NEWSLETTER
Get ready for an unforgettable month of music, culture, history, food, and the arts in the Empire State. 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, exploring classic boats in the Thousand Islands, and laughing it up in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, there are fun, exciting, and entertaining activities for everyone this August in New York State!
Attend a County Fair (Multiple Regions)
Dates Vary
Take part in a beloved summertime tradition at county fairs happening across New York State. The 148th Schoharie County Sunshine Fair in Cobleskill offers agricultural events, chainsaw sculptures, demolition derbies, harness racing, and live music with chart-topping country group Parmalee, and The Marshall Tucker Band (August 5-10). The Tioga County Fair in Owego features thrilling rides and grandstand events all for $16 (August 5-9). The 185th Erie County Fair (pictured) in Hamburg brings you the “best 12 days of summer” with rides, midway games, competitor exhibits, and performances by Foreigner, Shaggy, and more (August 6-17). The Delaware County Fair in Walton promises family-friendly fun with rides, livestock contests, and great food (August 11-16). The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck offers thrilling carnival rides, concerts, and livestock shows and educational exhibits (August 19-24). Locations and prices vary.
Black Arts & Cultural Festival (Capital-Saratoga)
August 1-2
Credit: NYS Office of General Services
Revel in the richness of Black heritage at this exciting two-day event packed with live music, art, food, and community spirit. It all kicks off with Gospel Night on Friday evening and culminates in a high-energy concert finale on Saturday featuring R&B legends Dru Hill. Saturday also includes the Grand Rising Health & Wellness Fair, offering inspiration and resources for mind and body. Whether you're drawn by the music, the culture, or the sense of unity, this festival is a summer highlight you won’t want to miss. Albany; free admission.
Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally (Central New York)
August 1-3
Credit: @eggypan on Instagram
Celebrate Binghamton’s hometown dish! 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 Trace Adkins and Gym Class Heroes, and a free concert on Friday featuring Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribute band Gold Dust Woman, and Led Zeppelin tribute band A Zeppelin Thing. You’ll also enjoy Puppy Pals Live and a special meet and greet with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Michelangelo. Binghamton; ticket prices vary; free to watch morning balloon launches.
Antique Boat Show and Auction (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
August 1-3
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 61st 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 will spotlight 150 years of Lyman Boatworks and its craftsmanship. 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 $10 to $30.
Harlem Week (New York City)
August 1-17
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. You’re invited to join the festivities and embrace the positive change, hope, and joy that Harlem has brought to generations! New York City; free admission.
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 25th season showcasing films like The Wizard of Oz on August 7 at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. Meanwhile, Bryant Park in Manhattan hosts Paramount+ Movie Nights on August 4 and 11, featuring Blades of Glory and The Godfather. Both events offer stunning city views, delicious food, and a perfect summer evening under the stars. Brooklyn and Manhattan; free admission.
Cycle The Hudson Valley (Hudson Valley)
August 4-9
Credit: Parks & Trails New York
Get ready for a rolling celebration of the Hudson Valley’s rich history, storied communities, and natural beauty as the third annual Cycle the Hudson Valley tour invites cyclists to embark on a fully supported, six-day, 200-mile journey from the Albany area to New York City. Following the scenic Hudson River section of the Empire State Trail – the longest multi-use trail in the nation – this immersive ride blends paved paths, stone dust trails, and rural roadways, offering a dynamic mix of terrain and breathtaking views. Cyclists can expect daily route support, rest stops, evening entertainment, and overnight camping with hot showers and meals. Empire State Trail; prices vary.
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
August 7-10
Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
Laugh it up in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown! 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. Jon Stewart (tickets sold out), a Stand-Up Showcase featuring music by Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, and a conversation with Streeter Seidell & Mikey Day discussing “Inside Saturday Night Live” headline this year’s event. The festival features more than 50 live events, including a kids’ comedy workshop, a discussion on the history and impact of improv, Comedy Late Night, Desilu's 75th Anniversary Ball, a block party, lunch and dinner at the Tropicana Club, and more. Various locations and prices.
The Art of the Brick Schenectady (Capital-Saratoga)
Starting August 7
Image Courtesy of The Art of the Brick
You've never seen LEGO like this before! From life-sized sculptures to reimagined masterpieces, get ready to explore more than 100 awe-inspiring artworks crafted entirely from LEGO bricks by renowned artist Nathan Sawaya. This family-friendly exhibit at Armory Studios NY is a vibrant celebration of creativity and imagination, showcasing the limitless possibilities of LEGO. Schenectady; Prices range from $17.90-$31.90.
Bard Music Festival (Hudson Valley)
August 8-10 and 14-17
The Bard Music Festival returns for its 35th season to the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (pictured) with Martinů and His World, an intensive two-week exploration, through 11 themed concerts, of the life and times of Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959), the 20th century’s foremost Czech composer, whose music is nonetheless largely unfamiliar to U.S. audiences today. Annandale-on-Hudson; tickets starting at $25.
Tour of the Catskills Pro-Am Bicycle Road Race (Catskills)
August 9
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 famed Devil's Kitchen Climb has established this ride as one of America's toughest cycling events for amateurs and professionals alike. Tannersville; $59.83, 27-mile ride; $70.48, 52-mile ride; $102.43, 74-mile ride; please visit the website for additional event and registration information.
