Gothamist Summer Guide: 20 Fun Things To Do In August

18 photos

August is heating up with worldly food festivals, film screenings, music fests, and weird parties that involve human bones and getting drunk on a river. Your calendar isn't going to fill itself up and fall's beautiful crisp air is still a long way off, so crank up the A.C. and start jotting down plans. It's time to finish summer strong.

Juni Safont/flickr

Once-Secret feminist society <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/06/16/secret_feminist_society_brock.php#photo-1">GRLCVLT</a> is back with another Brooklyn-based event targeting Judge Aaron Persky, who presided over the infamous Stanford rape case. Persky, for those of you who don't recall, was the judge who sentenced rapist Brock Turner to an incredibly lenient six months in jail. Having secured a larger venue (Baby's All Right in Williamsburg) for their second "Fuck Rape Culture" event, the group will be hosting a benefit concert with an all-feminist lineup. Some highlights: Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia!); musical performances by various artists, including <a href="https://soundcloud.com/madamegandhi">Madame Ghandi</a> and <a href="https://edithpop.bandcamp.com/">Edith Pop</a>; happy hour; and a set by <a href="https://soundcloud.com/nightdoll">DJ Night Doll</a>. All proceeds will benefit the campaign to recall Judge Persky, led by Stanford University law professor Michele Dauber. (Gabriela del Valle) Monday, August 1st, 6:00 p.m. //<a href="http://babysallright.com/"> Baby's All Right</a>, 146 Broadway, Brooklyn // <a href="http://babysallright.ticketfly.com/event/1254625-fuck-rape-culture-benefit-brooklyn/">Tickets: $25 advance</a>, $30 at the door

via facebook

The connection between hip-hop and comic books goes way beyond MF Doom and Ghostface Killah's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z25LiyVCdks">Iron Man obsession</a>. Over the past year, Marvel has rolled out an art series that combines classic hip-hop album covers with superheroes (it's been <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/look-every-marvel-hip-hop-cover-to-date"> a massive hit</a>) and now the Museum of the City of New York is hosting a night dedicated to both superheroes and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOEgp_1dquw">Supa Emcees</a>. NYT best-selling cartoonist Ed Piskor will be there, <a href="http://www.mcny.org/event/hip-hop-comics-ed-piskor">discussing the resonance between graphic novels, graffiti, music videos, and album covers</a>, and will go over what inspired his <a href="http://www.fantagraphics.com/hhft1/">Hip-Hop Family Tree</a> series, a comic universe that turns the likes of Run DMC and Grandmaster Flash into masked crime-fighters. Thursday, August 4th, 6:30 p.m. // Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Avenue, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.mcny.org/event/hip-hop-comics-ed-piskor">Tickets $12-16</a>

via ComicBook.com

Richard Linklater once said "If Robert Frank weren't so acclaimed as one of the most influential photographers of all time, he'd have a much larger profile as an American indie filmmaking icon." In the 1950s, Frank captured some of the most powerful and humane images in American history, but in the '60s he abruptly stopped and moved from still frames into cinema. Working with a team of artists that included an oft-drunk Jack Kerouac and painter Alice Neel, he made dozens of shoestring budget movies and they're all pretty strange. <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2016/the-films-of-robert-frank">BAM will screen a retrospective of Frank's work this month</a>, and with it comes the chance to view the Village beat scene through the eyes of a master storyteller who was just a bit crazy himself. Retrospective runs August 4th through September 22nd // <a href="http://www.bam.org/visit/venues/bam-rose-cinemas">BAM Rose Cinemas</a>, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2016/the-films-of-robert-frank">Tickets $14</a>

One of Robert Frank's innumerable 35mm photographs (via facebook)

When the records are solid and the crowd is just right, an old-school DJ night can wash away life's creeping sadness and even help us forget that the Donald Trump nomination is a thing that happened. You'll be helping yourself and helping others by hitting up <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1655843384742866/">NY Jive</a>, a party that's been organized to raise money for <a href="http://nubareports.org/">Nuba Reports</a>, which trains Sudanese filmmakers how to capture and document not just brutal conflict, but the everyday beauty of their surroundings. The music selection will be packed with hip-hop, Motown, funk, and dancehall, which means just about every good foot will find a beat to step to. Thursday, August 4th 10 p.m. // <a href="https://kinfolklife.com/locations/kinfolk-94/">Kinfolk 94</a>, 94 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1264057?utm_medium=bks">Tickets $10-15</a>

