We welcome the month of August with a few super-sized suggestions for fantastic family fun. From Queens to Coney Island, no matter where you roam, you can find great entertainment guaranteed to delight a broad range of ages and interests, from a concert or dragon boat festival in Queens, a family fest in DUMBO, or a “Wonder”-ful anniversary celebration on Coney Island. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 6-Friday, August 7
The New York Pops
Forest Hills Stadium
7:30pm
Join The New York Pops for an evening of live music at its new summer home, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. The orchestra’s premiere concert on Thursday night will spotlight Broadway superstar Sutton Foster as the show’s guest artist. Friday’s concert will feature Pink Martini, a musical group that mixes jazz with Latin, classical, and pop music. Tickets start at $10 for adults and children are free with the purchase of one full-price adult ticket.
Saturday, August 8
DUMBO Family Fest
The corner of John Street & Jay Street, Brooklyn Bridge Park
11am-1pm
This Saturday take in the newest views from Brooklyn Bridge Park and enjoy an afternoon of free family entertainment, music, and food during the DUMBO Family Fest. All ages will be treated to arts and crafts, face painting, and a performance from the Hungry March Band. Food trucks such as Hard Times Sundaes and Coolhaus will be serving up delectable munchies for a fee. This event is free.
Fifth Annual History Day
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, Coney Island
1pm-6pm
Discover the history of Deno’s Wonder Wheel with the Coney Island History Project this Saturday! In honor of the wheel’s 95th anniversary, the amusement park will host a free afternoon of music, dance, and history. Visitors can also learn about Spook-a-Rama, a sit-in-the-dark ride that is celebrating its 60th birthday. Plus, don’t miss music from DJ George Marchelos, a dance performance by Brooklyn Swings, and a magic show from magician Bob Yorburg. This event is free. The rain date for this event is Sunday, August 9.
Saturday, August 8-Sunday, August 9
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
9am-5pm
Take a trip to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a remarkable sporting event and cultural celebration: The 25th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Throughout the weekend, watch martial arts demonstrations from Shaolin Temple monks, witness the dragon dance, see diverse musical performances, and create traditional crafts. And, of course, don’t forget to watch the various dragon boat races! More than 200 teams will race in colorful, custom-made teak dragon boats, each lavishly decorated and manned by approximately twenty paddlers competing for cash and prizes. This event is free and will be held rain or shine.
