The best things to do in New York this August
Blockbuster art biennials, city-wide culinary celebrations and Grand Slam tennis provide plenty of sparkle this month in the Big Apple
While New York’s sultry August heat tends to send many of its residents packing for cooler climes, those who do stick around find plenty to love about summertime in the city. As the mercury soars, embrace a series of outdoor festivals, night markets and alfresco get-togethers that have the effect of turning the city into an open-air carnival.
Which, when added to the city’s existing roster of big-hitting cultural institutions, sporting celebrations and buzzy new food and drink happenings, mean it’s a compelling time to visit. Plus, for those who find the heat too much, the beaches are only a short hop away, too.
Read on for the best things to do in the city this August – and for those visiting this month, don’t miss our guide to New York’s best boutique hotels.
Seasonal things to do in New York
US Open Tennis, Queens
When: Until 13 August
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing, NY 11368, United States
Price: Various
Tennis’s biggest hitters touch down for 2024’s final Grand Slam tournament later this month. Fresh from her Wimbledon triumph – Czech player Barbora Krejcikova will hope to climb even further in the rankings with a strong showing on Queens’ hard courts. Meanwhile, back-to-back Grand Slams mark Carlos Alcaraz out as the form player – although Jannik Sinner will want to remind us all why he’s ranked world number one, and Spanish veteran Rafa Nadal is also pencilled to appear. While tickets for the highest-profile matches might prove hard to come by, soak up the buzz on the giant screens at Hudson Yards’ Public Square & Gardens or head to Brooklyn’s sport-focused Bk Backyard Bar.
Harlem Week
When: 3-18 August
Location: Across Harlem
This year marks the 50th edition of an event that’s expanded from a one-off, one-day party into a two-week celebration of Harlem’s rich history, diverse communities and artistic heritage. Launched in 1974 to bring some positivity to a borough that was suffering disproportionately from the nation’s economic hardships, Harlem Week champions its people, food and culture through a series of street parties, musical performances, street-food stalls, outdoor cinema, night markets, panel talks and more. Check out the calendar for the full roster of events.
Food and drink happenings in New York
New York City Restaurant Week
When: Until 18 August
Location: Across New York
Price: Various
All five boroughs come alive in a culinary celebration during New York City Restaurant Week, offering special fixed-price menus across a broad swathe of venues from feted newcomers to familiar favourites. Act fast to secure tickets for brunch, lunch and dinner reservations, noting that Saturdays are excluded. Although the event is scheduled to run until mid August, some restaurants continue to offer special menus until the end of the month. Top tables include Harlem’s Contento, The Dining Room at Gramercy Tavern and Brooklyn chop house Gage & Tollner. Plus, check out our guide to New York’s very best restaurants at any time of year.
Dishoom x Pastis pop up
When: 19-30 August
Location: 52 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014
Price: Various
Two transatlantic icons collide in a compelling culinary collaboration arriving later this month. Launched in London in 2010, contemporary Indian restaurant Dishoom has established itself as one of the UK’s best-loved diners, now with ten branches nationwide. In its debut on this side of the pond, the team takes over the kitchen for midweek breakfast service at cult Meatpacking District brasserie Pastis. Over this two-week period, New Yorkers can expect a series of signature favourites, including The Big Bombay (a spice-accented take on a cooked breakfast), Kejriwal (chilli, cheese and eggs on toast) and the sublime streaky bacon naan, all best washed down with chai and mango lassis – or chilli-spiked bloody marys for the brave.
Cultural happenings in New York
Whitney Biennial
When: Until 11 August
Location: 99 Gansevoort Street New York, NY 10014
Price: 30 USD
This month marks the last chance to catch the 2024 instalment of what’s become the US’s longest-running event dedicated to art. Entitled Even Better Than the Real Thing, this year’s Whitney Biennial features the diverse work of 71 artists and collectives who explore pressing themes of AI, identity and authenticity through pieces that focus upon the mind and body. Spanning cryptic paintings, striking sculptures, unfurled rolls of photographic film and repurposed medicine cabinets, there’s plenty to challenge and provoke here across a compelling collection of thought-provoking works. Plus, for further cultural fixes, discover our guide to New York’s best galleries and museums here.
Little Island summer show, Meatpacking District
When: Various events
Location: Hudson River
Price: Dependent on show
Since first popping up off the western coast of Manhattan in 2021, this verdant island and public park has swiftly emerged as a popular warm-weather hangout for New Yorkers. As well as its colourful array of shrubs, trees and tiered gardens, a roster of summer events provides further rationale to hop across the Hudson. Pick up a glass of something with street food or shucked oysters from its various vendors and settle in for a range of performances, from cabaret and comedy to theatre and opera, in its 700-seater outdoor amphitheatre with dazzling views of the Hudson River as a backdrop.
