The Dandelion Chandelier Entertainment Calendar showcases the best in the world of pop culture. The notable new movies, TV shows, new plays and podcasts in August 2019. Plus new drops and tours launching in pop music, and the top music festivals in August 2019. For the full August 2019 Luxury Calendar, click here. And for a list of fantastic new books being published in August 2019, click here.
what’s happening in pop culture this August 2019?
August may not be known for new arrivals in the way that other months are in the entertainment industry. But this often-overlooked summer month actually has plenty of debuts. New movies, new plays, new podcasts and more are coming in August 2019.
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We’re excited for the arrival of films like the comedy Where’d You Go, Bernadette and the psychological thriller Luce. As well as The Righteous Gemstones on HBO.
The film version of Where’d You Go, Bernadette? debuts in August 2019.
Other cool goings-on include Tom Hiddleson in Betrayal on Broadway, and the 20th anniversary of Summer Sonic in Japan. No summer doldrums here.
the best in pop culture this August 2019
1. best new movies and film festivals in August 2019
Naomi Watts and Tim Roth play adopted parents of a black all-star high schooler in one of the most highly-anticipated new movies in August 2019. In Luce, their son is accused of nefarious acts, raising vital issues about racial stereotypes – Aug 2
The 17th annual Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival takes place in Oak Bluffs – Aug 5 – 10
The 72nd annual Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland is one of the longest running and is highly beloved for its ability to provide fare that appeals to both cinephiles and wider audiences alike – Aug 7 – 17
The Locarno, Switzerland Film Festival. Courtesy Photo.
Disney is giving the beloved children’s book Artemis Fowl the film treatment – Aug 9
In the movie adaptation of the popular bestseller Where’d You Go, Bernadette, Cate Blanchett takes on the role of the witty Bernadette Fox, a mother of a loving family who mysteriously vanishes one day – Aug 9
The oldest film festival in the world, The Venice Film Festival, returns for its 76th year. La vérité (The Truth), directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu and starring Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Ethan Hawke will open the festival – Aug 28 – Sep 7
MV African American Film Festival
2. big television events in August 2019
Returning for its fourth season on AMC is Preacher – Aug 4
The ladies of Glow headed to Sin City for their third season on Netflix – Aug 9
The power struggle between Logan Roy’s children are not the only issue for WayStar in season two of Succession on HBO – Aug 11
John Goodman, Danny McBride and Adam Devine star in The Righteous Gemstones on HBO, a comedy about a megachurch that has some shady dealings going on behind the scenes – Aug 18
The Affair begins its final season on Showtime – Aug 25
The Righteous Gemstones
3. best new plays in August 2019
Featuring songs by Meatloaf, Bat Out of Hell The Musical opens at New York City Center – Previews Aug 1, Opens Aug 8
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will present Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, Evita – Previews Aug 2, Opens Aug 8
The Exes is a bromantic comedy-farce of love and breakups at Theatre Four @ Theatre Row – Previews Aug 7, Opens Aug 10
Betrayal, the sold-out London hit starring Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton and Charlie Cox comes to Broadway for a strictly limited engagement at the Jacobs Theatre – Previews Aug 14, Opens Sep 5
Following a sold-out run in New York, Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning comedic play that sparked the Hulu hit series, heads home to London for 30 performances at the Wyndham’s Theatre – Previews Aug 20, Opens Aug 29
Fleabag Phoebe Waller- Bridge
4. best pop music events in August 2019
One of the most glamorous music festivals of August 2019, the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival, continues. This month there are performances by Sting (Aug 2) and Enrique Iglesias (Aug 10) – through Aug 15
Returning to Budapest in August 2019 is the always popular music festival the Sziget Festival. Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, The National and Florence & The Machine are among the headliners – Aug 7 – 10
At the Outside Lands music festival, Northern California’s version of Coachella, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco transforms into a celebration of music, food, wine, beer, art and comedy. Headliners include Paul Simon, Childish Gambino and The Lumineers – Aug 9 – 11
This year marks 20 years of Japan’s Summer Sonic music festival that takes place simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka. his year’s line-up includes The 1975, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chainsmokers and Rita Ora – Aug 16 – 18
The Afropunk Festival at Brooklyn’s Commodore Perry Park is an annual arts festival that celebrates and unifies the cultural cornerstones of Afropunk through music, film, skate and art. This year will see FKA Twigs and Gary Clark Jr. performing – Aug 24 – 25
The Afropunk Festival
5. best new podcasts in August 2019
Gangster Capitalism explores the dark side of the American dream. It’s one of the most timely new podcasts of August 2019. Season 1 examines one of the biggest stories of the year: the college admissions scandal.
In The Wild, host Chris Morgan takes listeners on journeys across the world. He recounts stories about encounters with bears, takes nature walks with a “forest therapist” and digs into the psychology of animals. It’s perfect summer listening.
The Wild Podcast
Tackling thorny issues such as co-parenting with an ex and setting boundaries with grandparents, Motherhood Sessions sits down with real mothers to sort out the tough stuff
In Eli Roth’s History of Horror: Uncut, the director gets into the weeds of the genre with the help of an impressive roster of guest stars, from Stephen King to Diablo Cody to Quentin Tarantino. It’s a perfect deep dive into horror movies and what inspires these stories, and a great listen for anyone with an interest in the macabre.
the best in pop culture this August 2019
That’s it. Our top picks for the best in the world of pop culture this August 2019. Let’s get it started.
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