Now that Elizabeth Street Garden’s fate is sealed and the beloved NoLita escape will remain a permanent fixture downtown, New Yorkers can look forward to one of its best events: free outdoor movies.
No summer is complete without an al fresco film screening, and fortunately for movie buffs everywhere, the Garden has selections that will impress even the pickiest Tisch student.
If you need a little break mid-week and want an activity that’s easy on the wallet — as in its free — look no further.
Elizabeth Street Garden Movie Nights are back
On Wednesdays at 8pm, the Garden will kickstart its screenings. There isn’t a reservation system, and the screenings are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and popcorn for showtime.
Here’s what the 2025 calendar looks like:
- June 25th: Dazed and Confused
- July 9th: The Secret World of Arrietty
- July 23rd: Hairspray (1988)
- August 6th: Laura (1944)
- August 20th: The Royal Tenenbaums
Should you have a busy calendar, the Garden is also offering other great complimentary programming, including 10:30am yoga on Saturday mornings, tai chi on Sundays at 10:30am, and poetry with McNally Jackson staff on Sundays at 5pm — a calming way to wrap up the weekend.
And this year, these beloved traditions feel extra special. The beloved Soho/Little Italy spot faced demolition to accommodate for affordable housing units and apartments. The whole city got in on the argument — including famed New Yorkers like Robert DeNiro and Patti Smith — and wreaked havoc.
Urbanites learned in late June that the Garden will remain in tact for generations to come, and the proposed affordable housing units will
“Thanks to Councilmember [Christopher] Marte’s dedication, and the support from Mayor Adams, we now have a resolution that delivers even more housing while preserving the Garden,” a statement read, much to everyone’s delight.
Now that summer is in full swing, we’re ready to kick back in our favorite spot. Be sure to have a look at all of Elizabeth Street Garden’s offerings online.
If you’re looking for more showtimes, check out the movies in theaters in NYC.