Gothamist

For the next month, the New York Historical Society will be displaying <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/citizen-soldier-ebenezer-stevens-and-american-revolution">the personal effects of Ebenezer Stevens</a>, a New York City businessman who fought in the Revolutionary War. Stevens, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental army, participated in the Boston Tea Party and fought in the battles of Saratoga and Yorktown. After the American Revolution (a.k.a. the original Brexit) successfully came to a close, he served as a general in the New York State militia and helped protect NYC from British attack during the War of 1812. In addition to Stevens's snazzy uniform, manuscripts from the Historical Society's archives will also be on display. (Gabriela del Valle) August 5 - October 2 // <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/">New York Historical Society</a>, 170 Central Park West, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/visit/plan">Tickets: $20</a>

via twitter

If you haven't been to the Brooklyn Museum's free Target First Saturdays, you've been missing out. Each month, the Museum hosts a free party; this time, it's a Caribbean-themed celebration of the borough. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1114548588604823/">caribBEING In Brooklyn</a> provides dozens of opportunities to celebrate Caribbean art and culture. You can learn some new dancehall moves at a workshop led by Blacka Di Danca; catch a screening of Theodoros Bafaloukos' '70s reggae film Rockers or a new release, <a href="http://bazodeethemovie.com/">Bazodee</a>; create your own Caribbean-inspired musical instrument; and, of course, walk through the Museum's galleries after-hours. (Gabriela del Valle) <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3a-wKnRx1Y0" width="640"></iframe> Saturday, August 6, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. // Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1114548588604823/">Free</a>

Melo-X (Photo by Hannah Snider via facebook)

Cider is the perfect summer beverage (this is one woman's opinion, but roll with me for a second). The right cider is sweet, but not too sweet, and more refreshing than beer or water. The perfect cider is ice-cold, ideally enjoyed alongside a heaping pile of grilled meat. The people behind <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cook-out-nyc-ciderfeast-tickets-24290953897">Ciderfeast</a> have synthesized everything needed to create the optimal cider-drinking experience: the outdoors, a ridiculous amount of cider, and, again, heaping piles of grilled meat (and veggies, too). <a href="http://www.cookoutnyc.com/#ciderfest-section">Ciderfeast</a> features at least 30 different ciders from 10 regional cider-makers, including Big Apple Cider, Aspall, and Ciders of Spain. In addition to the aforementioned cider and meat, dining options include a taco station from Jimmy's No. 43, vegetarian snacks, and pickles from The Pickle Guys. Best of all, cider-makers from around the world will be present to discuss their passion for the beverage. If there's one thing that'll make you crave cider, it's hearing someone talk about how much they love making it. (Gabriela del Valle) Saturday, August 6, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.solar1.org/">SolarOne</a>, 24-20 Fdr Drive Service Rd. E., Manhattan // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cook-out-nyc-ciderfeast-tickets-24290953897>Tickets: $55 - $80</a>"></a>

via facebook

Queens is the most diverse borough in the most diverse city in the United States; it's been called the "world's borough" and, at the <a href="http://www.queensbookfestival.nyc/">Queens Book Festival</a>, it's being referred to as the "Borough Without Borders." Featuring dozens of panelists whose works span genres (from young adult and children's literature to science fiction to cookbooks, and everything in between) the Book Festival highlights both the diversity of the borough and of literature itself. Catch panels on race and identity, cultural cuisines, and the future of comic books led by local authors with firsthand knowledge of the industry. And, of course, hit up the sales tents to pick up your favorite paperbacks. (Gabriela del Valle) Sunday, August 7, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. // Kaufman Astoria Studios, 34-12 36th Street, Queens // <a href="http://www.queensbookfestival.nyc/">Free</a>

