A Gust of Fun: A Guide to the Best Things to Do in NYC This August

August is the last hoorah for the Summer season in New York City. It's the time to get in those last minute beach trips, Summer firework displays, movies in the park and picnics. So, with so much resting on just four weeks, it may be optimal to decide how we use them right away. Thankfully, we've compiled an exciting guide to the best things to do in NYC this August, so you don't have to wonder.

Studio Ghibli Jazz and More at The Red Pavilion All Month Long

The Red Pavilion (1241 Flushing Ave), an Asian-owned Neo-Noir nightclub known for its immersive burlesque shows and avant-garde programming boasts a schedule full of lively performances all month long. Catch upcoming shows Studio Ghibli Jazz with Victor Lin on Thursday, August 14th featuring your favorite themes performed live, from The Legend of Ashitaka of Princess Mononoke to Merry-Go-Round of Life from Howl’s Moving Castle, and beyond. Let the music transport you—and prepare to be Spirited Away. (View their full upcoming events schedule here.)

Indulge in the Brand New Luxe Caviar Topped Arancini at Fornino in Time Out Market

Fornino at Time Out Market in Dumbo debuted its newest indulgence this month—a Crispy Arancini crowned with a Petrossian Caviar bump—drawing food lovers in for an exclusive tasting with Chef Michael Ayoub that drove the crowd wild. Guests enjoyed the brand new hand-prepared arancini, and standout seasonal pizzas like Corn & N’duja and Summer Truffles & Four Cheeses. Founded in 2004 and credited with helping spark NYC’s artisanal pizza movement, Fornino continues to blend creativity, sustainability, and pizza history across its three Brooklyn locations, with the luxe caviar arancini available only at their location at Time Out Market.

CAVA’s Plushie Pop-Up Lands August 11th

Move over Labubu, there’s a new plushie in town. CAVA is bringing its first-ever line of limited-edition blind-bagged plushies to life with a special Hot Harissa Meal pop-up on August 11th. Guests can enjoy the cult-favorite Harissa Avocado Bowl, Hot Harissa Pita Chips, and unbox a surprise pita chip plushie on the spot. Designed by NYC-based artist and former CAVA team member Hippy Potter (aka Thaddeus Coates), the plushie lineup features Peter Chip—the kind and wholesome OG—plus three flavor-inspired friends: Jimmy Harissa, Garlic Gus, and mystery character Sweet Sammy. Available only in limited quantities, the plushies will drop exclusively at the pop-up before rolling out to select CAVA restaurants nationwide.

On Tuesday, August 12th, the Rosé Soiree at Hudson VU offers rooftop dining with skyline views, Whispering Angel rosé, and Provençal bites from 6–9 pm at the Ink 48 Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen, starting at $85.

From Tuesday, August 12th to Sunday, August 17th, The Joyce Theater in Chelsea hosts Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins, a celebration of the iconic choreographer curated by NYC Ballet Principal Tiler Peck, with tickets from $127–$147.

On Thursday, August 14th, the Museum of Food and Drink in Dumbo presents The Last Sweet Bite, a talk with Eric Kim and Michael Shaikh, with tickets from $25–$50 from 6–9 pm.

JETSET Pilates Soho Pop Up Class | Thursday, August 14th and Thursday, August 28th

This August, The New York EDITION welcomes JETSET Pilates Soho for two exclusive pop-up classes in the heart of the Flatiron District. Known for its modern, music-driven reformer workouts, JETSET will bring its signature style fitness enthusiasts on Thursday, August 14th and Thursday, August 28th. Expect an energizing, high-design fitness experience curated for both wellness enthusiasts and EDITION guests.

On Friday, August 15th, the Center for Brooklyn History offers a free guided tour of Trace/s from 3–4 pm, exploring the history and legacy of slavery in Brooklyn.

The Standard Soda Shop | Now through September

The property has officially opened its brand-new summer pop-up: The Standard Soda Shop, a retro Americana-inspired experience located right in the hotel’s iconic plaza. Channeling the golden age of diners with a cheeky Standard twist, The Standard Soda Shop features a nostalgic 18-foot circular bar, umbrella-lined tables, and a summer-long menu featuring Moonburger’s classic #9 smashburger meal. An Airstream serves ice cream in partnership with Van Leeuwen, while playful cocktails, homemade sodas, and a rotating pie-of-the-day DJ booth round out the diner-inspired experience.

On Saturday, August 16th, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Midtown offers Death Cafe, a free discussion on life and mortality from 3:30–4:30 pm.

The Mark Clam Bar at The Mark Hotel | Ongoing for lunch and dinner daily from 12–10PM

This summer, escape to the seaside—without ever leaving the Upper East Side. The Mark Hotel invites you to experience The Mark Clam Bar by Jean-Georges and Caviar Kaspia: a fun new collaboration that blends the breezy charm of a beachside seafood shack with the refinement of uptown dining. Savor classics like fresh lobster rolls, oysters, and clams, each crafted with Jean-Georges’ signature style—and if you’re in the mood, top it all off with a taste of Caviar Kaspia’s world-renowned caviar for a culinary experience that brings summer to your table.

On Thursday, August 21st, Penn & Teller bring their 50th Anniversary Tour to Radio City Music Hall in Midtown for an evening of grand-scale stage magic starting at 8 pm, with tickets from $62–$550+.

Romer Hell’s Kitchen Love Thy Gayborhood: Miss Hell’s Kitchen on August 21st at 8PM

In collaboration with Miss Hell’s Kitchen 2024 winner Sabel Scities and Romer Neighborhood Hotels, Love Thy Gayborhood partnership features a five-month drag residency at So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar, bringing together local talent and special guests for unforgettable performances. Guests can also enjoy a curated experience with the Love Thy Gayborhood hotel package, offering accommodations and a portion of proceeds benefiting the Ali Forney Center. Make a reservation here.

British Glam-Rock Sensation The Struts Set to Headline Brooklyn Paramount on August 22nd

As part of their explosive 10th anniversary tour for Everybody Wants, UK glam-rock powerhouses The Struts are bringing their signature swagger and high-octane show to Brooklyn Paramount on August 22nd. Known for their magnetic stage presence and hits like “Could Have Been Me” and “Body Talks,” the band will be in NYC for two days only on August 21st and 22nd. Find tickets to see them and more info on their tour here.

From Thursday, August 21st to Sunday, August 24th, Anime NYC fills the Javits Center with anime and Japanese pop culture, with tickets starting at $51.

Through Sunday, August 24th, Pearl River Mart in SoHo displays The Monkey King in Chinatown, a free illustrated journey through the Chinese legend by Asian American and Pacific Islander artists.

Through Sunday, August 31st, Artechouse NYC in Chelsea Market stages Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience, a $42, 50-minute digital art journey through rock history.