There’s nothing quite like spending summer in NYC. While many leave for vacation in August, it’s also a time to take advantage of fun events at a slightly less hectic pace. Soak in the last bit of the warm summer sun while enjoying activities such as festivals, parties, and more.

Enjoy a Car-Free Stroll and Activities During NYC Summer Streets

For four Saturdays in August, several NYC streets will shut down vehicle traffic and be open for bicycle and foot-traffic only. Summer Streets takes place August 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 7am-3pm. Enjoy car-free activities throughout more than 400 blocks, such as performances, fitness classes, interactive art, giveaways, and many more free events. The event will be in Manhattan on the first three Saturdays of August, and will then be brought to the Bronx and Brooklyn on the 23. See a list of streets below.

Manhattan: August 2, 9, and 16

Brooklyn Bridge to Broadway and Dyckman Street

• Lafayette Street and Park Avenue between Brooklyn Bridge and East 110 Street
• East 110 Street between Park Avenue and Broadway
• Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard between West 110 Street and West 125 Street
• Broadway between West 110 Street and Dyckman Street

Brooklyn: August 23

Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue

The Bronx: August 23

Grand Concourse between East Tremont and Mosholu Parkway

Find more information here.

Take a Journey Through History at Anne Frank The Exhibition

Amsterdam has made its way into NYC, with the arrival of Anne Frank The Exhibition, expanding beyond its home roots for the first time. This summer, the citywide initiative, “Summer of Reflection: The Legacy of Anne Frank” expands with “Summer of Service,” to thank the public heroes of New York by providing discounted tickets to the exhibition. The complete list of discounted tickets is listed below.

• Teacher Tuesdays:
  • From 9:30-11:30am, teachers will be granted free access for up to 2 adults and 4 children.
  • Valid school ID and email address is required for free entry.
• First Responder and Active-Duty Wednesdays:
  • From 12:30-3:30pm, all first responders (including NYPD, FDNY, EMS, and PAPD) as well as active-duty service members, will be granted free access for up to 2 adults and up to 4 children.
  • Valid government-issued ID is required for free entry.
• Public Librarian Weekday Evenings:
  • On Monday through Thursday, from 5:00-6:30pm, all NYC public librarians will be granted free access for up to 2 adults and up to 2 children.
  • Valid ID and NYC public library email address is required.
• Free Friday Extended Hours + NYC Library Card Priority Access:
  • From 2:45-5:00pm, the exhibit is offering free entry to all visitors (last entry at 4:00pm).
  • The first 100 NYC library cardholders to arrive will receive expedited access on these Free Fridays.

The exhibition has extended through October 31, 2025 and is located in Union Square at the Center for Jewish History. The “Summer of Service” initiative will go until August 29, 2025. This is the first time in history that dozens of artifacts can be seen in the United States. More information can be found here.

Appreciate Unique Music at Planet Brooklyn Festival

On August 23-24, the Planet Brooklyn Festival will be coming to coming to some of Brooklyn’s best venues. The festival will be highlighting diverse artists in the dynamic and lively borough. The festival will be taking place at three indoor venues, Barclays Center, Brooklyn Paramount, and BAM, as well as featuring accompanying block parties in the surrounding areas. Block parties are free to attend, while the Barclays Center and Brooklyn Paramount shows require ticket purchase. The BAM show is free, but requires an RSVP. More information, including the lineups as well as ticket purchasing, can be found here.

Experience The Roaring 20’s at The Jazz Age Lawn Party

Head on down to Governor’s Island and take a trip through the 1920’s at the Jazz Age Lawn Party. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this Prohibition-era-inspired event will be taking place on August 9 and 10 from 11AM-5PM. There will be a variety of fun activities for visitors, such as photo-ops, performances, dance lessons, contests and much more. There will also be plenty of beverage options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as a variety of food vendors. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, with general admission costing $45 plus fees. This is a kid-friendly event. For more information and ticket purchasing, visit https://jazzagelawnparty.com/.

Enjoy Free Dance Performances at Battery Dance Festival

Battery Dance will be accompanied by a wide variety of other dance companies for the 44th annual Battery Dance Festival. The multi-day event will be taking place on August 12-16, with the rain date being August 17, and will be taking place in Rockefeller Park. Visitors will be able to see performances from eight dance companies home to New York will be joined by eight diverse dance companies from around the world, as well as experiencing workshops and and live music. Battery Dance Festival is New York’s longest-running free public dance festival, and they attract over 12,000 in-person visitors as well as over 35,000 virtual visitors. Further information, including the lineup of dance companies, can be found here.

Revel in Cityscapes and Live Music at The Rooftop at Pier 17

Head down to South Street Seaport and check out a concert at The Rooftop at Pier 17. There are a variety of artists performing and events being held here in August, such as The Fray on August 5, Gimme Gimme Disco on August 16, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour on August 28. All events require ticket purchase, and prices range for each. Not only is there live music and unbeatable views of Brooklyn and Manhattan, the rooftop also has concessions offering food and drinks for guests. The full line up as well as ticket purchases can be found here.