When summer came in full effect you’ve probably imagined roof-top parties, picnics, bbqs and the whole works.
But suddenly! It’s August?!
And instead of celebrating life on a yacht, you’ve realized your summer has consisted of mostly either: A) nonstop working, B) sitting slumped over on a sofa watching Netflix, or, worse, C) punching the walls until the noisy neighbors would finally let you sleep.
Not to fret though because as always... we’re here to spoil you with a ton of exciting and new adventures.
Even with August here, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy all the summer staples that Queens has to offer. Wrap up your summer with arts & music summer festivals, open mic poetry slam, karaoke and much more.
So break out those bucket lists and defy what's left of the torrid summer heat with 21 amazing things still left to do for the month of August in Queens!
1. Open Mic Night - Auburndale Library (25-55 Francis Lewis Boulevard) August 1st
Tonight Auburndale Library is hosting an open mic night that starts at 6:30 p.m. Think you have what it takes?
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Then come show off your talents in poetry, music, or comedy. Walk in performers are welcome plus, admission is free.
2. Maysles Cinema Mondays at Nowadays (56-06 Cooper Avenue) August 1st - August 25th
The good old days are at Nowadays! Enjoy a Monday-night film series with Maysles Cinema.
Watch old-school films such as Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One or This is Spinal Tap. Apart from their Monday-night film series, Nowadays has plenty of other activities including Tuesday-night classes which consist of courses ranging in subjects from anthropology to philosophy to zombies.
The 90-minute classes even include a beer break. Nowdays boasts a full bar with beer, sangria, fancy sodas, wine and spirits. They also have great food for meat lovers, veggies and vegans.
On Wednesday nights, they host a ping pong tournament and the winner gets a $50 bar tab to spend within the week. While on Sundays, you can enjoy an afternoon dance and get down with music DJed by Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter.
Overall, Nowadays is an amazing spot for a date, or just to hang out with friends and family.
3. Aunt Ginny’s Bar (652 Woodward Avenue)
Who said Mondays had to be boring? Certainly not at Aunt Ginny’s Bar!
Unwind Monday nights with $5 PBR and $3 Coors as well as BBQ from the grill. We don’t know about you but cheap drinks & tasty eats plus some good music sounds like the ideal way to welcome in the week!
4. Live at the Gantries - Gantry Plaza State Park (August 2nd - August 23rd)
Still in the lookout for summer concerts? Live at the Gantries presents a series of outdoor concerts with some of the borough’s most talented performers.
Enjoy a free outdoor performance with a sunset backdrop at the Gantry Plaza State Park. For the full lineup of performing artists, check out their schedule here.
5. The Creek & the Cave - 10-93 Jackson Avenue (August 2nd - August 30th)
Do people tend to never listen to you? Or perhaps your friends and family are tired of your same old stories.
Well, whatever the case may be, welcome to The Dump, a free weekly storytelling show hosted by Jake Hart. That's right! Share your most embarrassing and funniest NYC story in 8 minutes and perhaps meet someone who can finally put up with your dump!
6. Karaoke Tuesdays - Ridgewood Ale House
Sing your heart out on Tuesdays at Ridgewood Ale House. Too Shy? No worries, we heard a few ales can have you singing like Christina Aguilera or Usher in no time.
Karaoke Tuesdays are held from 9 p.m. to midnight. Plus, while you’re drinking and singing, don’t forget to pause and try their wood-fired pizza, too!
7. Socrates Outdoor Film Series - Socrates Sculpture Park (August 3rd - August 24th)
In honor of their 30th anniversary, Socrates Sculpture Park celebrates the borough’s culture and diversity by showcasing international films. The screenings are every Wednesday until the end of August.
Enjoy free films and live music. Local food vendors will also be providing multicultural treats until the end of the summer.
Interested in catching a film this season? Check out the full lineup of films here.
8. Mylan World TeamTennis Season - Forest Hills Stadium (August 1st - August 12th)
Into sports? Great! Then catch a tennis game at the historic Forest Hills Stadium.
New York Empire are one of six teams competing in the Mylan World TeamTennis league along with Orange County Breakers, Philadelphia Freedoms, San Diego Aviators, Springfield Lasers, and Washington Kastles.
Snag your tickets here.
9. LIC Flea Music Series - (August 6th - August 27th)
Feel like jazzing up your summer?
Then find your beat at the LIC Flea Music Series. LIC Flea & Food is always fun but this August you can look forward to the magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline accompanied by incredible bands and DJs.
