Summer draws closer with each day, and what better time to catch a movie on the green in the nice, warm sun? Relax with company and a cozy setup at one of the megalopolis' spacious parks! There are tons of options to choose from in every borough, but the best outdoor movies in NYC may be difficult to locate alone. Mark your calendars and take your pick of some of the best places to catch a flick this coming season.
Brooklyn
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park has hosted their "Movies With A View" series for over two decades now. This popular event takes place Thursday evenings in July and August on the Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. More details on this year's screenings will be released in late Spring, but showtimes typically start around 8/8:30 pm so guests can arrive as early as 6 pm to set up and get comfy! Food options courtesy of Time Out Market and the Pier 1 promenade have been offered in previous years, as well as beer and wine options for the 21+ crowd.
2. Fort Greene Park
Throughout the summer "Paramount + Move Nights in Brooklyn" is slated to take place here. From classic 90s hits to more modern favorites and even premiere screenings chosen through audience feedback every year. Fort Green also features Language Access screenings- movies in either Spanish or Chinese for the local foreign-language speakers to enjoy.
Manhattan
1. Bryant Park
An oasis of green amid towering skyscrapers, this is a go-to location for any moviegoers looking for a change of pace. Screenings start in mid-June and typically run through late August. The lawn is open every Monday from 5 pm and movies start playing by 8 pm. Food, beverages, and picnic blankets are available for purchase, and movies are played with subtitles for those who need them.
2. Washington Square Park
The annual French film festival "Films on the Green" is returning for its 16th year in a row from June 2nd to September 8th. The 2024 schedule alongside this year's theme hasn't been released yet so check back at a later date for more information on what'll be playing.
Queens
1. Hunter's Point South Park
CinemaLIC in Long Island City provides screenings from mid-July to early August. Stop by to catch a feature on the 30-inch, inflatable screen and top-tier sound system. More information will be given closer to the summer, but movies tend to start around sunset with food and drinks offered at a reasonable price.
2. Astoria Park
Central Astoria LDC is hosting "Movies on the Waterfront" on the Great Lawn for visitors to enjoy. The schedule hasn't been released as of yet but showings have traditionally started in early June.
3. The Bronx, Joyce Kilmer Park
A relatively new event emphasizing the works of historically unrepresented groups such as filmmakers of color and immigrants. Organized by the Bronx Independent Cinema Center (BICC), screenings of indie films tend to take place in late July and August, as well as a possible screening sometime in September.
