August marks the beginning of the end of summer, but there are still plenty of outdoor activities going on no matter where you live. We’ve got a roundup of indoor and outdoor festivals, shows, concerts and more goings on in the cities where we have apartments around the country. There is always something going on in the areas AMLI’s luxury apartments are. Don’t miss out! Here are a few fun things that will get you out and about this August!
Atlanta
August 11: Barbecue, blues and bluegrass
Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival offers seven hours of blues and bluegrass music, a kid’s area, beer and barbecue at Harmony Park in Oakhurst. Enjoy the lights, sounds and smells of classic Southern barbecue from 2-9pm. Tickets start at 5.
August 12: Taste of Spain
This unique food and wine event features an unlimited tasting of Spanish wine and food during a walk-around-style event at Vino Venue in Dunwoody. From 3-6pm, discover the best of Spain one bite or sip at a time. You’ll have a chance to sip bubbly, reds, whites and every wine in between. General admission is 9.
August 18: 5K obstacle race
The Rugged Maniac 5K obstacle race is a 3-mile race with 25 obstacles consisting of walls, slides, fire and mud, plus bands and beer at Georgia International Horse Park. When you participate in this fun and challenging race, you’ll get a T-shirt, medal, photos and a free beer. Cost is 9.
August 25: Dog walk and fun run
Walk, Wag, ‘n Run is a morning walk or run for people and their dogs at Lenox Park in Brookhaven. Chose from a 1K or 5K, bring your dog and help support Ahimsa House, which helps animal and human victims escape domestic violence. The run/walk kicks off at 7:30am and registration starts at 5.
Austin
August 8: Blues on the green
Pack a blanket and make your way to Zilker Park for this summertime tradition. Austin’s largest free concert series welcomes groovy performances by local and up-and-comers and Austin legends. This is a kid and pet-friendly event starting at 8pm.
August 11: Pride festival and parade
Austin’s pride festival is the largest annual LGBTQ advocacy and fundraising event in central Texas! Dozens of non-profit organizations and social clubs use the festival as a platform to inform and interact with thousands of attendees. Each year, countless people find new organizations to join, causes to support and opportunities to volunteer. General admission is 7.
August 18: Bat Fest
Watch as the world’s largest urban bat colony take to the sky for their nightly flight. You’ll see the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats which take up seasonal residence beneath the Congress Street Bridge fly in the sky. Enjoy live music, children’s activities, a costume contest and more. Early bird admission is 5, 0 at the door.
August 26: Hot sauce festival
Join the Austin Chronicle and 10,000 attendees for one of the world’s largest hot sauce festivals. Sample hundreds of hot sauces, dine on local food and enjoy live music. Admission is free or a cash donation to the Central Texas Food Bank, or three non-perishable food items. The event runs from 11am-5pm.
Chicago
August 7: French fair
Immerse yourself in French art, food, wine, music, activities and films at Art dans la Rue in Oak Park. Explore numerous exhibits and learn all about the French culture. The event runs from 2-9pm.
August 11: Beach party
A ticket to the Big Dig Beach Party gets you six drink tickets, DJ music and games to play at North Avenue Beach. Play giant Jenga, volleyball, beer pong and participate in multiple contents throughout the day. General admission is 5.
August 18-19: Air and water show
The Chicago Air and Water Show features daredevil pilots, parachute teams and jets flying in formation. You’ll also see air and sea rescue demonstrations all from the waterfront near North Avenue Beach. Admission is free and the shows hours are from 10am-3pm on both days.
Dallas
August 4: Watermelon festival
The Dallas Farmers Market kicks off National Farmers Market week (Aug. 5-11) with family-friendly activities at the weekend market. Besides having mounds of melons for picking and taking home, the day will be filled with family fun activities including a barnyard petting zoo, watermelon-themed kids crafts, story time, watermelon games, tastings, demonstrations and live music. The event runs from 9am to 5pm.
August 11: Rockin’ the river
Listen to live bands, float up to the waterfront stage from a tube and watch a firework show at this afternoon event. Beat the summer heat during this free on-river event. You’ll see top Texas country acts, rock ‘n’ roll and soul artists and more. Hang out in the water or chill on the shore.
August 18: Local Brews Local Grooves
The annual Local Brews Local Grooves is back at the House of Blues. Listen to over 15 live bands and sample beers from 14 different breweries. Food will also be available. Doors open at 4pm and tickets start at 4.
August 31: Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival
The 10th annual Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival kicks off on Labor Day weekend. See performers and pit masters from across the country and North Texas for live music on two stages, barbecue tastings and contests. General admission is 0.