Lake Placid Trail Challenge (Adirondacks)
August 9
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; from $64 10k registration; from $95 half marathon registration; from $129 50k registration; Spectator admission is free, and spectators can RSVP online in advance by heading to the event page, clicking TICKETS, and selecting the Saturday Spectator Pass (RSVP Only) option.
Lewiston Art Festival (Greater Niagara)
August 9-10
Credit: @relevant_atoms on Instagram
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.
Jazz Age Lawn Party (New York City)
August 9-10
Credit: @mkito41 on Instagram
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; $49.50 general admission.
Taste of Ellicottville (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
August 9-10
Credit: @tiffany.lauer on Instagram
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 $1.
The Bagel Festival (Catskills)
August 10
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 Mckayla Pernise, Jaketown Road, Somerville, Far Beyond Gone, and more, courtesy of the RadioBOLD Music Festival. Monticello; free admission.
LKPT Food Fest 2025 (Greater Niagara)
August 10
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.
Sunflower & Sangria Festival (Catskills)
August 15-17
Head to Meadowbrook Farm Catskills’ Sunflower & Sangria Festival and have your pick of more than 125,000 sunflowers in over 20 varieties and colors! Take Insta-worthy 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 from Guilty Pleasure (Friday), The Refrigerators, Just Bob, and Brad Berk Band (Saturday), and Second Chance, and Irish Dancer (Sunday); plus 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.
Hudson Valley Caribbean Festival (Hudson Valley)
August 16
Kingston Point Beach is coming alive with the rhythms, colors, and flavors of the Caribbean at this free, family-friendly celebration, now in its sixth year. Sway to the beats of reggae and soca, savor bold Caribbean flavors, and experience the artistry and heritage of the region’s rich mix of communities. Activities include face painting, a costume contest, DJ, arts & crafts, food vendors, a colorful parade, and more. Kingston; free admission.
Lighthouse Weekend (Long Island)
August 16-17
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.
The Great New York State Fair (Finger Lakes)
August 20-September 1
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 Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller Band, DJ Pauly D, KIDZ BOP, Dionne Warwick, Busta Rhymes, Herman’s Hermits, and many more. Syracuse; $8 for adults, and free for those 65 and older, and 12 years and younger. Parking is $12 per vehicle. A Frequent Fairgoer ticket will be available for a $25 online purchase. Check special fair days for other daily admission offers.
Northwest Jazz Festival (Greater Niagara)
August 22-23
Western New York’s largest outdoor jazz festival is coming to Lewiston’s Center Street, where over 150 musicians will perform across five stages. This year’s festival will celebrate a century of jazz, paying tribute to the genre’s rich heritage while spotlighting its evolving future. Catch Jumaane Smith’s performance “Celebrating Louis Armstrong and the Spirit of Swing,” marking the 100th anniversary of Armstrong’s groundbreaking Hot Five recordings. The festival also features a strong focus on the Hammond B3 organ, with artists like Tony Monaco and Dan Wilson showcasing its soulful legacy. But it’s not just about the music – the event also includes culinary tastings, wine, and a great community atmosphere. Lewiston; free general admission; reserved main stage and jazz club seating available for purchase.
Low Sensory Morning at Animal Adventure Park (Central New York)
August 23
Credit: @slevels07ec on Instagram
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: $18.99, ages 12 & up: $21.99, ages 65 & up: $19.99.
Mushroom Mania Festival (Adirondacks)
August 23
Did you know that mushrooms are genetically closer to humans than plants? Not only that, but some also even glow in the dark! You’re invited to learn about the mycelium superhighway hidden beneath your feet and more at the Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake at this fun-filled, family-friendly festival all about fungi! With activities and crafts, workshops, presentations, hikes, and more there is sure to be something for even those who have never before considered mushrooms as anything other than a slimy snack. Blue Mountain Lake; ticket prices vary and are included with general admission.
Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course (Capital-Saratoga)
August 23
Head to Saratoga Springs for Saratoga Race Course’s most prestigious event – the 156th running of 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.
Honey Festival (Long Island)
August 23-24
Celebrate the sweetness of summer at the Honey Festival, returning to Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden. This annual weekend event buzzes with family-friendly fun, including sunflower fields, honey-inspired treats from local vendors, and immersive exhibits about the vital role of bees and pollinators. You’ll enjoy festive music, bounce on jumbo jump pads, play mini golf, and meet barnyard animals like goats, emus, and Sulcata tortoises. Manorville; $20, kids 2 and under free admission. A portion of proceeds supports Camp Paquatuck, a summer camp for children with special needs.
Hampton Classic Horse Show (Long Island)
August 24-31
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 50th annual Hampton Classic, featuring more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, including the week’s culminating event – the $400,000 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 Click here for more information.
Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival (Hudson Valley)
August 29-31
Ascend to a weekend of family fun and excitement at the 34th Annual Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival! Happening at Tymor Park in Lagrangeville, you’ll enjoy tethered and full hot-air balloon rides, helicopter rides, nightly fireworks, live music and entertainment, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, local vendors, and a wide range of family-friendly activities like the Bubble Zone, Drone Zone, and a children’s play area. Bring a blanket and chairs and watch the action from the designated picnic area! LaGrangeville; prices range from $13.95 to $37.95, with children under 3 admitted free. Tickets will only be sold online in advance and will not be sold at the gate.
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