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Best Things to Do in Yonkers This August With Silly Nice

Discover the best of Yonkers this August 2026! From waterfront concerts and garden tours to food festivals and nightlife, explore Westchester's top events.

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By LeVar Thomas

10 min read·August 2, 2026·Updated Sep 15

August in Yonkers, New York, is the pinnacle of summer energy along the Hudson River. As the fourth-largest city in the state, Yonkers offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, earning its reputation as the "City of Seven Hills." Whether you are a long-time resident or a visitor exploring Westchester County for the first time, this month is packed with opportunities to enjoy the warm weather, world-class entertainment, and a community spirit that truly comes alive at the waterfront.

From the historic architecture of Untermyer Gardens to the modern shopping and dining at Ridge Hill and Cross County Center, the August schedule for 2026 is robust. Expect to find a steady rhythm of live music, cultural flag raisings, and family-friendly festivals that showcase the diversity of the region. This guide provides a curated look at the most exciting verified events happening throughout the city this month.

Concerts and Live Music

The Yonkers Waterfront Live concert series is a staple of the summer season, providing free entertainment at the Waterfront Amphitheatre. On Friday, August 7, and Friday, August 14, attendees can enjoy a mix of global rhythms, including Caribbean-inspired performances by Chanique & D Magma Band to close out the season. The event runs from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades as the sun sets.

For those seeking a more classical or jazz-focused atmosphere, the Minnie Untermyer Concert Series at Untermyer Gardens is a must-visit. On Sunday, August 16, the Yonkers-based Victor LaGamma Jazz Quartet will perform artistic and popular favorites in the Walled Garden. Later in the month, on Sunday, August 30, the historically informed ensemble Sonnambula will bring Renaissance and Baroque music to life. Both performances begin at 6:00 PM and require tickets.

The Hudson River Museum also hosts its own Summer Amphitheater Series. On Friday, August 7, at 8:00 PM, Afro Dominicano will take the stage, blending traditional Dominican roots music with Afrobeats, reggae, and funk. This free concert is part of a series that activates the museum’s outdoor space, allowing for a night of culture and rhythm right on the riverbank.

Festivals and Fairs

Community spirit takes center stage during the annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Hosted by Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Police Department, this national effort promotes police-community partnerships through family-friendly activities. Events take place at various locations, including Andrus Field on Central Park Avenue and JFK Marina on Warburton Avenue, featuring food, vendors, and live entertainment starting at 5:00 PM.

Cross County Center continues its Summer Fest 2026 celebrations through early August. A highlight is the free performance by the Showtime Dance Band on Wednesday, August 5, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This Motown and Soul ensemble provides the perfect soundtrack for a mid-week shopping and dining excursion at Westchester's premier open-air destination.

Arts and Culture

August is the final opportunity to catch the 'Black Cowboys in America' exhibition at the Hudson River Museum, which runs through August 30, 2026. This powerful display features photographs by Ron Tarver alongside 'Robert Peterson: Journeys,' examining contemporary Black identity and legacy. Additionally, the museum will host a special Family Day on Sunday, August 2, featuring workshops and pony rides from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

History buffs should look toward the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy on Sunday, August 30, for a deep dive into the 'Rise, Fall, and Revival of the Great Garden.' These guided history tours at 11:00 AM explain how this 43-acre estate transitioned from a Gilded Age paradise to ruin and back to its current magnificence. It is an excellent way to appreciate the horticultural mastery and architecture that Samuel Untermyer left for the city.

Outdoor Recreation and Family Fun

Yonkers Parks and Recreation hosts several 'Movies in the Park' throughout the month. On Friday, August 7, families can gather at Kinsley Park for a screening, while another cinematic experience is scheduled for August 21 at a to-be-announced location. These events are free and provide a relaxed way for kids and parents to enjoy the cooler evening temperatures after a long summer day.

The city's cultural richness is further celebrated through a series of flag raisings at Yonkers City Hall. In August 2026, the community will gather for the Jamaican Flag Raising on August 5, the Ecuadorian Flag Raising on August 10, and the Indian Flag Raising on August 14. These events typically take place in the late afternoon and include traditional music and local speakers.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Empire City Casino remains the hub for late-night entertainment in Yonkers. The August schedule is packed with live bands performing every Friday and Saturday night. Notable acts include The Priceless Band on August 7, Never Lose Touch on August 14, and FDR Drive on August 29. These shows are generally free for guests 18 and older, offering a high-energy environment for those looking to dance or enjoy the casino floor.

