Get set for an enchanting August in New York State, filled with a wide range of entertaining and exciting activities.From free outdoor movies beneath the New York City skies to savoring bagels and picking sunflowers in the Catskills, indulging in Spiedies in Central New York and exploring classic boats in the Thousand Islands, there’s something for everyone. So, buckle up for an unforgettable ride through a vibrant mix of music, food, art, and laughter—it’s all waiting for you in New York State!
August 1-4
Laugh it up in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown at the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival! Your favorite comedians will take the stage at dozens of venues throughout the city, including the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Jeff Ross, Nate Bargatze, and Nicole Byer headline this year’s festivals which features more than 50 live events, including Comedy Late Night, a musical celebrating “I Love Lucy,” a block party, plus lunch and dinner at the Tropicana Club. Various locations and prices.
Movies Under the Stars (New York City)
Dates Vary
Grab a blanket and a friend and get ready to experience the magic of outdoor cinema in NYC. Movies With A View is back for its 24th season showcasing films like Creed and But I’m a Cheerleader every Thursday at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. Meanwhile, Bryant Park in Manhattan hosts Paramount+ Movie Nights on August 5 and 12, featuring Arrival and Titanic. Both events offer stunning city views, delicious food, and a perfect summer evening under the stars. Brooklyn and Manhattan; free admission.
August 2-4
Celebrate Binghamton’s hometown dish at the 40th Annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally. The fun takes off in Otsiningo Park with hot air balloon rides, a children’s area, volleyball tournaments, the Kelly LaBare 5K Run/Walk, spiedie cooking contests, mouthwatering food, merchandise, and more! Don’t miss performances by “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” sensation Shaboozey, Niko Moon, Chris Young, and Mitchell Tenpenny. You’ll also enjoy a special meet and greet with professional wrestler and actress Trish Stratus. Binghamton; ticket prices vary.
August 2-4
Ahoy boat lovers! Celebrate the design, craftsmanship, engineering, and beauty of antique, historic, and classic boats and engines of all makes and models at the 60th Annual Antique Boat Show and Auction. This is the longest running boat show in North America and it’s all taking place at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. This year’s event highlights small craft with a celebration of Herreshoff and Old Town. The annual auction closes out the event, featuring a variety of boats and boating objects from fiberglass to wood, turnkey to projects. Clayton; various prices from free to $30.
August 3
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Animal Adventure Park’s Low Sensory Mornings are a special time for individuals with sensory sensitivities and other needs to visit and explore the park without the hustle and bustle of crowds. These morning events still provide access to all aspects of the park, including animal feedings, a keeper talk, concessions, and attractions, with the park opening at 8:30 am for participants and opening to the public at 10:00 am. Harpursville; children under 3: free admission, ages 3 – 11: $16.99, ages 12 & up: $19.99, ages 65 & up: $18.99.
August 3
Quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite while enjoying the stunning views and rustic charm of the Hudson Valley at this inaugural celebration of local food and drink. The first ever Scenic Sips Fest promises a great time for all, with over 15 Columbia County craft beverage producers and a variety of food options spanning diverse cuisines including Ukrainian Chef Oleg’s Authentic Eats, Cook & Larder’s Italian-inspired dishes, Jay Cuisine’s soul food truck, and sweet treats from Great Cape Baking Co. Eat, drink, and relax while listening to live country and folk music. Hillsdale; Tickets $25 and $10 in advance; $30 at the door. Free admission for kids 12 and under. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.
Attend a County Fair (Multiple Regions)
Dates Vary
Take part in a beloved summertime tradition at county fairs happening all across New York State. The 147th Schoharie County Sunshine Fair in Cobleskill offers agricultural events, chainsaw sculptures, demolition derbies, harness racing, and live music with Josh Turner and Chubby Checker. The Tioga County Fair in Owego features thrilling rides and grandstand events for $10. The 184th Erie County Fair in Hamburg brings you the “best 12 days of summer” with rides, midway games, competitor exhibits, and performances by Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and more. The Delaware County Fair in Walton promises family-friendly fun with rides, livestock contests, and great food. The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck offers thrilling carnival rides, concerts, and livestock shows and educational exhibits. Locations and prices vary.
