As the American summer comes to an end in New York, August is really the last month to take advantage of a whole selection of outdoor activities. Have a day out at the beach or a leisurely stroll around one of the many parks the city has to offer. New York in August 2019 is the place to be, as there are some incredible summer festivals and concerts, as well as one of the biggest sporting events of the calendar year.
The US Open
August 27 to September 9
One of the biggest sporting events of the year hits Flushing Meadows for two weeks at the end of August and along with this epic sporting occasion comes a huge star-studded party watched by the world.
The U.S Open is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center which is easily accessible by train with a number of lines heading towards the festival from central New York. Queens comes alive during these two weeks with people flocking to the area to take in the atmosphere, enjoy the tennis on one of the numerous screens available, grab a bite to eat at one of the local food trucks and dance to the live musicians who perform on the grounds.
Now don’t forget the tennis with the best players from around the globe competing to win one of the most sought-after accolades in the sport. Try to catch tennis legends such as Roger Federer or Serena Williams for an autograph or grab a ticket and find yourself under the lights to experience tennis history at one of the incredible match-ups that take place at this tournament.
The US Open truly is an unmissable event, so if you’re in New York in August 2019, grab yourself a seat. Tickets prices vary and can be purchased here.
The Colour Factory
20th August to 30th September – $38 Dollars
This travelling art exhibition lands in New York on the 20th August. It promises to provide lots of gleeful pieces of vibrant and interesting art which will be sure to bring some colour into your life.
After huge success at San Francisco in 2018, the artists have the freedom of turning a 20,000-square-foot space located in the quirky Soho area into a heaven for art lovers and instagrammers alike. This area will be home to some of the most out-there art in the world; expect thousands of multicoloured ribbons, huge ball pits, rooms full of confetti and twinkling disco balls.
The artists involved in this festival come from all over the world, and co-founder of the project Jordan Ferney says that a number of local artists from New York are participating. Other more established artists such as Lakwena Maciver, Jason Polan, Molly Young and Mmuseumm are also involved.
Tickets for the event are on sale for $38 dollars with operating hours being Thursday to Tuesday from 10am – 11pm and the exhibition is in town until September 30th.
Shakespeare in the Park
August 27 to September 9 – Tickets FREE
Every August a cherished tradition takes place at the open air Delacorte Theater in the famous Central Park and ranks up there as one of the best free activities to do in New York.
There is something quite enchanting about experiencing the works of Shakespeare in the middle of nature and a backdrop of the impressive Belvedere Castle which they use to give the show a realistic historic feel. This event was created by Joseph Papp in the 60s and offers a large-scale production of works from the elite collection of William Shakespeare.
If you are extremely lucky you will be able to catch some of the very best actors in the business with past participants such as Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman just a few of the names that have played a role in this event.
With the weather in August being at its best it is simply the perfect way for a theater lover to spend a summer’s night in New York City, although as the event is free to the public, you’ll need to be quite determined to grab yourself a ticket.
So if you’re in New York in August 2019, check out this guide to securing your entry to this unmissable event.
Secret Summer
4th August – Tickets from $60
This highly-rated event is becoming increasingly popular year in year out and it is easy to see why. A food festival, a cocktail festival and a music festival all rolled into one big party, set on the aptly-named Long Island City.
A meeting of some of the best mixologists in the country showcasing a weird and wonderful collection of amazing cocktails to an audience of over 1000 taste-makers.
This exclusive event combines all your favorite things so grab a delicious bite to eat from one of the many vendors that set up stall here providing tasty food from all over the city and wash it down with your favorite cocktail followed by a boogie to the live musicians playing into the night.
Located in the middle of Long Island City just one stop from Manhattan, it’s easily accessible by train, car or even foot from the city. To purchase tickets, head to the website but be quick as the event is likely to sell out in advance.
For the 15 most unmissable things to do while you’re in New York, check out our guide here.
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