At People & Food, our goal is to change where folks choose to eat. Away from the chains and VC-backed restaurants that most publications and influencers are covering, and towards the small eateries and mom-and-pop businesses that we all love and want to preserve.
Our list of pop-ups and events is curated with that mission in mind. If you see an event that deserves a mention and aligns with our mission, please drop us a line and we’d be happy to add it.
This will be a monthly column, and we’ll update it as we learn of more events. Thanks for your support. - Rob, Angela, Sangita and Alexa
It’s officially August in New York and our calendar is popping off with exciting openings, pop-ups, parties, and festivals! With so much going on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with figuring out what to eat and who to meet.
That’s why we’ve compiled a curated list of food events for those who care just as much about the people and culture behind a dish as the food itself.
NYC’s Next Big Cantonese Restaurant (Continues to) Pops Up
For the entire month of August, you can try Manhattan’s newest cha chaan teng from Chef Lucas Sin: Lok Kee. Lucas is a Hong Kong-born chef and outspoken champion of Cantonese cuisine; his upcoming book is literally called Cha Chaan Teng and pays homage to the comfort food from Hong Kong’s iconic diners.
Lok Kee is only popping up for dinner for right now, and taking reservations via DM.
When: Thursdays—Saturdays in August
Where: M Star Cafe (📍 19 Division St #1, New York, NY 10002).
How to Attend: DM @lokkee.nyc to reserve!
ACHG Kitchen x Uncle’s Thai Food Ice Cream Party
When: August 1, 2026, 12PM—sold out
Where: FF&E (📍 109 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206)
How to Attend: Just pull up. More info and flyer here.
Back-to-Back Cultural Celebrations in Poughkeepsie
The Hudson Valley Caribbean Festival and the Oaxacan La Guelaguetza Festival are running on the same weekend in Poughkeepsie. Combine either festival with a tour of Oaxakeepsie — use Alexa’s guide here.
The Hudson Valley Caribbean Festival
When: August 1, 2026, 12PM—8PM
Where: Waryas Park (📍 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601)
How to Attend: Free tickets here!
La Guelaguetza Festival
When: August 2, 2026, 12PM—7PM
Where: Waryas Park (📍 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601)
How to Attend: You can just turn up. Full info here.
A Native American Frybread Pop-Up Debuts in Bushwick
From Reddit: “My name is Raini and I’m a member of the Lakota tribe. I realized theres been a gap in indigenous foods available so I decided to start my own frybread stand! Complete with toppings such as honey, powdered sugar, and three different types of jelly!”
When: August 2, 2026, 12PM—sold out
Where: Maria Hernandez Park (📍 Brooklyn, NY 11237)
How to Attend: Check their Instagram for full details.
Limited Chamorro Food Drops on the Border of Brooklyn and Queens
Our friends over at Taste Buds featured Pacific Fried last month. He specializes in Chamorro food (a foodway that Julian Mu stumbled upon in the Portland, Oregon episode of Martinez and Mu).
When: August 2, 2026, 6PM—8PM
Where: On the corner of Wyckoff Ave and Putnam Ave (📍 Brooklyn, NY 11385)
How to Attend: He is highly encouraging pre-orders. Instructions here.
A Danish Cookie Tin With Actual Food in it!
But it’s still not Danish cookies.
Join Sewing Tin for a “supper club experience that blends South Asian flavors with with modern cooking techniques, pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine while staying rooted in nostalgia.” Inspired by the iconic blue Danish butter cookies container that many immigrant families have adapted into a sewing tin.
When: August 2, 2026, 6:30 PM—10:30 PM
Where: Maxwell Tribeca (📍 135 Watts St, New York, NY 10013)
How to Attend: Book your tickets here.
A Study in Shellfish
Atelier Vivi, normally a culinary school for kids, is teaming up with Aqua Best, Chinatown’s family-run fishmonger known for sourcing straight from fishermen, to host their first tasting and cooking workshop for adults! Whip up mignonette from scratch, get a chowder simmering, and then let the expert from Aqua Best guide you through a fun tasting of oysters and clams.
When: August 4, 2026, 6:30PM—8:30PM
Where: Place des Fêtes (📍 212 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238)
How to Attend: Reserve your spot here.
Another Pop-Up for Seafood Lovers
From Baja California, México to Lima, Peru. Coming soon to both sides of the East River.
Baby Oyster @ Babysips
When: August 4, 2026, 6PM—9PM
Where: BabySips (📍 176 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002)
How to Attend: Just pull up. More info and flyer here.
Baby Oyster @ Lise & Vito
When: August 9, 2026, 4 PM—sold out
Where: Lise & Vito (📍 126A Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222)
How to Attend: Just pull up. More info and flyer here.
