Is the summer half over or half begun? Who cares! There's still tons of fun to be had in and near NYC with your family this August either way! Pile in the kids and head to one (or several) of the festivals, carnivals and parades in NYC (Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens), Westchester, Rockland or Long Island listed below. Have fun!
Manhattan Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
Uptown Bounce 2022
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 6-9pm
WHERE: El Museo Del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., East Harlem
AGES: All
Celebrate East Harlem at the top of Museum Mile with the return of this electric series of free summer block parties presented by El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York featuring top DJs, special guests, live performances, art making activities, and more. Free event!
Giglio Lift Sunday
WHEN: Aug. 7, 12-7pm
WHERE: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Church, 456 East 116th Street, East Harlem
AGES: All
The Giglio will be danced through the streets of East Harlem for all to see all day and evening! Gifted Tenor & Society Member Jimmy Alleva along with Danny Vecchiano and the Giglio Band will be playing songs while riding on top of the 72 foot, 4 Ton Giglio! Free event!
Arte pa’ mi Gente Arts for All Festival
WHEN: Aug. 12-14, Friday, 7:15-9pm; Saturday, 2-9pm; Sunday, 1-6pm
WHERE: The Clemente Soto Vel’z Cultural & Educational Center (Parking Lot space), 107 Suffolk Street, Lower East Side
AGES: All
Celebrating Latin American culture and identity, this festival includes a series of outdoor performances, workshops, films, and concerts, designed for families. Free event!
National Dominican Day Parade
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 12-4pm
WHERE: 6th Ave between 37th Street and 52nd Street, Midtown
AGES: All
The Dominican Day Parade is a joyful celebration of all things Dominican. Gather to honor heritage and culture and to recognize the many accomplishments Dominicans have made in the United States, and around the world. With music, dancing, and over 10,000 marchers, there is plenty of fun to go around. Free event!
Summer on the Hudson: FlyNYC
WHEN: Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th Street, Upper West Side
WHERE: Saturday, Aug. 20, 12-5pm
AGES: All
Music and kites fill the air at this festival for all ages! Kite kits are provided free for children (while supplies last), or bring your own favorite kite from home. Enjoy music, local vendors, and a play:groundNYC pop up! Free event!
Harlem Week: NYC Children's Festival
WHEN: Aug. 20-Aug. 21, Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm
WHERE: Howard Bennett Playground, 32 W 136th St., Harlem
AGES: 5-12
Children and their family members enjoy storytelling, children’s entertainment (performances showcasing tap dancers, dance troupes, step shows, hip hop, theater, poetry, vocalists, etc.), arts & crafts, double dutch competitions, face painting, technology information, information on health services, and more. Free event!
India Day Parade
WHEN: Aug. 21, Sunday, 12:30-4pm
WHERE: E 37 St. between Park Ave. and 5th Ave., Murray Hill
AGES: All
Celebrate India culture and pride at the the world’s largest India Day Parade featuring floats, marching groups, cultural programs, booths and more! Free event!
Brooklyn Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
Smorgasburg
WHEN: April 3- Oct. 30, Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Prospect Park Breeze Hill, Lincoln Road Park Entrance, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
AGES: All
Smorgasburg, presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, is considered the “Woodstock of Eating.” Local and regional food purveyors will gather to offer a range of cuisines. Admission is free, prices vary for goods.
Stranger Things: The Experience
WHEN: May 7- Aug. 28, Wednesdays-Fridays, 5?9pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 11am?9pm
WHERE: Duggal Greenhouse, 63 Flushing Ave., Building 268, Navy Hill
AGES: 13 and older
Discover your power in an immersive Stranger Things experience filled with fan-favorite characters, iconic locations and tubular monsters! Tickets start at $54.
NYC Pinball Championships 2022
WHEN: Aug. 19-21, Friday and Saturday, 9am-12am; Sunday, 8:30am-6pm
WHERE: Industry City – Five Two A Event Space, 33 35th Street , Sunset Park
AGES: All
This live pinball event features free gaming, world class competitions, and more! $50; $25 ages 6-12.
Queens Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
Queens Night Market
WHEN: April 16- Aug. 20, Saturdays, 5pm-12am
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona
AGES: All
This large, family-friendly open-air night market features up to 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring small-scale cultural performances. Admission is free, prices vary for goods.
39th Ecuadorian Parade NYC 2022
WHEN: Aug. 7, Sunday, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Northern Blvd. from 69th St. to 87th St., Jackson Heights
AGES: All
Celebrate Ecuadorian culture and pride at this annual parade featuring music, performances, floats, and more! Free event!
Taiwan: A World of Orchids
WHEN: Aug. 12-14, Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
AGES: All
Immerse yourself in a stunning display of orchids and experience Taiwanese art and culture. Create crafts, watch diabolo yo-yo tricks,listen to ancient storytelling; and so much more. Included with admission.
