7 Great Things to Do in New York in August

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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, 2024 for events in August 2024.)

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown – August 1-4

National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York — The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival will be held in Jamestown, home of the National Comedy Center.

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 Nate Bargatze, Jeff Ross, and Nicole Byer. 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 2-4

The Spiedie Fest returns to Binghamton this August!

If you love Binghamton’s signature dish, the spiedie, you definitely won’t want to miss the annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally being held for the 40th year 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 huge kids area with carnival games, wild animals, and much more!

For more information, visit SpiedieFest.com.

Stony Creek Mountain Days Festival in the Adirondacks – August 3-4

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.

Summer Streets in New York City – August 3, 10, and 17

On three Saturdays in August from 7 am until 3 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 24.

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

Sterling Renaissance Festival in Cayuga County – Through August 18

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.

Great New York State Fair in Syracuse – August 21-September 2

The New York State Fair is a great things to do in New York in August — The Great New York State Fair returns to Syracuse this August.

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 Chubby Checker, Sister Sledge, and Blue Oyster Cult, 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 23-24

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.

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.