August always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? One minute you’re lounging by the pool, the next you’re scrambling to squeeze in every last bit of summer fun.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in August, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up a bunch of activities to make sure you end the summer with a bang. From catching the last rays at the beach to throwing tomatoes at La Tomatina, there’s something here for everyone.
Fun Things to do in August
1. Go Fishing
Fishing might make you think of patient old timers by a pond, but it’s actually an adventure waiting to be reeled in. It’s a chance to disconnect from the daily grind, be present in nature’s beauty, and maybe even snag a prize catch for a delicious, fresh-off-the-hook dinner.
2. Catch a full moon
Summer sunsets are legendary, but have you considered chasing a different kind of celestial spectacle? Catching a full moon might sound simple, but there’s a certain magic to it, especially as summer winds down.
3. Declutter
As the season shifts, our homes often become bursting with remnants of pool parties and barbecues. Tackling that clutter can feel like a weight lifting off your shoulders, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to enter Fall feeling lighter and more organized?
4. Dive into a New Podcast
There’s a podcast out there for practically every interest under the sun, from true crime thrillers that’ll have you checking the locks on your doors to hilarious interview shows that will have you snorting milk out of your nose.
5. Eat al fresco
Nothing says summer like dining in the warm weather under the open sky, and August might be your last chance to do it.
6. Enjoy a root beer float
Whether you’re lounging on your porch or wrapping up a sun-soaked day, a fizzy root beer float is the perfect way to cap off the summer.
7. See an outdoor theater show
Outdoor theaters are the ultimate blend of nature and art — think Shakespeare in the Park in NYC’s Central Park or a local musical on a warm summer night. Trust me, there’s nothing like the magic of live theatre paired with the great outdoors.
8. Enjoy as many beach days as possible
As summer begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to pack up your beach bag and soak up as much sun, surf, and sand as possible. And hey, why not spice up your bucket list with my fun beach activities while you’re at it?: Beach Bucket List: 60 Fun Things to Do at the Beach
9. Go to the farmers market
Is there anything better than a stroll through a farmers market on a warm August morning? From colorful heirloom tomatoes to sunshine-yellow summer squash to sweet corn bursting with summer’s essence, you’ll surely find a lot of produce and homemade products that will add more flavor to your August recipes.
10. Go to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the ultimate playground for artsy summer adventurers! This nearly month-long extravaganza is the largest arts festival in the world. Comedy, drama, dance — this festival has it all, with performers from every corner of the globe taking over the city. You’ll come across spontaneous performances and pop-up events while strolling around the city.
11. Have a Garage Sale
Ever thought about turning your clutter into cash while meeting your neighbors? Then a garage sale might just do the trick! Not only can you declutter your space, but you can also pocket some extra dough for your next adventure.
12. Go camping
There’s something so summery about pitching a tent, cooking over a campfire, and sharing ghost stories that make the night come alive.
Turn your camping trip into an unforgettable adventure with my ultimate Camping Bucket List: 100 Fun Activities & Things to Do!
13. Go down a waterslide
Waterslides come in all shapes and sizes these days, from heart-stopping drops that’ll make your stomach drop to twisting, turning ones that will have your head spinning. Which will you choose?
14. Go on a nature hike
Experiencing the vast outdoors and escaping the crowds of the city has a genuinely magical quality to it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stay active and clear your mind.
15. Go to the drive in
For something a bit nostalgic this August, why not roll up to a drive-in movie? It’s a throwback that mixes outdoor vibes with movie magic, perfect for those warm summer nights.
16. Grow something
August is prime time for planting a ton of stuff. Marigolds begging for a spot on your windowsill? Absolutely! Want to try your hand at vibrant cherry tomatoes? Go for it! Peppers of all shapes and sizes also thrive in the late summer sun.
17. Throw Tomatoes La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain
Every last Wednesday of August, the town of Bunol in Spain transforms into a chaotic canvas of red, as thousands of participants lob tomatoes at each other in the ultimate food fight festival they call La Tomatina.
But just a head’s up though. La Tomatina is a ticketed event with a limit of 20,000 participants. No ticket, no tomatoey throwdown! So, if this outrageous food fight sounds like your cup of tea (or should I say, bowl of gazpacho?), be sure to snag your tickets well in advance.
18. Have a water balloon fight
If you prefer something less messy than throwing tomatoes at each other, then a good ol’ water balloon fight is the way to go. Nothing screams summer fun like a backyard battle with colorful, splashy ammo.
19. Have one last summer BBQ
There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill, throwing on some burgers and dogs, and soaking up those final warm rays with good friends and family.
20. Host an outdoor movie marathon
Ever wanted to bring the magic of the big screen to your backyard? Make it happen with your own outdoor movie marathon! It takes a bit of setup though — think a projector, a sheet or wall for your screen, and of course, some comfy seating. BUT it’s worth every bit of effort.
21. Learn about the night sky
Ready to get starry-eyed? Learning about the night sky is a bucket list gem that combines wonder and science in a way that’s simply cosmic. Grab a star map or download a stargazing app (like Star Walk 2 and Sky Guide) to start identifying constellations and any other celestial body.
And if you want to delve deeper, I suggest joining a local astronomy club or attending a stargazing event — they’ll point out celestial sights that even the most seasoned skywatcher might miss.
22. Make a backyard tire swing
Setting up your own swing is pretty simple. Grab an old tire, some rope, and a strong tree branch to put them into, and you’re all set.
