Best August Events for Grown Ups 2019

Posted OnJuly 30, 2019

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Hudson Valley Victory Cup Polo Match & Hot Air Ballon Festival

Best August Events for Grown Ups 2019: August is a boozey month of art, music, theatre, sunset sails, a dinner train, BBQ ribs, whiskey, polo and hot air balloons!

Chappaqua Millwood Chamber’s Summer Concerts, FDR Drive, Wed, 7/31 – 8/14: 7pm: Summer Concerts on Recreation Field in Chappaqua continue with the return of FDR Drive. This multi-vocalist dance band keeps the joint jumping with foot tappers from Motown and Classic Rock through Disco, Salsa and beyond. Chappaqua Summer Concerts continue with R&B band The Haks on Wed, 8/7 and The Chappaqua Orchestra on Wed, 8/14. See you at Recreation Field.

New York Botanical Garden, Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx, Tues-Sun in August: 10am-6pm: Experience Burle Marx’s bold landscape designs, which come to life in NYBG’s largest botanical exhibition ever. Vast and immersive gardens, highlighting native plants of Brazil, include his signature curved, patterned pathways, a sculptural water feature, a living wall, and other design elements overflowing with palms, cycads, aroids, bromeliads, elephant’s ears, and more. Plus Brazilian music and dance. (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Andy Warhol, Shadows, Did Beacon, Thurs-Mon, 8/1-9/1: 11am-6pm: Originally commissioned by Dia and acquired in 1979 for a solo exhibition at 393 West Broadway in New York City, Shadows includes a total of 102 canvases; the final number of canvases on view in each installation is determined by the dimensions of an existing exhibition space. For the installation at Dia:Beacon, 72 canvases will be installed edge to edge, a foot above the floor. Read more about the Dia. (3 Beakman St., Beacon; www.diaart.org)

It’s Jerry’s Birthday! Grateful Dead Meet Up at the Movies, The Bedford Playhouse, Thurs, 8/1: 7pm: The Bedford Playhouse joins in this national movie theatre meet up with a screening of the Grateful Dead’s June 17, 1991 concert at Giants Stadium. This 48 track recording of what is widely considered one of the greatest shows of the Dead’s later years opens with a tight “Eyes of the World” and features performances of “Truckin’”, “Uncle John’s Band”, “New Speedway Boogie” and (get ready for it) “Dark Star”. (633 Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.bedfordplayhouse.org)

Into the Woods, Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Boscobel, Thurs, 8/1-Sun, 9/8: 7:30pm: HVSF presents it’s first every musical with this production of the beloved Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, Into The Woods from Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Into the Woods combines fractured fairy-tale favorites, spinning a dark (and campy) tale of magic and its many consequences. (1601 Route NY-9D, Garrison; www.hvsf.org)

Katonah Museum of Art Block Party, Thurs, 8/1, Sat, 8/1 & Thurs, 8/22: 8pm: Summer music continues at the KMA sculpture garden with a properly curated selection of bands and performers across many genres, plus cool summer drinks and food trucks. There’s R&B from Sami Stevens Trio on August 1; Fan Favorites from Peter & the Four26 on August 10; Indie singer/songwriter Roxanne on August 22; and American Songbook from Mark Morganelli & The Jazz All Stars on September 14. TKTS $20-$25. (134 Jay St., Rt. 22; Katonah; www.katonahmuseum.org)

Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst Mansion, Thursday, 8/1-8/29: 6pm: Relax on Lyndhurst’s great lawn and enjoy cool music by hot jazz artists! Every Thursday in August. The grounds open at 4:00 pm, music begins at 6:00 pm. There is a $5 per person parking fee. This venerable series serves up Westchester’s best jazz from Chilean Jazz from guitarist Camilla Meza on 8/1; piano jazz from James Weidman on 8/8; brass jazz from the Scott Reeves Jazz Orchesta on 8/15; Afro-Latin trombonist Papa Vasquez on 8/22; and Bird’s 99th Birthday Bash with Gary Smulyan on 8/29. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Lasdon Park, Deni Bonet, Katonah, Friday, 8/2: 7pm: Gates open at 5pm for picnicking, strolling Lasdon’s 234 acres or checking out their new glass house conservatory. Just $10 will get you in to hear violinist/singer/songwriter Deni Bonet brings her sold out Carnegie Hall show to conclude their summer series on August 2. Deni started in the NPR’s Mountain Stage Radio house band and has performed on Saturday Night Live and with R.E.M., Robyn Hitchcock, Cyndi Lauper and Sarah McLaughlin. (2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

