August is here, and it's time to make the most of the final full month of the summer. Think free outdoor concerts, world-famous sporting events, pop culture conventions, and so much more.
We're halfway through the summer season, but New York City has everything you need to close out the back half with a bang. There's plenty happening across the city before fall arrives, you just need to know where to look. Spoiler alert: the list below.
Keep reading to find the perfect NYC events and activities to add to your calendar for August.
© City Parks FoundationThe SummerStage concert series at Central Park runs through the first week of October, and popular group WayV will perform on August 2.
Free WayV concert (August 2)
Time: Doors open 6pm, Show starts at 7pm
Location: Rumsey Playfield at Central Park
Tickets: None required, just show up!
WayV, a popular Chinese sub-unit of the massive K-pop boy band NCT, are coming to New York City for an epic free show at Central Park on August 2 as part of the SummerStage concert series. The night's event, in association with the China Institute of America, will also feature THE EITHER and Chopstix as the opening acts.
Due to WayV's much-deserved popularity, wristbands are given out on a first-come, first-served basis to fans on the day at 11am, but there will also be another general admission line beginning for those without wristbands at 4pm, to try for entry once doors open at 6pm.
Though fans should expect a lot of competition, it's worth it for the chance to see WayV. A free event, a summer Sunday evening, and the possibility of seeing WayV perform songs like "Love Talk," "On My Youth," and "Big Bands."
The SummerStage concert series began in May and will continue through the first week of October — both with a mix of free shows and ticketed benefit concerts. Don't miss out! Here's the rest of the August schedule:
- August 6: Andrew Bird with Wordless Music Orchestra 20th Anniversary Performance of “The Mysterious Production of Eggs” (free show)
- August 7: Funk Flex Birthday R&B Picnic: Jon B / Fonda Rae / Taana Gardner / Strafe / Dres From Blacksheep / DJ M U / Music by Funk Flex (free show)
- August 15: Blues Traveler / Gin Blossoms / Spin Doctors (benefit concert)
- August 16: Taiwanese Waves 10th Anniversary: 9m88 + ØZI + YELLOW / Chance Emerson / Mong Tong / Chinatown Records (free show)
- August 18: Chance the Rapper: Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour (benefit concert)
- August 19: Simple Plan / 3OH!3 / Bowling for Soup (benefit concert)
- August 23: Angélique Kidjo / DJ Freshy K (free show)
- August 25: Myles Smith: My Mess, My Heart, My Life Tour with Special Guest Michael Marcagi (benefit concert)
© Z100Z100's Summer Bash, a free concert event with artists like Charlie Puth and Yeonjun, will take place at Hudson Yards on August 6.
Z100 Summer Bash (August 6)
Time: Doors open 5pm, Show starts at 6pm
Location: Hudson Yards
Tickets: None required, just show up!
If the summer isn't over, neither are the free concerts! One of the biggest of the season arrives on August 6 with Z100's Summer Bash at Hudson Yards. The stacked lineup includes Charlie Puth, Yeonjun (who's both a solo artist and a member of K-pop group Tomorrow X Together, aka TXT), Bella Kay, and JYT (Just Your Type).
Perhaps one of those artists stands out to you, perhaps all of them do, perhaps none of them do — come early and stay until the end to not only enjoy your favorites but also to find a new favorite. Bring your friends but also perhaps make a few new ones. It's summer and good vibes are in the NYC air — it's the perfect time to fully enjoy a free, music-filled evening!
© Getty Images for AMC NetworksMulti-day pop culture convention Anime NYC will take place from August 20 through August 23
Anime NYC (August 20-23)
Time: All day
Location: Javits Center
Everyone's heard about New York Comic Con, but did you know there are plenty of other pop culture conventions that take place in NYC throughout the year? Anime NYC is one of such events.
Just like NYCC, Anime NYC will be held at the Javits Center and feature celebrity guests, exclusive screenings, and special exhibits over the course of multiple days. A few of the exciting guest appearances include Mackenyu and Taz Skylar (Netflix's live-action One Piece); Eiko Kadono (author, Kiki's Delivery Service); and Wataru Katoh, Kaede Hondo, and Miyu Tomita (The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You).
Fans can buy a 4-day badge or single-day tickets, depending on when you can attend, which panels and guests you're most looking forward to seeing, and energy levels. With the excitement of the convention, though, you'll likely want to attend as many days as possible.
© Sports Illustrated via Getty ImaThe 2026 US Open, featuring the top tennis players from around the world, will run from the end of August through early September
US Open Tennis Tournament (begins August 24)
Time: All day
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
There are only four tennis grand slams throughout the year, and they take place all over the world. One of them right here in New York City. Take advantage of that good fortune by checking out all that the tournament has to offer.
Most of the main draw — including men's and women's singles — begins on Sunday, August 30, but the fun kicks off even before that. Fan Week takes place the week before and features qualifying matches, which are free to watch, ticketed exhibition matches with fan-favorite players, and the mixed doubles matches.
The US Open, which ends on September 13 with the Men's Singles Final, is the perfect cap to the summer season in NYC. Grab your tickets and get ready to see amazing tennis from tennis' top players. Even better? Enjoy the matches with the tournament's signature cocktail — the Honey Deuce — in hand.
© Getty ImagesThe Major League Pickleball (MLP) Finals takes place in New York City during the final weekend of August
Major League Pickleball (MLP) Finals (August 28-30)
Time: All day
Location: CityPickle at Wollman Rink in Central Park
Pickleball is all the rage right now, especially in New York City. Courts are popping up all over the boroughs, new recreational clubs are launching all the time, and newbies and experts alike can't get enough of the sport.
But have you ever watched pickleball played professionally? Perhaps you've checked it out on TV or have seen clips online. But what about in person? Don't miss your chance when the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Finals take place right here in NYC at the end of the month.
From August 28-30, the best of the best in the world of MLP will battle it out at CityPickle at Central Park's Wollman Rink. Buy tickets for the whole weekend or just for a single day, there are options for whatever your interest levels and availability.