Gothamist

Culinary treats from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Congo and beyond will be on the menu at the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-african-food-festival-tickets-23872202400#tickets">NYC African Food Festival</a>, which could end up being the best food event of the summer. All day, chefs from across the continent will prepare classic family dishes, and you can bet there'll be live music and plenty of dancing. When it's time to relax a bit, a hookah lounge will be waiting for you. Come cast your vote for which nation truly makes the greatest joloff and watch as celebrity chefs from across the African diaspora prepare some of the best food in the world. Saturday-Sunday, August 13-14th; opens at noon // <a href="http://duggalgreenhouse.com/">Duggal Greenhouse</a> at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 268, 63 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-african-food-festival-tickets-23872202400#tickets">Tickets $20-1500</a>

via facebook

If there's any common bond shared by <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/07/25/photos_video_lcd_soundsystem_reigns.php#photo-1">Panorama</a>, <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/06/05/governors_ball_day_2_photos.php#photo-1">Governors Ball</a>, Roots Picnic, and <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/06/21/kanye_citi_field_october.php">Meadows</a>, it's that music festivals in New York have gotten stupidly expensive. But before you burn your flower tiara in protest, take a look at one-day <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElementsFestNYC/photos/gm.1599471040345586/1170041486392495/?type=3&theater">Elements Fest</a>, which packs a fantastic lineup of indie acts at a bargain price, tucked conveniently into the burgeoning <a href="http://gothamist.com/2014/09/18/red_hook_is_brooklyns_next_edm_part.php">EDM mecca that is Red Hook</a>. Headlining producer/DJ Gramatik is guaranteed to deliver, and acts like Klingande, Sweater Beats, Mija, and Claptone are also not to be missed. Beyond the five stages of music, there'll be large-scale interactive art, 3D projections, aerial performances, wild art cars, plenty of food, rides, slides, fire breathers, and "extreme wakeboarding activation," which sounds like an amazing way to die. Saturday August 13th, 1-10 p.m. // 699 Columbia Street, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elements-outdoor-music-art-festival-2016-tickets-21431007721?aff=fbevent#tickets">Tickets $30-140</a>

Gothamist

My, that petrified snakeskin on your mantle is looking awful lonely. Why not add to your personal assortment of dead things with a shopping spree at the <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/event/1241343-morbid-anatomy-flea-market-brooklyn/">Morbid Anatomy Flea Market</a>. The always-packed event will give you the chance to buy skulls, fossils, books, art, and ephemera, some of which is definitely made up of human remains. The market is being hosted by the Bell House, but there's the option to add on a ticket to go to the museum itself, which sits nearby in Gowanus. Even if you're not looking to buy, there'll be some excellent people watching to be had as artists, vendors, and academics dedicated to all things dead hold court. Sunday, August 21st, 12 p.m. // <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/">The Bell House</a>, 149 7th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/event/1241343-morbid-anatomy-flea-market-brooklyn/">Tickets $1-8</a>

via facebook

Movie buffs, this one's for you. All month long, the <a href="http://rooftopcinemaclub.com/newyork">Rooftop Cinema Club</a> is hosting screenings at two spots: YOTEL in Manhattan and Office Ops in Brooklyn. With one screening per location per night, that's 62 chances for you to catch a movie you haven't seen (or to revisit an old favorite). Screenings include The Lobster (which you need to see immediately if you haven't already), Do The Right Thing, and Clueless. Both locations provide dinner menus, so you can feast while you watch. The Brooklyn location is a bit cheaper than YOTEL, not to mention, it's BYOB! That means you can still enjoy your favorite flicks on a budget. (Gabriela del Valle) August 1 - 31 // <a href="http://www.yotel.com/en">YOTEL</a>, 570 5th Ave., Manhattan & Office Ops, 57 Thames St., Brooklyn // <a href="http://rooftopcinemaclub.com/newyork/tickets">Tickets: $19 - $33</a>

via facebook

What is summer if not a glistening opportunity to dance with hands sticky from spicy food? Throughout the entire month of August the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-jerk-reggae-fest-by-michelin-starred-celebrity-chef-tickets-26664630628?aff=es2">Caribbean Jerk and Reggae Fest</a> will bring bands from the five boroughs, Jamaica, and beyond to <a href="http://thehallbrooklyn.com/">The Hall</a> in Williamsburg, where Michelin-starred chef Michael Psilakis will cook up succulent eats that fit the island rhythms perfectly. Expect massive jerk platters, classic Jamaican beef patties, oxtail stew, hot pepper shrimp, sangria, and copious rum. Dinners Thursday-Saturday all throughout August (schedule here) // <a href="http://thehallbrooklyn.com/">The Hall</a>, 470 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-jerk-reggae-fest-by-michelin-starred-celebrity-chef-tickets-26664630628?aff=es2#tickets">Tickets $15-37</a>/em>