Norm Hathaway’s Moonlight Swing Band, Hammond Museum & Japanese Sculpture Garden, Fri, 8/2: 8pm: The Norm Hathaway Big Band plays it like it was! His eighteen-piece band will have you tapping your toes and shaking a leg to favorite tunes from the 30’s and 40’s. Brush up on the Waltz, the Lindy and the Rumba for this annual evening of dancing and music at The Hammond! Garden opens at 7pm. Bring a picnic. (28 DeVeau Rd., North Salem; www.hammondmuseum.org)

Scottish Tattoo Party, Schoolhouse Theater, Sat, 8/3: 6-10pm: The World Renowned Highland Divas Three Internationally acclaimed Scottish singers who have performed everywhere from Glasgow to New Zealand including with Jimmy Fallon.Also Featuring Schoolhouse Favorite, Peter Calo on guitar. Scottish Dancing, Bag Pipes, Delicious Food with a Scottish Flair… Plus:FLIGHTS OF WHISKEY, Wine, Brew and Camaraderie For the Lads and Lassies! (3 Owens Rd., North Salem (Croton Falls); www.schoolhousetheater.org)

Sunset Cruise, Spirit of the Sound, Maritime Aquarium, Sat, 8/3-31: 6:30pm: Enjoy a fun relaxing boat tour out to the Norwalk islands timed to include the setting sun and – providing nature’s cooperation – a dazzling western sky reflecting on the water. Aquarium educators will point out sights and wildlife. You may bring food and beverages in a small bag or soft-sided cooler. Glass bottles are prohibited. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Corinne Bailey Rae, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sat, 8/3: 8pm: Grammy Award-winner, Corinne Bailey Rae’s music spans indie, electronic, jazz, soul and experimental. The critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter’s global hits include “Put Your Records On” and “Like A Star.” Don’t miss this intimate performance the day after her Newport Jazz Festival debut! (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Cash & Country Music Festival + NY Whiskey Weekend, Warwick, Sat-Sun, 8/3-4: 12-5pm: Sample spirits from 17 NY craft distillers including Brooklyn Gin, Standard Spirits and Black Dirt Distillery at this Johnny Cash & Country Music Festival at the Warwick Valley Winery. Sample artisanal cheeses and taste NY cocktails. (114 Little York Rd., Warwick, NY; www.market.wvwinery.com)

Essex Clipper Dinner Train, Sat, 8/3-31: 7pm: Book your tickets on the Essex Clipper for a 4-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Relax and reconnect as this 2^1/2-hour scenic journey soothes away the stress of everyday life. The rhythm of the rails and our attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king and “dinner in the diner” was a delicious special occasion. (1 Railroad Ave, Essex, Ct; www.essexsteamtrain.com)

Public Sails on the Schooner Soundwaters, Fri-Sat, 8/3 -8/31: check times: Board the 80’ Tall Schooner Soundwaters, the ship that Pete Seeger made famous, for a two-hour sunset journey on the Long Island Sound. The Schooner Soundwaters, seats 40 and sails from Boccuzzi Park in StamfordBring your dinner and your favorite beverage and relax while watching the sun dip below the horizon.. (Bocuzzi Park at Southfield, 166 Southfield Ave., Stamford CT; www.soundwaters.org)

Much Ado About Nothing, Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Boscobel, Sun, 8/4-Sat, 8/31: 7:30pm: Scandal abounds in Shakespeare’s hilarious, biting comedy about lies, courtship, and the chaos created in pursuit of true love. The famous bantering lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, trade barbs while matching wits (and hearts) in this celebrated romantic romp. (1601 Route NY-9D, Garrison; www.hvsf.org)

Natalie Merchant, Ridgefield Playhouse, Wed, 8/7: 8pm: After rising to fame at the helm of the popular folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant has enjoyed even greater success as a solo artist with hits like “Carnival,” “Jealousy” “Kind and Generous,” “Wonder,” and more! (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

The Haks, Chappaqua Millwood Chamber’s Summer Concerts, Wed, 8/7: 7pm: It took The Haks eight years to get their own Facebook page so you know they’re not your average wedding band. They’re billed as Rock, R&B & Motown but we heard some Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia and a smokin’ version of what they called Joe Cocker’s “The Letter” but what we all know is originally from The Box Tops. (Take that Gen X-ers!) Summer Concerts conclude with The Chappaqua Orchestra on Wed, 8/14. See you at Recreation Field.

