Get Your Dance On in New York City This August

We’re into August now, and the hot days and well, let’s be honest, the hot nights make us throw up the white flag and wish for fall. It’s that time of year when there’s only one thing left to do: embrace the heat, let the sweat flow and dance! This August we have a round up of several summer festivals for dancing, from the Charleston to Salsa, you’ll be on your feet, moving to the music.

The Jazz Age Lawn Party is a one of a kind prohibition-era-inspired lawn party that invites guests to step back in time to the roaring ‘20s. Participants typically dress in 1920s attire, flooding the beautiful Governors Island with flapper dresses and tuxedos. This year the live music will be provided by Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra. Instructors will be on hand to teach the steps to The Charleston or the Peabody; there’s a pie baking contest; and delicious cocktails in 20s style stemware will be served. Enjoy New York’s fanciest picnicking fare and gourmet food trucks along with sweet treats, ice cream and old-time snacks. General admission is $50/person. All ages are welcome, but must be 21 + for alcohol. You can purchase tickets here.

August 12 – 13

11am to 5pm

Governors Island

Hip-hop has been a dance movement with roots reaching back over 50 years, and The Circle Line Dance Party is ready to celebrate this monumental birthday with the “50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Night.” The boat touring company is hosting the event to celebrate hip-hop with an emphasis on the music of Missy Elliott. Free Dance Company instructors will be on hand to teach signature moves. Hip-hop themed cocktails will accompany the exquisite views of the New York skyline from the boat. Tickets to this party boat are only $25 (a bargain!) and if you’re a little unsure what a themed music cruise is like, the website has video footage of last year’s Beyonce Dance Party. Come on you know you want to…

August 10, 2023

7:30 – 9:30 pm

Pier 83 at West 42nd Street

New York, NY 10036

The Afribembé Festival is an all day celebration of African artists and music. This year’s title is Afribembé Festival: Black to the Future. The free event celebrates Afrofuturism from a global diasporic lens with Africa at the heart of the discussion.

Expect live musical performances of all types, dance, performing arts and activism. The Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez is headlining the festival. Other acts include Combo Chimbita, Chimurenga Renaissance, Imani Uzuri, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, Chief Awosánmí Sékou Alájé, and DJ Bembona.

Saturday, August 12

12-6pm

Harlem Art Park

E 120th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues

New York, NY 10035

Join the fun and celebration of black culture and music at the Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn. This year the theme is Circus of Soul and is described by the organizers as “a carnivalesque exhibition that spotlights all aspects of Black creativity.” If you’re not intrigued yet, the line up includes Jazmine Sullivan (R&B) and Flying Lotus (rapper and producer). Plus, New York’s own Joey Bada$$, rapper Vince Staples, singer-violinist Sudan Archives, Atlanta-based artist Baby Tate, “Mango Butter” singer Durand Bernarr, multi-genre performer Dreamer Isioma and more. But the event isn’t just about music, it’s a community of people coming together to embrace their true selves.

Tickets can be purchased here and start at $119 plus fees.

Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27

Noon to 10pm

Skyline Drive-In

1 Oak Street

Brooklyn, NY 11222

Ready to dance the night away to the sounds of Latin music? Try some of the exciting acts that come through Gonzalez y Gonzalez, a delicious Mexican restaurant on any given weekend. In addition to great live bands, free salsa lessons are often available.

On Saturday August, 5 the restaurant/dance lounge welcomes Los Hermanos De Leon, the new generation of salsa dura. They play from the heart with “a raw authentic in your face sound that will get you on your feet.”

10 pm – 3:00 am

On Sunday August 6, you can catch The Ray Delgado Project, a 7 Piece Musical Band that plays Salsa and Latin Jazz. Delgado grew up between New York and Puerto Rico and the band plays vibrant music that blends various Latin styles of music and gets everyone on the dance floor.

08:00 pm – 01:00 am

For a complete calendar, check out their website.

Gonzalez y Gonzalez

192 Mercer St

New York, NY 10012

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.