Elevate Your August in Yonkers

As you navigate the bustling events of Yonkers this August, from the sunset jazz sessions at Untermyer to the vibrant nights at Empire City Casino, you might be looking for a way to truly unwind. For adults 21 and older, Silly Nice offers a range of high-quality cannabis products that can enhance your summer experience. You can find Silly Nice flower, concentrates, and more at licensed dispensaries in the Yonkers area, including Skones Dispensary on Central Park Avenue and Central Budz.

Whether you are a local resident or visiting Westchester for the festivities, the Silly Nice store locator makes it easy to find a licensed retailer nearby. Please remember to consume cannabis responsibly and in accordance with New York state law. Do not consume in public places where smoking is prohibited, and never drive while impaired. Elevate your local adventures with a visit to a trusted partner dispensary today.

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August 2026 promises to be a memorable month for everyone in Yonkers. Be sure to bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and enjoy the wealth of culture and entertainment the city has to offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions in Yonkers, NY?

Top Yonkers attractions include the scenic Untermyer Gardens, the Hudson River Museum, and the entertainment hub of Empire City Casino.

Is recreational cannabis available in Yonkers?

Yes, Yonkers has licensed recreational cannabis dispensaries. Adults over 21 can legally buy products from brands like Silly Nice at these authorized storefronts.

Are there waterfront activities in Yonkers?

Yes, the Yonkers waterfront features 'Waterfront Live' events, beautiful river views, and a variety of dining options perfect for a summer outing.

Outdoor Recreation Along the Hudson River Waterfront

Paddleboarders slice through the glassy water off Habirshaw Park just after dawn, long before the August heat settles over the Hudson. Yonkers' 3.1-mile stretch of riverfront greenway connects joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers from the Glenwood train station down to JFK Marina, and by mid-August the trail hums with activity from sunrise until the humidity breaks near dusk. Tibbetts Brook Park, tucked just east of the Saw Mill River Parkway, offers a cooler alternative: shaded picnic groves, a spring-fed pool, and disc golf for those who want green space without the crowds of the waterfront proper.

For residents who spend the day hiking the ridges above Untermyer Gardens or kayaking near the Yonkers Recreation Pier, the evening wind-down matters as much as the activity itself. Many locals reach for a discreet 510 vape cartridge or a pinch of Diamond Powder, Silly Nice's 86% THC concentrate, to ease into the night after hours outdoors. The city's seven hills reward those willing to climb them with sweeping views of the Palisades, and August, with its long daylight hours, remains the best month to see them from the water rather than the shore.

Nightlife and Late-Night Entertainment in Downtown Yonkers

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts anchors much of the city's after-dark economy, drawing crowds to its gaming floor and restaurants well past midnight on weekends. Down in Getty Square and along South Broadway, smaller bars and late-night eateries have followed suit, staying open later through August to catch concertgoers filing out of Waterfront Live and the Hudson River Museum's amphitheater series. It's a scene that feels distinctly Westchester: less frenetic than Manhattan, but no longer the sleepy suburb Yonkers was a generation ago.

Adults capping off a night at Empire City or a Untermyer Gardens performance increasingly stop first at a licensed dispensary. Skones Dispensary and Central Budz, both carrying Silly Nice's small-batch lineup, have become go-to spots for Yonkers residents seeking Bubble Hash or Frosted Hash Ball before an evening out. New York law requires all purchases through licensed retailers by adults 21 and older, and Yonkers' growing dispensary footprint reflects how thoroughly legal cannabis has woven itself into the city's broader nightlife rhythm.

Shopping and Family Weekend Excursions Across Westchester

Back-to-school season arrives early at Ridge Hill, where the open-air layout along Executive Boulevard fills with families hunting for supplies between meals at the complex's dozen-plus restaurants. Cross County Center, meanwhile, leans into its Summer Fest programming with vendor pop-ups and sidewalk sales that stretch into late August, giving shoppers a reason to linger beyond the Showtime Dance Band's Wednesday set. Both centers reflect Yonkers' identity as a retail hub for a county that otherwise skews residential.

Families looking for something slower-paced often gravitate toward the Saturday farmers market near Larkin Plaza, where Hudson Valley produce stands compete for attention with the river view behind them. It's an easy pairing with a walk through Trevor Park or an afternoon at the Hudson River Museum, and it captures what makes Yonkers in August distinct: a city where a grocery run, a concert, and a sunset over the Palisades can all happen within the same few blocks.

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Topics

Yonkers NYAugust 2026Westchester CountyHudson Riverthings to doeventsfestivalsconcertslive musicHudson River MuseumUntermyer GardensCross County CenterEmpire City CasinoWaterfront Live

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Written by

LeVar Thomas

Co-Founder of Silly Nice — a family-owned New York cannabis brand. LeVar writes about hash, concentrates, and the NYC cannabis community.

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