Malaysian-Inspired Detroit-Style Pizza
Experience Detroit pizza like never before, starring laksa-inspired coconut curry + sliced fish ball and roti canai-inspired coconut curry + potato. Grab a slice, grab a beer, and enjoy the concerts happening across the street at @culturelablic!
When: August 8, 2026, 2PM—6PM
Where: Rockaway Brewing Company (📍 46-01 5th St, Long Island City, NY 11101)
How to Attend: Just pull up.
A Pop-Up Taqueria with Nixtamalized Tortillas in the Capital District
We’ve mentioned Los Hermosos before in our round-up of authentic tortillerias in New York State. Now there’s two opportunities for you to try them out.
Los Hermosos At Wolf Hollow Brewing
When: August 1, 2026, 5PM—8PM (or until sold out)
Where: Wolf Hollow Brewing Co (📍 6882 Amsterdam Rd, Schenectady, NY 12302)
How to Attend: Check their Instagram for full details.
Los Hermosos At Nine Pin Cider Works
When: August 8, 2026, 5PM—7PM (or until sold out)
Where: Nine Pin Cider Works (📍 929 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207)
How to Attend: Check their Instagram for full details.
For Example: A Summer Bakery
When: August 9, 2026, 11AM—2PM
Where: Land To Sea (📍 402 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 )
How to Attend: Just pull up.
A Vietnamese Cookout in Williamsburg
Cơm tấm (broken rice) is the star of this pop up by Ăn Xôi at Pete’s Candy Store. Read Angela’s article about the team behind this Vietnamese pop up, as well sister brand Vân Vân, and then check out this backyard cookout!
NYC's Top Vietnamese Restaurants Have Something in Common
Thanks for reading People & Food. Today we are running a story by Angela Xu (@BrooklynFoodLady) about Vân Vân, a specialty Vietnamese herb and spice purveyor in New York.
When: August 15, 2026, 4PM—Sold out
Where: Pete’s Candy Store (📍 709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211)
How to Attend: Preorder here.
“Sagra Del Pomodoro” Tomato Celebration
Join Edgemere Farm Works for an all-day, hands-on tomato sauce jarring event celebrating Italian heritage, family, friendship, and community. Each participant will receive one 16oz jar of tomato sauce as a thank you. Molto bene!
When: August 16, 2026, 9AM—12PM and 12—3PM
Where: Edgemere Farm (📍 3-85 B 45 St, Far Rockaway, NY 11691)
How to Attend: Free to attend with RSVP.
No. 1 Old Bay Taste Takes Ridgewood
From @minimartnyc: “@sholtesy aka NO 1 OLD BAY TASTE is coming with the heat Sunday 8/16 12pm. Chicken fried steak sandwich?! Hush puppies & crab cakes?! A collab breakfast burrito?! Come hungry, it will be dynamite!”
When: August 16, 2026, 12PM—Sold out
Where: Mama Yoshi Mini Mart (📍 17-11 Grove St, Queens, NY 11385)
How to Attend: Just pull up. Cash only.
Get Your Filipino Flavor Fix
From Instagram: “We’re bringing fresh Filipino ensaymada pastries in flavors like mango, buko pandan, ube halaya, calamansi, macapuno—and that’s just the sweet side. Enjoy NYC’s best pandesal rolls, baked fresh.”
When: August 16, 2026, 1PM—5PM
Where: Kings County Brewers Collective (📍 381 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237)
How to Attend: Preorder here.
Vietnamese Tea Tasting in Chinatown
When: August 16, 2026, 2PM—4PM
Where: 📍 7th Floor, 27 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
How to Attend: Just pull up.
A Celebration of one of Hanoi’s Most Iconic Dishes
From Instagram: “Running it back with one of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes: Chả Cá Lã Vọng. A meal built around all the little details we love: from mắm tôm sourced from Thanh Hóa & our house made mẻ (fermented rice), to an unapologetic amount of fresh dill & scallions. [It’s] not an Andy pop up in NYC w/o his caramelized fish sauce wings ofc…”
When: August 18, 2026, 5PM—9PM
Where: Mắm (📍 70 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002)
How to Attend: Just pull up.
Sushi Somewhere in Brooklyn
Tokyo Sushi Academy alums are coming fresh from sushi school and straight to Greenpoint to serve a variety of seafood dishes, including tuna tostada, a nigiri sampler, and kaisen maki. And if that’s not enough of a treat, they’re serving ice cream sandwiches for dessert!
When: August 21, 5:30PM—Sold out
Where: Lise & Vito (📍 126A Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222)
How to Attend: Just pull up.
