Free Outdoor Movies in NYC
A great summer activity in NYC is FREE outdoor movie nights. You can watch a movie outside for free pretty much every day of the week. Check out this roundup for 10+ spots across all boroughs!
MONDAY
Bryant Park Paramount+ Movie Nights (June 12 - August 21): Bryant Park is celebrating the 30th season of summer movies on the lawn every Monday night. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and head to the lawn to watch a feature film on the big screen under the city skyline. The lawn opens at 5pm, and movies start around 8pm. There is also a prize wheel by Paramount+ and food vendors from local spots.
Astoria Park Movies on the Waterfront (July 31 - August 21) : Watch a movie at sunset on the Astoria Park Great Lawn on Shore Blvd. between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair, your favorite snacks and enjoy!
Coney Island Flicks on the Beach (Every other Monday incl. July 24, Aug 7, ) : Free screenings of blockbuster movies on select Monday nights. Head to the beach at West 12th Street in Coney Island and watch great flicks along the boardwalk, just steps away from the legendary Wonder Wheel and Luna Park.
Film Works Alfresco @ The Hudson in Inwood (June 6 - August 29) Free screenings every Monday evening at dusk at The Hudson, located at Dyckman Marina in Inwood Hill Park. Capacity is currently limited to 200 people and admission is free with RSVP ticket. Seating for 80 people will be provided, but you can also bring your own blankets and folding chairs.
TUESDAY
Starlight Cinema at Van Cortlandt Park (July 11 - August 8): Movies, music and crafts and more at this summer series in Van Cortlandt Park. The movie theme for the summer is outer space. Bring your own blanket & picnic. Music starts at 7pm, movie-themed crafts at 7:30pm, and the movie starts around 8:30pm (at last light)
WEDNESDAY
Pier I Picture Show (July 5 - August 16): Settle in for a movie night on the Pier as part of Summer on the Hudson! Open captioned. Seating opens at 6:30pm, movie begins at dusk. The theme this year is ‘Fish Out of Water’.
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn - Prospect Park (July 26 - August 16): Nostalgic classics and feel-good fan favorites for all ages across various parks in Brooklyn. The films will begin shortly after sundown at the north end of the Prospect Park Long Meadow, located nearest to the Grand Army Plaza entrance.
Elizabeth Street Garden Movie Night (Every other Wednesday July 5 - Aug 30): Free neighborhood movie nights are back at ESG! Blankets recommended. Movies start at sundown.
THURSDAY
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies with a View (July 6 - August 24): Celebrate the 23rd season of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s film series. Movies take place on eight consecutive Thursdays in July and August at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. Doors open at 6:00 PM, movies start at sunset. The movie theme this year is “We Are Family”. There will be pre-show music, film shorts, and a market with food for purchase from Time Out Market.
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn - Fort Greene Park (June 29 - July 20): Nostalgic classics and feel-good fan favorites for all ages across various parks in Brooklyn. Showtime is at sunset, but recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
Union Square Movie Nights (July 13 - August 3): Family-friendly movies on the Center Lawn. Bring your own blankets and snacks. All movies begin at 8 PM!
FRIDAY
Free Fridays on the Intrepid (June 30, July 28, August 25): Monthly series with free admission to the Intrepid. In the summer, there are movies screened on the flight deck starting at sunset featuring classic “ship-themed” films.
SATURDAY
Oculus Outdoors (July 15 - August 26): Head to the Oculus on select Saturdays to enjoy free, outdoor movie screenings. This year, they are screening two movies per event day: family-friendly afternoon matinees and comedy evening flicks. Bring your own blankets or portable chairs (there will be limited seating on a first come, first serve basis). Afternoon films will begin at 2pm, doors open at 1pm. Evening films will begin at 7pm, doors open at 6pm. Walkups are welcome, but RSVP is recommended. RSVP here.
SUNDAY
Randall’s Park Movie Nights (July 16, 23, August 13): Bring a picnic and take your family out for a movie and a night under the stars! Join us before the movie for games and crafts! Event Starts 7:30 PM: Join us before the movie for games and crafts! Movie Starts 8:30 PM.
VARIOUS DAYS
Movies Under the Stars (through September 2): The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NYC Parks bring more than 150 film screenings to parks throughout the five boroughs. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment in the city's parks and playgrounds, ranging from great new movies to all-time classics.
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn - McCarren Park (August 20 - September 13): Nostalgic classics and feel-good fan favorites for all ages across various parks in Brooklyn. Showtime is at sunset, but recommend arriving early to secure a great spot
Films on the Green (June 2 - September 8): Free outdoor French film festival. This annual festival returns to Manhattan and Brooklyn's parks, showcasing 12 French features. Films begin at sunset. All films have English subtitles.
Cinema LIC at Hunter’s Point South Park (June 22 - September 8): CinemaLIC is a free outdoor movie event in its 8th year where viewers can enjoy some of the best classic and independent movies right on the waterfront in Long Island City's Hunters Point South Park with New York City's skyline as the backdrop. Movies start at sunset.