End of Summer Bash
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 2-5pm
WHERE: The Shops at Skyview Center, 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing
AGES: All
It's an afternoon of summer themed fun with Carnival Games, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Photo Booth, Live DJ, magician, book swap, and more! Free event!
Bronx Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
Old Timers Day Music Fest 2022
WHEN: Aug. 7, Sunday, 11am-5:30pm
WHERE: Crotona Park Amphitheater, 901 Claremont Pkwy., Bronx
AGES: All
Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic basket and most of everyone you know to this annual event. Have a good time listening to music, dancing, eating, playing cards and so much more! Free event!
Ghana Fest-NY
WHEN: Aug. 13, Saturday, 12-6pm
WHERE: Crotona Park, Intersection between Crotona Ave and Claremont Pkwy., Bronx
AGES: All
Ghana Fest-NY is an annual open-air display of Ghanaian culture. New Yorkers and visitors to the city are invited to a day of festive dance, flavorful cuisine, live music, a display of traditional and modern Ghanaian fashion and more. There’s something in store for all ages to enjoy.
Bronx Night Market Fordham Plaza
WHEN: Aug. 27, Saturday, 1-7pm
WHERE: Fordham Plaza, 1 Fordham Plaza, Bronx
AGES: All
Join The Bronx Night Market, the largest, all-family foodie celebration in the Bronx. Enjoy your favorite food and beverage vendors plus a ton of new, exciting, delicious grub. Shop locally with a rotation of more than two dozen arts and crafts merchants at every event. Experience Uptown-based live performances and art installations on the large stage. Visit the Instagram Wall-O-Fame, kid zone, and food education booths. And, yes – there’s a ton more for the whole family. Admission is free. Prices vary for food and experiences.
Westchester Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
176th Dutchess County Fair
WHEN: Aug. 23-28, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-8pm
WHERE: Dutchess Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Avenue, Rhinebeck
AGES: All
WHAT: The 176th Dutchess County Fair is back! There’s entertainment around every corner of the 150+ acre, beautifully landscaped Fairgrounds. Take in the bounty of the Hudson Valley with over 1000 livestock, hundreds of delicious food vendors, unparalleled shopping and of course the best carnival rides to thrill all ages. Each night, enjoy world-class concerts in our Grandstand, as well as a rodeo on the weekend. There’s something for everyone!
WANT TO GO? In advance: $13.50, free admission for children 11 and younger, $25 ride all day wristbands; At the gate: $18 admission, $30 ride all day wristbands; Wednesday only $12 admission for seniors 65 and older and military with ID.
Cultural Heritage Celebration: India
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 12-6pm
WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla
AGES: All
Experience an exciting display of Indian culture featuring music, entertainment, crafts, and food vendors. Festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. Free event!
South Salem Fire Department Annual Carnival & Parade
WHEN: Aug. 10-13, Wednesday-Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 5-10pm
WHERE: South Salem Fire Department, 1190 Route 35, South Salem
AGES: All
This annual event is back with rides, games, food, prizes, and more! Be there to kick off this 4-day event with a parade down Route 35. $30 wristbands per person for unlimited rides.
Jewish Cultural Heritage Festival
WHEN: Aug. 21, Sunday, 12-6pm
WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy Road, Valhalla
AGES: All
Experience a fascinating array of Jewish culture featuring entertainment, displays, and more. Festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. Free event!
Muslim Heritage and Culture Festival
WHEN: Aug. 28, Sunday, 12-6pm
WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla
AGES: All
Experience an impressive array of Muslim culture featuring entertainment, displays, and more. Festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. Free event!
Long Island Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
14th Annual Holy Family Festival
WHEN: Aug. 10-Aug. 13, Wednesday and Thursday, 6-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 6-11pm
WHERE: Holy Family Catholic Church, 17 Fordham Ave., Hicksville
AGES: All
WHAT: Exciting carnival rides, fantastic live music, and delicious foods and drinks! Plus, Casino Games and raffles for the grown ups! Ride bracelets start at $29.99 when purchased online; individual ride tickets available for purchase.
Long Island Retro Gaming Expo
WHEN: Aug. 12-14, Friday, 4-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City
AGES: All
WHAT: Get ready to play all your retro favorites, browse retro gaming vendors, participate in panel discussions, bring your best cosplay, enter tournaments, and win prizes! $10-$15 single day child tickets; $15-$30 single day adult ticket; 4 pack tickets and VIP tickets available.
The Cellini Annual Italian Feast
WHEN: Aug. 24-Aug. 28, Wednesday-Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 3-11pm; Sunday, 3-10pm
WHERE: Michael J. Tully Park, 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park
AGES: All
Bring out the family for thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment every night, vendors, carnival games, casino games, and plenty of food including the best zeppoles on Long Island! Make sure to be there for the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night! $2 admission; free admission for children younger than 5. Sunday is Community Appreciation Day with free admission from 3-5pm along with half price pasta.