Bridging Heaven and Earth with Ice Cream
From Kaya Toast to Malted Toasted Rice to Black Sesame Cookies & Cream, Nine Treasures Creamery’s latest drop is “bridging heaven & earth with ice cream 🍨”.
Nine Treasures Creamery @ Upstate Stock
When: August 22, 2026, 1PM—4PM
Where: Upstate Stock (📍 2 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
How to Attend: Reserve here.
Nine Treasures Creamery @ Threes Brewing
When: August 23, 2026, 1PM—3PM
Where: Threes Brewing (📍 333 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217)
How to Attend: Reserve here.
Summer Tea in Prospect Park
From Instagram: “This year marks our 8th Summer Tea @prospect_park since 2019! 🍵🌿
In this time of change, arts and culture in our communities are where we continue to find inspiration and meaning.”
When: August 23, 2026, 11AM—3PM
Where: Prospect Park (📍 Brooklyn, NY)
How to Attend: Free to attend. RSVP required.
Try the Sour Candy of the Melon World
The Bonny Melon is a rare Taiwanese cultivar, prized for its sweet-sour flavor and climate resilience. For one day only, cool off with freshly sliced bonnies from @natoora_northamerica.
From Instagram: “Here at Yun Hai, we love to champion Taiwanese agriculture and traditional foods. Our interest isn’t only what’s happening in Taiwan, but how Taiwanese growers and agriculturalists make waves in our world. This melon is one of those ways.”
When: August 23, 2026, 12PM—3PM
Where: Yun Hai Shop (📍 170 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206)
How to Attend: Just pull up.
The Dusky Kitchen x Hana Makgeolli Dessert Pop-up
James Beard Award-winning author Abi Balingit is popping up at Hana Makgeolli with Filipino- x Korean-inspired takes on citrus olive oil cake, cantaloupe granita, and tiramisu (including makgeolli, of course).
When: August 23, 2026, 2PM—6:30PM
Where: Hana Makgeolli Brewery & Tasting Room (📍 201 Dupont St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 )
How to Attend: Reserve here.
🌠 Cẩm Release Party with Sông Cái at Lai Rai 🌠
From Instagram: “Sông Cái is a distillery, winery, and fermentation lab located in Hà Nội with a mission to tell a story of Vietnam’s places, people, and cultures by highlighting the country’s heirloom and native ingredients 🇻🇳.”
They’re joining the fine folks at Lai Rai to celebrate the release of their new sweet purple rice wine ‘Cẩm’, and you can try it too!
When: August 24, 2026, 6PM—10PM
Where: Lai Rai (📍 76 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002 )
How to Attend: Just pull up.
An Evening with Dame Grace Young in Chinatown
Grace Young is a Chinatown advocate who has been featured on Rob’s channel. She’ll be joined by Grand Tea Imports — also featured by Rob — at Hop Lee… also featured by Rob. (Grace helped Rob produce his Chinatown series).
When: August 25, 2026, 6:30PM—8:30PM
Where: Hop Lee Restaurant (📍 16 Mott St, New York, NY 10013)
How to Attend: Buy tickets here.
Running it Back in Chinatown
Last month, the beginner-friendly Welcome to Chinatown Run Club officially hit the pavement, jogging three mile through Chinatown while discovering local small businesses, such as Double Crispy Bakery. And soon they’ll be running it back, so stay tuned for the event flyer.
When: August 26, 2026, 6PM
Where: Welcome to Chinatown HUB (📍 115 Bowery, New York, NY 10002)
How to Attend: Free to attend. RSVP required.
A Rare Taste of Burmese Cuisine in Williamsburg
You don’t have to go to all the way to Bay Ridge to taste Burmese food in Brooklyn, because Baby Lay Kitchen is popping up at Land To Sea.
When: August 28, 2026, 4PM—7PM
Where: Land To Sea (📍 402 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 )
How to Attend: Just pull up.
An End of Summer Fling
Presented by Interwoven Collective: “This will be our very first night market, bringing together an incredible group of vendors, artists, and small businesses for one unforgettable night in Chinatown to end the summer off right!”
When: August 29, 2026, 5PM—10PM
Where: Welcome to Chinatown HUB (📍 115 Bowery, New York, NY 10002)
How to Attend: Free entry. RSVP for a free raffle ticket.
Hồng Dao Dinner Club
From Instagram: “Southern and Vietnamese cuisine share roots in innovation and making something amazing out of (almost) nothing… we’re excited to experiment with the fusion of these two vibrant traditions and share the results with you!”
When: August 29, 2026, 6PM
Where: Greenpoint (📍 exact location is shared once a ticket is purchased)
How to Attend: Reserve your spot here.
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