- August 6, 1988 – The Tompkins Square Park Police Riot occurs, leading to reforms of the New York Police Department.
- August 8, 1673 – During the Third Anglo-Dutch War, a Dutch battle fleet of 23 ships demands the English surrender of New York City.
- August 14, 1980 – The 1980 Democratic National Convention nominates Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale for President and Vice President of the United States, respectively.
- August 15, 1965 – The Beatles play at Shea Stadium during their 1965 United States tour, marking the peak of " Beatlemania".
- August 19–21, 1991 – The Crown Heights riot occurs among tensions between African Americans and Orthodox Jews in the Crown Heights neighborhood.
- August 27, 1776 – The British Army outflanks the Continental Army at the Battle of Long Island (pictured), forcing George Washington to evacuate to Manhattan.