This year’s main stage headliners are the Benny Bennack III Quartet and Something Else!.

For more information, visit the event’s website.

Looking for more events in New York? Check out our picks for the top things to do in New York in July and the best things to do in New York in September.

Do you have a favorite thing to do in New York in August that isn’t on this list? Let us know in the comments below.