August 7-18
Harlem is a state of mind, and whether you’re physically there, or anywhere in the world, you can experience its magic at this year’s Harlem Week with both virtual and live events. Celebrate one of the most vibrant destinations in New York City at this annual festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary year, highlighting the rich heritage of the neighborhood and the people who call it home. Harlem Week showcases the African, Caribbean and Hispanic history of the district with live music and dance performances as well as dining and panel discussions. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Journey,” embracing the positive change, hope, and joy that Harlem has brought to generations. New York City; free admission.
August 9-11 and 15-18
The Bard Music Festival returns for its 34th season to the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts with an exploration of the life and work of Hector Berlioz, one of the defining Romantic composers of the 19th century. The festival will examine the many strands of Berlioz’s contributions and his crucial role in the musical life of 19th-century Europe and of today. Annandale-on-Hudson; tickets starting at $25.
August 10
Gear up to enjoy a challenging weekend of cycling in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Over 250 racers from around the world are heading to Tannersville to take part in one of America’s premier cycling events, and you’re invited to join! This exciting event perfectly captures the essence of the history, culture, and scenery of the mountains and surrounding region. The addition of the famed ‘Devil’s Kitchen Climb’ in 2012 established the event as one of America’s toughest cycling events for amateurs and professionals alike. Tannersville; $55, 27-mile ride; $65, 52-mile ride; $95 74-mile ride; please visit the website for additional event and registration information.
August 10
Calling all runners! Get ready for an epic trail running adventure along the historic Mt. Van Hoevenberg site, once used for the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Participants can choose from three distances —10k, Half Marathon, or 50k— and experience stunning vistas, winding paths, and even a run within the current World Championship sliding track. Lake Placid; $84 10k registration; $129 half marathon registration; $179 50k registration; spectators can be registered by participants for free admission.
August 10-11
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Get artsy in Lewiston at this signature event, showcasing more than 175 exceptional artists and fine crafters including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, mixed media, and photography. The festival features an Indigenous Market celebrating traditional and contemporary Native American art and crafts, “College Alley” spotlighting student work, an ArtZone with hands-on activities for kids of all ages, sidewalk chalk art competition, live entertainment, and food and drink vendors. Lewiston; free admission.
August 10-11
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Travel back to the Roaring 20s at the world’s most authentic Prohibition Era-inspired gathering. What started in 2005 with a small gathering on Governors Island, has grown into a historically sold-out experience that the New York Times has called one of the year’s most memorable events. Learn the Charleston and Peabody, strike a pose at 1920s-style photo ops, enjoy gourmet drinking, dining, and a pie baking contest, join the bathing beauties and beaus promenade, cheer on the children’s parade, and boogie to the live jazz offerings of founder and host Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra. Governors Island; $50 general admission.
August 10-11
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There’s something for every palate when it comes to Ellicottville’s culinary scene. If you’re a true foodie, you’ll want to be there to sample the local culinary talent of more than 20 eateries in this enchanting and walkable four-block village. Once you’ve filled up, stick around as the village’s hotspots come to life with music, and consider staying over at one of the area’s beautiful accommodations. Ellicottville; tickets are $1 each, with food items starting at $2.
August 11
Celebrate your love of bagels in “The Bagel Capital” of New York State. Stroll down Monticello’s Bagel Boulevard to see the original prototype of a 1968 U.S. patent-holding bagel-making machine, roll, throw, and stack bagels for a prize, and browse over 100 local artisans, crafters and food vendors. There will be plenty of fun and games for the kids plus performances by Sommerville, Shades, Far Beyond Gone, Nyajha McCay, and The Electric Chords, courtesy of the RadioBOLD Music Festival. Monticello; free admission.
August 11
Prepare your appetite for one of the most delicious days of the year. Celebrate the foods of Lockport with specialty dishes from local restaurants, food trucks, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and farms. For those with young children, a family area will provide games, art, activities, and resting places. Live music will accompany the festival and you can enjoy it all from a large dining tent or the family area. Lockport; free admission, cash-only for food samples.
August 11-22
Music enthusiasts are in for a real treat in the heart of beautiful Lake George. Nestled against the serene backdrop of the village, this annual retreat spans two enchanting weeks, and stands as an elevated haven for musicians, conductors, and composers. As the summer sun graces the landscape, the festival orchestrates a dynamic and immersive experience. You’ll be enchanted by daily concerts, open rehearsals, and captivating special presentations that harmonize to create an unforgettable symphony. This year’s guest artists include Grammy award-winning composer Jessie Montgomery, violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, trombonist Scott Hartman, clarinetist David Shiffrin, composer Juri Seo, and pianist Henry Kramer. Various venues in Lake George; $198 full festival pass, $55 3-day festival pass, see the concert schedule for event-specific pricing.
