5 Best Places in New York to Catch Outdoor Summer Movies

Break out the picnic blankets, grab some wine, and gather a few friends to enjoy outdoor movie screenings in New York City. Not that you need an excuse to go to the various offerings, but they are in fact free …

1. Central Park

Central Park Location: Midpark at 69th St, enter at Fifth Ave and 72nd St

Screenings at 8 p.m., gates at 6 p.m. between August 22 and 26. Each night covers a different genre, so you’re bound to come across at least one of your faves.

2. Bryant Park

Bryant Park Location: Sixth Ave between 40th and 42nd St

Monday evenings 5 p.m. on the Lawn. Although you're right in midtown, this vast lawn and movie screen makes you feel as if you’re outside the hustle and bustle. Catch black and white classics here.

3. Hudson River

Hudson River Location: W 23rd St, (at Eleventh Ave)

At Pier 61, you can find flicks for adults starting next week on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.! Go down to Pier 46, and you'll find flicks for kids. These are your more recent flicks AND, as a plus, the park staff hands out free popcorn at each showing.

4. McCarren Park, Williamsburg

McCarren Park Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Bedford Ave and North 12th St

Come here to catch those nostalgic 90s flicks everyone loves! Each evening also features live music and food trucks such as Coolhaus and Pizza Moto.

5. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park Location: Pier 1 Harbor View

Featured flicks include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (July 11), the Hitchcock masterpiece Vertigo (Aug 22) and Rocky (Aug 15). Get there early to see a DJ set before the movie.