If New York City were a song, August would be its high-energy chorus — packed with rhythm, soul, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned city explorer, staying at Hard Rock Hotel New York puts you center stage for the best of summer. Here's your curated guide to the city's hottest happenings this August.
Free Concerts at Bryant Park — Just Steps Away
Bryant Park transforms into an open-air concert hall every Friday and Saturday night with its Picnic Performances series. From jazz legends to world music ensembles, the lineup is stacked with talent — and yes, it's all free.
August Lineup Highlights:
- Aug 1: Orrin Evans & the Captain Black Big Band
- Aug 8: Dez Duron
- Aug 15: Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East + Gamelan Dharma Swara
- Aug 16: NYC Circus Festival
- Aug 22: Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
- Aug 29: Accordions Around the World
- Aug 30: “New York Loves Sly!” feat. Steven Bernstein
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Bring a blanket, grab a bite from local vendors, and enjoy the show just a short walk from our Midtown Manhattan hotel.
SummerStage at Central Park — A Festival of Sound
NYC’s iconic SummerStage returns to Central Park with a genre-spanning lineup that includes jazz, hip-hop, soul, and global beats. Many shows are free, and the vibe is pure New York.
August Highlights:
- Aug 1: Jacob Collier
- Aug 3: Taiwanese Waves
- Aug 7: Ballet Hispánico
- Aug 9: Celia Cruz Celebration
- Aug 10: The Originals feat. Rich Medina, Stretch Armstrong & Tony Touch
- Aug 16: Blacktronika Festival
- Aug 17: Funk Flex R&B Birthday Picnic
- Aug 27: Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience
- Aug 31: Brazilian Festival feat. IZA, Ilê Aiyê & Evandro Fioti
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Catch a Game — Yankees & Mets Home Stand
Baseball fans, rejoice! August brings plenty of chances to cheer on the home teams.
Yankees Home Games:
- Aug 8–10: vs. Astros
- Aug 11–13: vs. Twins
- Aug 21–24: vs. Red Sox
- Aug 25–27: vs. Nationals
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Mets Home Games:
- Aug 1–3: vs. Giants
- Aug 4–6: vs. Guardians
- Aug 12–14: vs. Braves
- Aug 15–17: vs. Mariners
- Aug 25–27: vs. Phillies
- Aug 28–31: vs. Marlins
Grab a hot dog, wear your team colors, and soak up the stadium energy.
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US Open — Serve, Sip, Repeat
From Aug 24 to Sept 7, the US Open takes over Queens with world-class tennis and iconic vibes. Whether you're courtside or watching from a rooftop bar, don’t miss the chance to sip a Honey Deuce — the tournament’s signature cocktail made with vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and honeydew melon “tennis balls.”
Expect thrilling matches from stars like Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, plus a new mixed doubles championship during Fan Week (Aug 18–23)
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Summer Streets — NYC Goes Car-Free
On Saturdays from July 26 to August 23, NYC opens over 22 miles of car-free roads across all five boroughs. Walk, bike, dance, or just wander through pop-up performances, art installations, and community races.
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Make the City Your Stage This August
Whether you're grooving in the park, cheering in the stands, or sipping cocktails under the stars, Hard Rock Hotel New York is your backstage pass to summer in the city. Book your stay, pack your playlist, and let August play out in unforgettable style.