via facebook

For a few hours, Hester Street Fair will be transformed into <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hester-street-fair-presents-hi-at-us-is-land-tiger-beer-bbq-tickets-26627521634?aff=es2">Hiatus Island</a>, a stopover outside the realm of space and time where you'll be able to "travel outward into the universe." Yeah, it sounds confusing, but what's really happening is a street fair dedicated to strange wonder. Uniquely-modified clothes, art, jewelry, design objects, and small-batch zines that champion cultural dark matter will all be up for sale. If you spent some time this summer <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/07/18/gratitude_migration_photos.php#photo-1">frolicking on the shore with winged fairies</a> (or wanted to), this market day's for you. Saturday, August 27th, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. // <a href="http://www.hesterstreetfair.com/">Hester Street Fair</a>, 25 Essex Street, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hester-street-fair-presents-hi-at-us-is-land-tiger-beer-bbq-tickets-26627521634?aff=es2">Free</a>

Hester Street Fair (via facebook)

<a href="http://afropunkfest.com/brooklyn/">Afropunk</a> is once again going to be the can't-miss festival of the summer as it tosses fashion, politics, beats, and guitar riffs into a blender set to "Give No Fucks." The weekend's headliners include Ice Cube, TV on the Radio, Flying Lotus, Tyler the Creator, and Janelle Monae, but look a little farther down the bill and you'll see that Fishbone, Bad Brains, and Living Colour will all be shredding on stage. Just like last year, a "<a href="http://afropunkfest.com/brooklyn/tickets/fancy-dress-ball-tickets/">Fancy Dress Ball</a>" is preceding the main festival, and with lines guaranteed to wrap around the block multiple times, you shouldn't even be reading this blurb anymore. Cop tickets now! Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28th // <a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/commodore-barry-park">Commodore Barry Park</a>, Brooklyn // <a href="http://afropunkfest.com/brooklyn/tickets/festival-tickets/">Tickets $45-250</a>

Afropunk 2015 (Scott Heins/Gothamist)

Are we finally at that point where blasting "I'm On A Boat" while you are, in fact, on a boat isn't cheesy? No? Good, because you'll be listening to much better music as you dance above the waves with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carriedawaytosea/">Carried Away</a>. Landlubbers will become river-clubbers as Deetron, Culoe De Song and Dirk Largo all hold court above their DJ decks, letting you party hard with Manhattan skyline just off the starboard bow. And if you get seasick, don't worry: House of Yes is throwing an official Carried Away afterparty, where DJ/producer <a href="https://soundcloud.com/djbehrouzmusicdownload">Behrouz</a> will keep the electro party going late into the night. Points for going while dressed in a wet suit. Extra points for snorkels. <iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/25903006&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>Boat Party embarks Saturday, August 27th at 7 p.m.; Afterparty kicks off at 10 p.m. // Dock located at <a href="www.carriedaway.us">Pier 83</a>, West 42nd Street, Manhattan; <a href="http://houseofyes.org/">House of Yes</a> located at 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?825199">Boat Party $35</a>, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carried-away-after-party-with-behrouz-michelangelo-and-more-tickets-26679333605">Afterparty $30</a>

Gothamist

If you can list off Peter Parker's family tree in your sleep, if you can name your second-favorite Scarlet Spider comic, and know all about Black Widow's humble Russian beginnings, then test your mettle against other Stan Lee fanatics at the <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/marvel-trivia-night">Strand's Marvel Trivia Battle</a>, hosted in the store's rare book room. Centered around the Marvel universe and its 77-year history, the trivia battle will test your knowledge of both major characters and minute details, and is the bookstore's way of celebrating the release of Marvel: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know, the brand new guide to the company's fictional heroes and real-life quirks by authors Lorraine Cink and John Sazaklis. Both of them will be officiating the trivia competition, and near the end of the night they'll dole out prizes and sign copies of their new work. Plus, if you opt for the $20 ticket, the book is free! Tuesday, August 30th, 7 p.m. // Strand Bookstore, 828 Broadway, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/pre-order-signed/0830-event-admission-marvel-absolutely-everything-you-need-to-know-marvel-trivia/">Admission $15-20</a>

via facebook

Back to article