Denver
August 5: Wheels & Wishes
Enjoy a car show with a spin—the chance to take a lap on the Colorado National Speedway in one of the amazing vehicles being shown. Wheels & Wishes will showcase exotic, classic, muscle cars, imports and much more. Entrance fee is 0 and proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Colorado.
August 11-12: Minefaire
The number one Minecraft event in the US is stopping in Denver for two days at the Denver Mart. Players and their families unite at Minefair to meet their favorite YouTube creators, compete in tournaments, build battles, participate in costume contests, witness live shows, learn from global mentors, shop merch and more! Tickets start at 5.
August 11: Haho Market
The Haho Market has been a name-stay in Denver as a low-cost, low-risk public market for local makers. It’s a great place to seek out one of a kind handmade goodies. Browse two dozen local handmade makers, food trucks, live music and plenty of surprises. Admission is free.
August 17-19: Rocky Mountian Folks Festival
This weekend-long festival celebrates songs and stories from around the world. From morning until night, the world’s most inspired songwriters share their songs and stories. Watch the sunset over the Rocky Mountain Foothills at the Planet Bluegrass campground.
Houston
August 5: 311 and The Offspring
Celebrate the summer with performances by 311, The Offspring and special guest Gym Class Heroes. Two of alternative rock’s most notable live bands team up for the Never-Ending Summer Tour, a fun-filled amphitheater outing. Lawn seat tickets start at 7.50.
August 12: 80s rock brunch
Travel back in time to the 1980s, where the Walkman was the coolest thing and crimped hair was everywhere. The Axelrad Beer Garden will be holding a special 80s-themed brunch full of tunes, shoulder pads and all of your classic Cajun-style brunch favorites. Admission is 5.
August 25: Sandcastle competition
The 32nd annual AIA sandcastle competition is a fund-raising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation. It’s also one of the top five revenue-generating events for the City of Galveston. Over 60 teams have their eyes and shovels set on winning the prestigious Golden Bucket Award.
Seattle
August 4: Salmon festival and parade
Lake City Seafair Festival has parades, a vintage car show, art fair, beer garden, live music and more. Enjoy three different parades along with activities for kids and adults. Admission is free.
August 9-18: Musical comedy
Disenchanted Disney princesses sing, dance and poke fun at pop culture in their hilariously subversive renegade show for adults at 12th Avenue Arts. Tickets start at 0.
August 16-18: Wine weekend
Sample wines, savor fine food, attend an auction and visit winemakers at the August of Washington Wine events. On top of wine, there will also be a 10K run and 5K run/walk on Saturday morning.
August 25-26: Forest arts festival
Wander the trails and visit the cabins at Camp Long in West Seattle to experience music, dancing, puppet shows, art exhibits, craft-making, beer and food trucks during the family-friendly Arts in Nature Festival.
Southern California
August 3-5: La Habra Corn Festival
This event offers food, rides, games, music and fun for the whole family. Enjoy hot buttery corn on the cob, great sandwiches, funnel cakes and other tasty treats.
August 4-5: Civil War days
The Heritage Museum will offer two days of learning from both the Confederate and Union soldiers as they reenact daily routines during the Civil War. See large and small weapons and artillery, experience canon fire demonstrations and visit blacksmith shops.
August 12: Fiesta street festival
Held on Scenic Avenita Del Mar, two main blocks of downtown San Clemente are dedicated to an entire day of fun. Food and game booths, three stages with live music, contests for all ages, a salsa challenge, arts and crafts show, kids’ area, exhibits, face painters and so much more. Admission is free.
August 19: Plum Festival
This is a fun family festival, located at Old World, Huntington Beach, celebrating all things plum! Enjoy live music, carnival games, plum cakes, plum capers, BBQ Kitchen and wiener dog races. Admission is free.
South Florida
August 11: I Love the 90’s
I Love the 90s tour features Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Kin ‘N’ Play, Montell Jordan, All 4 One and many more. These iconic names in rap, hip-hop and R&B are performing at their only South Florida date at the Miramar Amphitheater. The concert starts at 7pm.
August 11-12: Monster Jam
One of the only sports where men and women world-class drivers and some generational rivals are all equals competing for the same championship on the same track.
August 15: Beer dinner
Hot & Soul meets Tarpon River Brewing for a collaboration food and beer pairing extravaganza. Enjoy several dishes served family style in the TRB’s Barrel Room. There will be four courses, each paired with a different Tarpon beer. The dinner starts at 7pm and tickets are 0.
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