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival
WHEN: Aug. 27-28, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-8pm
WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City
AGES: All
Enjoy exquisite food from renowned chefs all the way from Peru. Join top chefs inside the dome theater for live cooking demos. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances, Peruvian folk dancing, artisan craft vendors, raffles, and so much more! $20; $15 children 2-12.
Alive After Five 2022
WHEN: July 11- Aug. 25, Alternating Thursdays, 5-9:30pm
WHERE: Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, 15 N Ocean Ave., Downtown Patchogue
AGES: All
Live music, outdoor dining, vendors, magic and Coney Island-style Side Show is just some of the fun that your family will have! Free event!
Suffolk County Sea Glass Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 11am-4pm
WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate all things sea glass with workshops, a glass-themed scavenger hunt, sea shanties, food trucks, and more! $10 (Age 3 & under are free) | Members $8. All event activities included, except for optional pendant workshop. Optional Sea Glass Pendant Workshop is $7; Members $5.
Alive on 25
WHEN: Aug. 12, 5-9:30pm
WHERE: Downtown Riverhead, East Main Street, Riverhead
AGES: All
WHAT: Check out this pop-up summer street festival featuring live music, car show, local craft beverages, outdoor dining, Long Island artists, performers and street vendors. Free event!
Bubble Palooza & Color Fun Run Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 8:15am registration and check in; 9am first wave time begins
WHERE: Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park
AGES: All
Run, walk, or stroll through bubbles, throw color, eat from local food trucks, explore interactive vendor experiences, take pictures, play games, enjoy fun-foods, and more! $29 per person early bird; $59 regular fee; $18 ages 4 and younger with a swag bag; free for children 4 and younger without the swag bag.
58th Annual Art Show & Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Shelter Island School Grounds, 33 North Ferry Rd., Shelter Island
AGES: All
Join quality artists and craftspeople in this well-attended show that is open to artisans only to display, demonstrate and sell their own outstanding, high quality, original works in any medium or style. Free event!
2022 Seafood Festival
WHEN: Aug. 20-21, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Long Island Maritime Museum, 88 West Ave., West Sayville
AGES: All
It's a day of fun that will have everyone wanting to come back for seconds with fabulous food, entertainment for the kids, and the museum's 1888 Oyster Sloop Priscilla! $9 online, $10 at the door; free admission for children younger than 12.
Family Fun Day at The Shoppes
WHEN: Aug. 27-28, 2022, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm
WHERE: The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River
AGES: All
End the summer with an awesome time for the entire family with music and games, face painting, bounce house, Erik's Reptile Edventures, crafts, and much more! Pay One Price $20 Each Child the day of event. Parents are Free with a paid child. All activities included except the Carousel.
Nesconset Day 2022
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 10am-5pm
WHERE: The Nesconset Chamber Of Commerce, 127 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset
AGES: All
Bring the family out for bounce houses, face painting, vendors, food trucks, crafts, games, prizes, and more!? Free event!
Rockland Carnivals, Festivals, and Parades 2022
Six Flags Summer Vibes Festival
WHEN: July 14- Aug. 14, 10:30am-9pm, daily
WHERE: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township
AGES: All
Experience six colorfully themed areas filled with magic and wonder! Tickets start at $44.99.
Bear Mountain Native American Celebration
WHEN: Aug. 6-7, Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm
WHERE: Anthony Wayne Rec. Area, Harriman State Park, Palisades Interstate Pkwy at Bear Mountain, Stony Point
AGES: All
See indigenous performing groups from the Americas along with artists, vendors, crafts, jewelry, food and more! $15; $10 seniors 65 and older, children 6-12, and students with ID; free for children 5 and younger. Available online only: $45 Family 4-Packs (for 2 adults & 2 children ages 6-12).
Paramus Summer Food Truck Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 11am-7pm
WHERE: Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, East Main Entrance (in front of Old Navy & LL Bean), Paramus
AGES: All
WHAT: Check out 20 gourmet food trucks, DJ Louis, vendors, kid activities including pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, sand art, and so much more! $5 admission; free admission children younger than 5.
2022 New York Air Show
WHEN: Aug. 27-28, 9am-4pm
WHERE: Orange County Airport, 500 Dunn Road, Montgomery
AGES: All
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the New York Air Show. This year you'll see aircraft on the ground and in the sky as static displays return for the first time in 3 years. Tickets start at $21.50 for children 6-12 and adults $32.50. FREE admission for children 5 and younger.
New York Renaissance Faire
WHEN: Aug. 27- Oct. 9, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, 10am-7pm
WHERE: Renaissance Faire, Tuxedo Park, 600 NY-17A, Tuxedo Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Travel back in time to cheer for your favorite knight at the Joust Tournament, meet Robin Hood and his Merry Band, see amazing acrobats, magical fairies, swashbuckling pirates, and more! $35; $30 seniors 62 and older and military; $18 ages 5-12; free admission for children younger than 5.