You don’t need to hop on a flight to enjoy the tropics this spring–Brookfield Place is transforming its beloved Winter Garden into a tropical movie theater with Movies Under the Palms, a new, free film series running for just two weekends.
Running on weekends from April 24 through May 2, this pop-up cinema proves New York City can ditch its concrete edge–if only just for a moment–in favor of swaying palms and breezy, tropical vibes.
At Movies Under the Palms, guests can enjoy complimentary popcorn and treats from SmartSweets as well as comfy palm-lined seating. Don’t have dinner plans? Movie-goers can also stop by Hudson Eats for some extra eats–like sushi rolls from Blue Ribbon or sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio–to enjoy during the screenings.
And instead of the usual string of movie trailers, the series kicks off with a lineup of pre-show activities the whole family can get in on.
Admission is free with no RSVP required. You’ll want to get there early as seating is limited, and guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, the seating area will be closed.

Movie Lineup
Screenings take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 5 pm and 1 pm. The lineup includes nostalgic, feel-good favorites and sing-alongs:
- Hook – Friday, April 24 at 5 pm
- Ratatouille – Saturday, April 25 at 1 pm
- Annie – Friday, May 1 at 5 pm
- The Wizard of Oz – Saturday, May 2 at 1 pm
Know Before You Go
- Dates: April 24–25 & May 1–2
- Time: 1 pm & 5 pm, depending on the day
- Admission: Free
- Seating: First-come, first-served (opens 1 hour before movie start time)
Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the snacks, or just an excuse to pretend you’ve escaped the city for a few hours, this limited-time series is an easy spring win. Just don’t wait–between the free admission and tropical vibes, seats are bound to fill up fast.
If you’re a self-proclaimed movie buff, be sure to grab tickets to some other fabulous films in theaters now!