August 16-18
Head to Meadowbrook Farm Catskills’ Sunflower & Sangria Festival and have your pick of over 125,000 sunflowers in over 20 varieties and colors! Take Instaworthy photos as you walk through the sunflower fields and pick your own, and try a flight of Sangria or a local craft beer on this beautiful 120-acre farm. The event features live music, hayrides, and additional blooms available for purchase. There will be activities for the kids, and you can even bring your (well behaved and leashed) dog! Leeds; tickets are $20 with free admission for kids 5 and under.
August 17-18
A weekend of heritage, entertainment, and enchantment is taking place at the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Witness history come alive as the Third New York Regiment (established 1775) proudly display their Revolutionary War uniforms and accoutrements, offering a glimpse into the past. Enjoy a lively performance by the swashbuckling Kings of the Coast Pirates on the Lighthouse stage, discover the artistry of yarn-spinning and weaving, and explore a booth filled with nostalgic toys and games that evoke simpler times. Montauk; Lighthouse admission is $15 adults; $10 ages 62+; $5 children under 12; free admission for children under 41 inches, but are not permitted to climb the tower.
August 21-September 2
The Great New York State Fair fills 13 days with fun and affordable celebrations of delicious food, eye-opening exhibits, captivating entertainment, and great fun. The fair boasts more than 375 acres of animals, exhibits and displays, games of skill and midway rides. You’ll enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment and virtually every music genre, including Joey Fatone and AJ McLean, 90s Rewind featuring Digital Underground, Tone Loc, and Color Me Badd, Dropkick Murphys, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, TLC, Ace Frehley, Sophie B. Hawkins, the legendary Chubby Checker, and many more. Syracuse; admission tickets are $8 for adults, and free for those 65 and older, and 12 years and younger. Parking is $12 on Special Fair Days. 2024 daily admission ticket sales will be available for purchase online only and must be purchased prior to arrival.
August 23-24
Enjoy the soulful sounds of jazz from talented Western New York musicians at this unforgettable weekend on Lewiston’s Center Street. From the Main Stage to the Frontier House Stage, this year’s festival will showcase an array of performances that celebrate the Great American Songbook. Renowned New York City jazz pianist and Lewiston native, Pete Malinverni, kicks off the festivities with a homecoming celebration not to be missed. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, this melodic event festival promises non-stop music and culinary delights. Lewiston; free general admission; main stage seating available for purchase.
August 24
Fun-gi fact: Mushrooms are genetically closer to humans than plants. Not only that, some even glow in the dark! Learn all about mushrooms and more at the Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake at this fun-filled, family-friendly festival all about fungi! You’ll delight in activities, workshops, presentations, and scenic trail walks. Feeling hungry for mushrooms? On August 23, the museum will offer a four-course mushroom dinner! Blue Mountain Lake; ticket prices vary.
August 24
Head to Saratoga Springs for Saratoga Race Course’s most prestigious event – the legendary Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes! Also known as the “Mid-Summer Derby,” the Travers is one of the oldest stakes races for 3-year-olds in the United States, dating back to 1864, and is the traditional centerpiece of the Saratoga meeting. Come and see who takes home this year’s Man O’ War Cup, which was designed by Tiffany & Co. and named for Samuel Riddle’s American Champion Thoroughbred racehorse, widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time. Saratoga Springs; various prices.
August 25-September 1
One of the biggest social bashes on the Hamptons scene returns to Bridgehampton over Labor Day weekend. Come watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the 49th annual Hampton Classic, featuring more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, including the week’s culminating event – the $425,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix, one of the most coveted titles in the sport. The Hampton Classic also features the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre show grounds. Bridgehampton; Tickets go on sale August 1.
August 30-September 1
Ascend to a weekend of family fun and excitement at the 33rd Annual Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival! Happening at Tymor Park in Lagrangeville, you’ll enjoy tethered hot air balloon rides, full hot air balloon flights, helicopter rides, fireworks, live music and entertainment, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, local vendors, a variety of family activities, and much more. Bring a blanket and chairs and watch the action from the designated picnic area! LaGrangeville; prices range from $13.95 to $37.95.
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