Who can handle this sizzling August heat? NYC’s most devoted music revelers, that’s who. Regardless of the fact that the city feels more like a desert than anything else, plenty of New Yorkers will be flocking to outdoor concerts and festivals this month hoping to make the most of their last few weeks of summer. Whether you’re into soul and hip-hop, or raging out to 145 beats per minute, or are looking for island vibes to cool you down from the heat of the night, we’ve curated a list of 5 NYC music festivals that you need to check out this month.
This is for all you New Yorkers wanting to dance the weekend away with a cool breeze and some views. Legendary English DJ, Pete Tong, is playing a 10 hour set featuring Kolsch, Lauren Lane, and Amtrac, as he celebrates a plethora of recent milestones in is 25 year career.
Where: Pier 15, Watermark Bar & Lounge
When: Saturday, August 20
In it’s 17th edition, you can expect the perfect pairing of the best Blues and Roots musicians with NYC’s most delicious, finger-liking BBQ. Spend the afternoon chowing down on ribs and listening to sounds from Gaye and the Wild Rutz, Cash Box Kings, Bernard Allison Group, Sugary Rayford Band, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 97
When: Saturday, August 20
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If you’re feeling groovy, ferry over to Governors Beach Club for island vibes and beautiful panoramic views of downtown Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Drink in hand and feet in the sand, spend the weekend listening to beats by Santigold, Marcus Marr, and Black Coffee, just to name a few.
Where: Governors Island
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 20-21
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Dubbed as one of the most eclectic, multicultural events, ever, this festival showcases the sounds and inclusive environment of the Afropunk movement. Held in Brooklyn since 2005, Afropunk Fest will deliver massive lineup that includes some of the biggest names in hip-hop and soul.
Where: Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 27-28
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New York city gets electrified Labor Day Weekend by some of the biggest electronic DJ’s in the world. Featuring five massive stages including the infamous Sunday School, you can expect everything from trance and techno beats, to more mainstream, big room house sets all weekend long. The festival’s headliners include The Chainsmokers, Tiesto, Porter Robinson, Big Gigantic, and Steve Aoki.
Where: Randall’s Island
When: Labor Day Week, Friday-Sunday, September 2-4
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