Shop, drink, eat and dance this summer, as the LIC Flea & Food presents the inaugural of the LIC Flea Music Series.
10. JAMS: Jamaica Arts & Music Summer Festival (August 5th and 6th)
The music continues in Jamaica, Queens with the 20th Anniversary of the JAMS Festival!
Jamaica Avenue's commercial strip will come alive once again with this free annual multicultural festival that showcases the diverse talents of the borough of Queens. Performances will include a variety of talent paying homage to legends of jazz, rhythm & blues, rock and funk music.
Stop by for some live entertainment, scrumptious meals from various food vendors and beautiful arts & crafts from local artisans.
11. “La Cage Aux Folles” - Rockaway Theatre Company (August 5th - August 19th)
Celebrate queer culture with the Rockaway Theater Company and their production of the multi-award winning Harvey Fierstein musical.
Reserve your tickets here.
12. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival - Flushing Meadow Park (August 6th and 7th)
The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival marks its 26th anniversary this year. Based on an ancient legend, Dragon Boat Festival, is commemorated each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
Join them this year in rain or shine. This festival is a 2-day celebration, including an opening day parade on Saturday, and the US Dragon Boat Open Championship Race on Sunday.
In addition, you will also be able to experience popular Shaolin Monks performances, demonstrations of traditional Asian folk arts and crafts, and an enhanced food court that offers several different ethnic cuisines.
13. Queens Book Festival - Kaufman Astoria Studios (August 7th)
Book lovers are in for the ultimate treat because for the first time ever, Queens gets a book festival!
This literary and arts fiesta includes panel discussions on multiple stages, more than 200 exhibitors and booksellers, and an abundance of book signings, entertainment and activities. The festival is slated to attract over 10,000 diverse book lovers so don't miss out.
14. Art in the Garden: “Sanctuaries” - Tatiana Arocha, Queens Botanical Garden (August 7th)
Take a look at beautiful murals and art pieces at the closing reception for “Sanctuaries,” a series that features the natural Colombian landscape from Colombian artist Tatiana Arocha. The series includes a combination of natural specimens, human artifacts, and modern technologies to evoke a rainforest.
15. Visual Arts Members’ Exhibition: World Within A World, Flushing Town Hall (August 7th - August 20th)
Travel through space at the Visual Arts Members’ Exhibition and explore multiple worlds, as artists interpret their experiences and observations from different places. Most artworks are for sale, and all proceeds will go to their Visual Arts program.
16. Flushing Freedom Mile Tour - 143-35 37th Avenue (August 7th)
Wander back in time with the bilingual Flushing Freedom Mile Tour, discover historic sites in Flushing, and activist movements, including the Underground Railroad! The walking tour will meet in front of the Kingsland Homestead at 2 p.m.
17. Taiwan: A World of Orchids - Queens Botanical Garden (August 12th - August 14th)
Taiwan: A World of Orchids will return for a three-day celebration, enjoy a huge stunning display of orchids and a day filled with Taiwanese music, dance and art. This event is free with Garden Admission which ranges from $2-$6.
18. Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra Parade - Hare Krishna Center (August 13th)
Come and celebrate the annual Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra parade, a Hindu religious ceremony that traditionally honors deities on chariots. The Krishna Balarama celebration parades to the Hare Krishna Center for a Festival of India, including free vegetarian food, dramas, and dances.
19. FREE Summer Concerts at the Queens Library - 89-11 Merrick Boulevard (August 13, 18, 22)
Queens Library will be celebrating the summer with three free summer concerts at their Central Library branch. You can relax to music from multi-award winning Japanese vocalist TiA, who’s “Ryuusei” song was featured on the popular anime Naruto.
However, if you are looking to get down and dance, catch the SpinKick band, or international DJ Master of house music and electronica, Sin Morera.
20. LIC Block Party - Sculpture Center (August 20th)
The fifth annual LIC Block Party is an eventful and free art street fair that takes over the Sculpture Center.
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The LIC Block Party features live performances, art activities, as well as affordable and functional art novelties and food from local restaurants.
21. Declaration of Independence Celebration - Vander Ende—Onderdonk House (August 27th)
If you are into antiques and the 18th-century style keep reading…
The Declaration of Independence Celebration is a family-friendly event that celebrates and honors the 18th-century, along with a history scavenger hunt, dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence and much more.
The festivities take place at 1 p.m. at the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in all of NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]