Grab a picnic basket and enjoy a night under the stars this summer. The city’s many outdoor movie series allow you to have the best of both worlds–you can sit back and relax while spending time with your family. And the best part is that most of them are free!
Here’s a handy list of venues hosting outdoor movies throughout the week all summer long.
Sundays
Movie Night Madness, Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton Street
Every week at 8pm, come out to Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for a night filled with food and film fun. Habana Outpost invites you to dine on traditional Mexican and Cuban food while enjoying a classic film like Grease (August 18) in the courtyard.
Mondays
RCN Monday Night Movies, Waterside Plaza
Anyone can enjoy some free popcorn and a movie at this apartment complex every Monday in August. Starting at dusk, bring out the folding chairs and blankets to make the most of the night.
2013 Movie Night in Astoria Park, Shore Boulevard between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool
This summer, Astoria Park offers you and your family some popular children’s movies–both new and old. On select Mondays in July and August at 8:30pm, watch old-time favorites such as Annie (July 29) or recent hits like Brave (August 19).
HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Bryant Park
From June 17 to August 19, enjoy Bryant Park as it turns into a full-blown outdoor theater every Monday night. The lawn opens at 5pm and movies start at sunset.
Tuesdays
Rooftop Films at Bronx Terminal Market, 610 Exterior Street, Level 6, Garage Roof Deck
Forget the lawn, how about seeing a movie on a rooftop? Bring your beach chairs and be sure to arrive at 7:30pm for an hour of fun and games before the movie begins. BTM features Despicable Me (July 16), Wreck-It Ralph (July 23), and The Goonies (July 30).
NYRP Summer Movie Night, Swindler Cove at Sherman Creek Park
Picnic under the stars, enjoy free popcorn, and watch the kids go wild for these PG movies: The Muppets (June 11), Where the Wild Things Are (June 25), and Ghostbusters (July 9).
NYRP Summer Movie Night also offers free popcorn and a movie in these Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens locations at 8pm:
Finding Nemo (June 4) at Seagirt Boulevard Community Garden, Queens
Space Jam (June 18) at Eastchester Road Community Garden: 3634 Eastchester Road (East 222nd – 223rd) Bronx
Madagascar 3 (July 2) at Willis Avenue Community Garden: 378-382 Willis Avenue, Bronx
The Goonies (July 16) at Target East Harlem, Manhattan 415-417 East 117th Street
Wreck-It Ralph (July 23) at Jane Bailey Community Garden: 327-329 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn
Wednesdays
Summer on the Hudson: Movies Under the Stars, Pier 1, Riverside Park South
Enjoy a family film while taking in a beautiful view of the sunset over the Hudson River, such as the classic Marx Brothers mayhem-filled comedy, Duck Soup (July 17).
SummerScreen, McCarren Park, corner of Bedford Avenue and North 12th Street
Starting July 10, Williamsburg’s biggest outdoor film series will bring you a movie every Wednesday night at sundown. Be sure to arrive when doors open at 6pm to enjoy the live band’s music before the show.
Thursdays
Syfy Movies With a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Harbor View Lawn, Pier 1
Celebrate 14 years of the Brooklyn Bridge outdoor film series with its newest theme: With Love From… which brings you weekly movies that feature cities from around the world. Join the action in Chicago with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (July 11).
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, between Sheep Meadow and 72nd Street Cross Drive
This year, the audience gets to vote for each film screening. August 22 is classic themed, so be sure to vote for movies the kids will love like Dr. Strangelove or Funny Lady.
Fridays
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, between Sheep Meadow and 72nd Street Cross Drive
Family Night at the Central Park Conservancy Film Festival is August 23. Before the festival starts, cast your vote for Kung Fu Panda, Hook, An American Tale, or Annie.
Intrepid Summer Movie Series, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86
All aboard! Watch Jaws (June 28) as you sit atop the deck of a gigantic ship or view Star Trek (July 26) as you gaze up at the stars. Other movies include Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (August 2) and The Karate Kid (August 23). Seating is first come first served.
River Flicks For Kids, Hudson River Park, Pier 46
Every Friday from July 12 to August 23, River Flicks features PG movies including the most recent Paranorman (July 19), Rise of the Guardians (August 9), and Adventures of Tintin (August 23).
Summer Film Series at Narrows Botanical Gardens, Shore Road and 72nd Street in Bay Ridge
Narrows Botanical Gardens is hosting two Family Nights during its summer film series this season. Refreshments will be served. Plus, be sure to arrive early for games and activities. Family Night features Mr. Popper’s Penguins (July 13) and Ice Age (August 16).
Saturdays
See/Change Front/Row Cinema, South Street Seaport
Front/Row Cinema is kicking off the summer with an early start! Be sure to catch Babe (June 15) and giggle along with the whole family at sunset.
