Stop treating August like summer’s closing credits. It’s truly one of my biggest pet peeves, right after people chewing loudly. We can worry about summer ending in September. For now, NYC is still popping, and we’re still giving away tickets to some of the season’s best shows.

Start with Jon Batiste, the virtuoso pianist, bandleader, and eight-time Grammy winner, headlining Forest Hills Stadium next Saturday. Enter to win two tickets.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• This weekend, Casa del Soul takes over a Hell’s Kitchen rooftop with house music legend Mike Nervous, Maria Peace, and DJ Dove spinning soulful, Afro, and deep house until 4 a.m. Grab tickets now.*

• Parks and Rec and Master of None star Aziz Ansari brings his Hypothetical Tour to Beacon Theatre this October with a new hour of stand-up. Tickets drop Thursday.

• Looking for a free summer activity? Red Hook Summer Market brings 60-plus local makers, DJs, wine, tattoos, and family-friendly fun to Dikeman Street for two days this month.

• Friendly Fires opens for Two Door Cinema Club at MSG, then brings its dancey English indie rock to Elsewhere for a headlining show the next night. Get tickets.

• Plus new shows from Brainiac, Candi Carpenter, Spike Einbinder & more!

BIRTHDAY FREEBIES FOR AUGUST BABIES

Happy birthday to you, your friend, your cousin, or your uncle’s goldfish. Whoever’s celebrating needs this. We rounded up 50+ birthday freebies you can score around NYC, because getting older should at least come with free food, drinks, and stuff.

• STARBUCKS: FREE DRINK OR FOOD ITEM

• MAMAN: FREE BIRTHDAY COOKIE

• AMC: FREE LARGE POPCORN

• CARVEL: FREE SMALL CONE OR CUP

• SEPHORA: FREE BIRTHDAY BEAUTY GIFT

THIS WEEK

LOCALS ONLY

• The 44th Annual National Dominican Day Parade takes over 6th Ave this Sunday with music, dancing, and a huge celebration of Dominican culture. See you there?

• Z100’s free Summer Bash takes over Hudson Yards this Thursday with Charlie Puth, Yeonjun, Bella Kay, and JYT. Doors open at 5PM!

WIN STUFF

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