With a few knots and some elbow grease, you’ll create a spot where laughter and lazy summer days collide.
23. Make a peach (or any fruit!) pie
Is there anything more satisfying than the smell of a fruit pie baking in the oven? As summer wraps up, making a peach pie should definitely be on your August bucket list. Fresh, juicy peaches wrapped in a buttery shell will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Don’t have (or like) peaches? No sweat! Swap ’em out for berries, apples, or even plums.
24. Make your own ice cream
Making ice cream at home can be as easy as blending up a smoothie, especially with those no-churn recipes. Or, if you’re up for a bit more fun, churn it the old-fashioned way. Trust me, experimenting with flavors like fresh strawberry or mint chocolate chip will have you feeling like a kid again.
Check out these awesome homemade ice cream recipes I found online:
25. Celebrate National Eat Outside Day
August 31 isn’t just another day on the calendar — it’s National Eat Outside Day! Think sunshine, fresh air, and good food. Who can say no to that? Whether you’re into fancy al fresco dining, laid-back picnics, or sizzling barbecues, this day is your excuse to savor your meal with the great outdoors as your dining room.
26. Partake in the Maine Lobster Festival
The Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day celebration of Maine’s most iconic crustacean, held annually on the first weekend of August (from Wednesday to Sunday) in Rockland, Maine.
Some of the things you’ll expect from the festival include lots (and I mean LOTS) of lobsters and seafood, live entertainment, and different events like the International Great Crate Race (where players race by running on floating lobster boxes), Seafood Cooking Contest, and the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate pageant.
27. Perfect a classic cocktail
Who doesn’t love a good drink? Perfecting a classic cocktail is a bucket list gem that will surely impress your friends and elevate your at-home happy hour. Whether you’re shaking up a martini, mixing an old-fashioned, or crafting a mojito, mastering these timeless recipes brings a dash of elegance to any gathering.
28. Plan a Fall Trip
The transition from sizzling summer days to the crisp, colorful vibes of autumn is a perfect excuse to start planning your adventures for the coming season. Fall trips have a charm of their own, with fewer crowds, gorgeous foliage, and that cozy sweater weather.
29. Go on a Picnic
Pack a basket with fresh fruit, sandwiches, cheese, and some lemonade — perfect for keeping cool. And don’t forget a sweet treat like brownies or cookies!
30. Eat Melon on National Watermelon Day
Alright, so August 3rd is National Watermelon Day — talk about a juicy celebration! Watermelon is the epitome of summer, a symbol of those lazy, sun-soaked afternoons.
31. Do a Pre-Fall Closet Clean Out
Ever found yourself staring at a closet full of clothes and thinking, “What on earth am I going to do with all this stuff?” A decluttered closet is like a breath of fresh air before the seasonal chill hits. As they say, “Clean out the old, make room for the new.” Give away items you don’t wear, discard items that have seen better days, and find items you forgot you had.
32. Read a new (or classic!) book
Reading has been one of my go-to activities no matter the day or season. Whether it’s diving into a new bestseller or revisiting an old classic novel, a good book is like a personal adventure that fits right in your bag.
33. Make s’mores
S’mores have been a camping staple for as long as anyone can remember, and if this treat is something you haven’t tried yet, you’re missing out big time. Toasting those marshmallows until they’re gooey, then squishing them between graham crackers with a square of chocolate? That’s the sweet spot of summer right there.
34. Run through the sprinkler
Running through the sprinkler isn’t just for kids — it’s a splash of fun and nostalgia for anyone who needs a break from adulting.
35. Shop the end-of-summer clearance sales
Shop ’til you drop! Okay, maybe not drop, but definitely fill those bags. As the summer sun starts to set, retailers start slashing prices on everything from swimwear to patio furniture. It’s the perfect chance to snag a deal on those items you’ve had your eye on all season.
36. Skip rocks on the lake
Skipping rocks on a lake is a throwback to simpler times, where fun was as easy as tossing a flat stone across water. Grab a smooth stone and get that rock skipping and dancing across the surface.
37. Take one last summer road trip
Nothing screams “summer send-off” like a road trip that takes you away from the daily grind. Before those lazy, sun-soaked days slip away, grab a map (or just your phone) and hit the road for the season’s one last hurrah.
Pick a route that tickles your fancy, whether it’s coastal views, mountain trails, or even a destination you’ve never explored before and let spontaneity be your guide.
Ready to hit the road? Dive into my “75+ Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Long Drive” for some wanderlust fuel!
38. Go to the Burning Man Festival
Burning Man in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is a wild week-long ride that every adventurous soul should add to their bucket list. Once a year (between the final Sunday in August and the first Monday in September), Black Rock City springs up temporarily in the middle of nowhere where free spirits and adventure seekers gather.
Expect mind-boggling art installations, thumping beats, and a community unlike any other. And the grand finale? Watching a giant wooden effigy go up in flames.
39. Check the Other Summer Bucket Lists (June & July)
Before summer slips away like sand through your fingers, make sure to revisit your bucket lists from June and July. Did you crush them all? Or maybe there are a few stragglers hanging around? Whatever the case, August is your chance to catch up on those missed moments before summer packs its bags.
There you go, your August bucket list is packed and ready! As summer’s final act unfolds, make the most of these golden days with fun and adventure. Whether you’re sipping a root beer float or planning a fall trip, there’s plenty to keep the good times rolling. Embrace the season’s end with enthusiasm and create memories that’ll warm you up through the cooler months ahead. Here’s to making these last summer days unforgettable!