Summer is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to kickback, grab some friends, and spend some time in one of NYC’s finest parks. With the weather in the perfect state and the sun setting later and later, what could be better than catching a free movie on the big screen!
You heard us right, for free! No matter if you’re if in Midtown to Brooklyn, there are hundreds of free outdoor movies you can enjoy in your local park. Well, let’s get into it. Here are some of the parks hosting free movies this summer!
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Showing movies on one of NYC’s favorite big screens for over 20 years, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s free outdoor movie series “Movies With A View” returns for its 24th season in 2024!
This season’s run takes place back on the Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn every Thursday night starting in July. With movies starting at sundown (around 8 – 8:30 pm), movie goers can arrive as early as 5 pm to set up blankets, chairs, and picnic arrangements before the big showing. See the lineup below:
- July 25: Mean Girls
- August 1: Creed
- August 8: But I’m A Cheerleader
- August 15: Bram Stroker’s Dracula
- August 22: The American President
- August 29: Public Choice
2. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is home to tons of fun events throughout the year, and back again this summer is their outdoor movies series in the park. Sponsored by Paramount+ and in collaboration with Vulture, screenings will take place every Monday evening from June until August! See the remaining lineup below and learn more about Bryant Park Movie Nights here:
- July 29: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
- August 5: Arrival
- August 12: Titanic
3. Oculus Outdoors
In the heart of Downtown Manhattan, secure a piece of relaxation with free movie screenings on select Friday Nights and Saturday afternoons all summer long! It takes place at North Oculus Plaza (between Church St. and Greenwich St., outside the World Trade Center Oculus on Fulton St.) Each movie screening is an experience that will have a special activation, photo opportunity, or even a freebie! You can bring chairs and blankets for a cozier experience. Seating starts one hour before the film begins. There will also be small bites and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase at the Oculus Beer Garden (across Oculus Plaza).
Theater Weekend
- Friday, July 26 at 7 pm: Moulin Rouge
- Saturday, July 27 at 2 pm: Back to the Future
You Picked It Weekend
- Friday, August 9 at 7 pm: Crazy Rich Asians
- Saturday, August 10 at 2 pm: Muppets Take Manhattan
Fan Favorite Weekend
- Friday, August 23 at 7 pm: Barbie
- Saturday, August 24 at 2 pm: Wonka (2023)
4. Washington Square Park, Tompkins Square Park, + More
To celebrate this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, a sports-themed film festival called Films on the Green is taking over NYC parks, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary French films with English subtitles. The 11 films will be curated into the theme “Sports in Film” and aims to celebrate human achievement, cinema, and the outdoors. Check out the remaining lineup with locations below!
- September 4: Ride Above by Christian Duguay
- September 6: McGolrick Park, Brooklyn: Racetime by Benoît Godbout
5. Randall Island’s Park
In a park that boasts some of the best views of NYC, Randall’s Island Park is a must-hit spot for their free movie nights this summer. It’s the perfect place to bring kids or event a big group of friends! Grab some chairs and come early for their limited amount of free snacks too. Check out the remaining schedule of movies below and stay tuned for more announcements:
- August 9: Elemental
Learn more about Randall’s Island Movie Nights here.
6. Astoria Park
Central Astoria LDC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Astoria as a vibrant, affordable, and desirable community, is hosting Movies on the Waterfront at Astoria Park this year. Head to the park’s Great Lawn during any of the times below to enjoy a movie al-fresco with sweeping views of the city. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket so you can get comfy!
- July 29: Breakfast at Tiffany;s
- August 5: Barbie
- August 12: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- August 19: Migration
7. Van Cortlandt Park
For all our folks in The Bronx, head to Van Cortlandt Park to check out their Starlight Cinema: Enchanted Forest movie series happening now. Their movies start around sunset at 8:30 pm as well as a fun movie-themed arts & crafts session before at 7:30 pm. Check out the remaining schedule below:
- July 23: Shrek
- July 30: Into the Woods
- August 6: The Princess Bride
8. Transmitter Park
Hosted by Town Square BK, the Summerstarz movie series is in full swing at Greenpoint’s Transmitter Park…happening now on Fridays through early August. Complete with music, storytelling, art & crafts and more, they host movies at sundown which are totally free. Check out the remaining schedule below:
- July 26: Barbie
- August 2: Purple Rain
- August 9: Top Gun: Maverick
9. Coney Island Beach
Head to the beach in the coming weeks and check out a movie right on the shore of Coney Island. Enter the beach on West 12th Street and look for the giant inflatable screen playing movies on Thursday nights through June and early August. See the remaining schedule below:
- July 25: Everything Everywhere All At Once
- August 1: Love & Basketball
- August 8: The Warriors
10. Fort Greene Park
As a part of Paramount+ Movie Nights, catch a flick in Fort Greene Park on Thursdays during August and early September! Check out the remaining lineup of dates and movies below:
- August 15: Past Lives
- August 22: School Daze
- August 29: Bob Marley: One Love
- September 5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem
11. Union Square Park
As a part of Union Square Partnership’s Summer in the Square, they’ll be hosting a serires of family-friendly movie nights on select Thursdays throughout the summer! Check out the remaining lineup of movies coming to Union Square Park below:
- July 25: Little Shop of Horrors
- August 1: Jurassic Park
12. Hunter’s Point South Park
Last year was the ninth summer of movies in Long Island City is CinemaLIC, a series of movies that took place in Hunter’s Point South Park. Organized by the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, the experience is top notch, with a 30′ inflatable screen and state of the art sound system. Info hasn’t been released yet for this year, but typically movies begin at sunset and there are even food and beverages available for purchase.
13. Movies Under the Stars (Multiple Locations)
No matter where you are in New York City, you’re sure to find one of the 150 free movie screenings part of the “Movies Under the Stars” series happening this summer. Organized by NYC Parks and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, these different viewings will happen across all 5 boroughs of New York all summer long.
Movies will range from family-friendly feel goods to all-time classics. Plus, most parks will have accessible seating for seniors and ample space for your whole crew!
View the 2024 schedule for Movies Under the Stars here.
Movie Screenings You Missed:
14. Prospect Park
Prospect Park in Brooklyn hosted Paramount+ Movie Nights once again this year, with screenings that happened on Wednesdays during June and July. Check out the lineup below:
- June 26: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
- July 3: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
- July 10: School of Rock
- July 17: Clueless
15. McCarren Park
McCarren Park in Williamsburg hosted a full lineup of June screenings, which happened on select Fridays during June. Check out passed movie lineup and dates below:
- June 14: Empire Records
- June 28: But I’m a Cheerleader