Bryan Ferry, Capitol Theatre, Wed, 8/7: 8pm: One of our Fave Raves, Roxy Music’s quirky heart-throb lead singer has had an active solo career releasing cover albums of songs by Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Lesley Gore, Smokey Robinson, Janis Joplin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Rodgers and Hart, Kurt Weill and others. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)

Gavin DeGraw, Capitol Theatre, Thurs, 8/8: 8pm: His 2003 debut album, Chariot went platinum on the strength of the chart-topping single “I Don’t Want To Be”. He reached the top of the charts again in 2011 with “Not Over You”, had Top 10 hits with “Chariot” and “in Love With a Girl” and garnered a Grammy-nom for his duet with Colbie Caillat, “We Both Know”. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)

My Morning Jacket: A Tennessee Fire 20th Anniversary Celebration, Capitol Theatre, Fri, 8/9: 8pm: The alt-country, indie rockers from Louisville perform their debut album, The Tennessee Fire, in its entirety plus other songs from their early years. The album had some success in the US but caught fire overseas on their European tour. The album introduced the band’s reverb vocal sound created by recording in an empty grain silo in Kentucky. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)

Art Garfunkel, Tarrytown Music Hall, Sat, 8/10: 8pm: The other half of Simon & Garfunkel breaks out his beautiful counter tenor voice to sing “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Sound Of Silence,” “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and more. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

53rd Moonviewing Concert and Bento Box Dinner, Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, Sat., 8/10: The traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony begins at 6:435pm and the concert begins at 8:30pm. The Japanese Stroll Garden, lit by paper lanterns, is a magical setting for this ancient custom, which every August brings together people and traditions of the East and West. Traditional Japanese music will be played in the garden. Complimentary sake. (28 DeVeau Rd., North Salem; www.hammondmuseum.org)

Sinbad, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sun, 8/11: 8pm: Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the “100 Greatest Stand-ups of all Time,” Sinbad’s storytelling comedic style is a throwback to the day’s of Robert Klein and Richard Pryor. He has done 6 one hour comedy specials in his long comedy career, 4 on HBO and the last 2 on Comedy Central. He recently appeared on Disney’s “Planes,” “Comedy Bang Bang,” “The Eric Andre Show,” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. (80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Hot Tuna Electric & David Bromberg Quintet, Capitol Theatre, Thurs, 8/15: 8pm: Americana godfather, David Bromberg opens for Jorma and Jack, following the release of his new album, The Blues, the Whole blues and Nothing But the Blues. The album features Robert Johnson’s “Walking Blues” as well as country and gospel influenced blues. Then it’s Hot Tuna Electric presenting the other side of the fold/rock/psydelia continuum. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)

Armonk Sales Days and Ladies and Gentlemen at Wampus Brook Park: August 15: The Armonk Chamber of Commerce wraps up it’s summer Third Thursdays Celebrations with special indoor sales, promotions and trunk shows at local retailers during the day. At 7:30pm, Ladies and Gentlemen will perform a live variety of classic, soul, funk and R&B hits in Wampus Brook Park. Picnickers are welcome! Visit armonkchamberofcommerce.com for more details.

Hudson Valley Rib Fest, New Paltz, Fri-Sun, 8/16-18: check times: 60 rib masters compete for the NY State BBQ Championship while you sample ribs and sides from BBQ to Mexican and Jamaican and listen to the sounds of Indie rockers, boogie & blues and country star Jessica Lynn more. (Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd., New Paltz: www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org)

Rufus Wainwright, Ridgefield Playhouse, Tues, 8/20: 8pm: Grammy Award nominee Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation with songs like “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk,” “April Fools,” and his covers of “Hallelujah” and “Across the Universe.” He has collaborated with Elton John, David Byrne, Joni Mitchell and Burt Bacharach. His album Rufus Does Judy, recorded at Carnegie Hall, was nominated for a Grammy Award. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

“Goin’ where the water tastes like wine…” Grateful Dead Tribute Concert at the Warwick Valley Winery, Sat- Sun, 8/24-25: 12-5pm: A $12 ticket ($15 at the door) will get you into this Dead Fest at the Warwick Valley Winery & Black Dirt Distillery. Try the Black Dirt Red or Blush or their Doe’s Draft Ciders. Black Dirt distills Bourbon and Apple Jack. (114 Little York Rd., Warwick, NY; www.market.wvwinery.com)

Boozey Polo & Baloons! Hudson Valley Victory Cup & Hot Air Balloon Festival, Patterson, Fri-Sat, 8/30-31: It’s a polo match. It’s a hot air balloon festival. And more. The Victory Cup is a national polo tournament that has grown to be one of the largest equestrian events in the states. A Balloon Glow and tethered rides start on Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday when the match begins. Expect lots of music, food, booze, ladies in hats and Vineyard Vines promotions. (3J Ranch, 683, NY 311, Patterson; www.victorycup.org)