45 Best NYC Events in August 2026, Including US Open, Music Fests and Free Shows

New York City is offering a wide range of events throughout August 2026, from major sporting competitions and cultural festivals to live music, theater, outdoor movies, food events and activities across the five boroughs. Time Out has compiled 45 of the month’s notable events and activities for New Yorkers and visitors.

Major August Events

The 2026 US Open is among the month’s major attractions, while other highlights include Shakespeare in the Park, Titanique and the Seconds Run Club Summer Streets Run.

The US Open brings top tennis competition to New York, while Shakespeare in the Park returns to Central Park’s Delacorte Theater with two productions, Romeo and Juliet and The Winter’s Tale. The Public Theater’s Mobile Theater Unit will also tour all five boroughs with an outdoor production of As You Like It.

Festivals and Cultural Events

Harlem Week runs from August 1 through 16 and celebrates Harlem’s people, arts, culture and food. The program includes an Uptown Night Market, musical performances, virtual dance parties, the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run & Health Walk and “A Great Day in Harlem.”

The International Puppet Fringe Festival NYC returns August 12–16 after a three-year hiatus. The event features more than 100 performances from artists representing 10 countries, alongside workshops, exhibitions and screenings.

The Battery Dance Festival also returns to Lower Manhattan for its 45th edition, offering free performances at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park with New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty as a backdrop.

Music, Theater and Entertainment

The August calendar includes Broadway and musical productions such as Titanique and A Walk on the Moon, as well as Broadway Fest in Kingston from August 14–16.

Harry Styles is scheduled to return to Madison Square Garden beginning August 26 as part of his 30-show New York residency. Anime NYC will also bring panels, cosplay, screenings, Japanese food and live performances to the Javits Center.

Outdoor Movies and Summer Activities

Outdoor cinema remains a major part of New York’s August schedule. Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park continues every Monday through September 14, while Seaport Cinema presents free Tuesday-night screenings at Pier 17.

Movies With A View at Brooklyn Bridge Park continues on Thursday nights at Pier 1’s Harbor View Lawn, featuring films against views of the Manhattan skyline.

Other summer activities include the Seconds Run Club event during Summer Streets, the Pastel exhibition by CJ Hendry and Salon 94 Design, and the Family Guy Drunken Clam Experience in Times Square.

Food and Other Events

NYC Restaurant Week’s Summer 2026 edition runs through August 16, with participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus across the city.

The Blues BBQ Festival returns to Pier 76 on August 15 for its 26th year, featuring live blues performances, barbecue vendors and family-friendly activities.

The August calendar also includes the Intrepid Summer Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest on August 21, featuring tastings, live music, food vendors and activities aboard the Intrepid.