Best time to visit New York

Open-Air Movie Nights in New York

Movie screenings beneath the starry sky are a nice tradition for summer in the city

Best time: May–September

Open-Air Movie Nights
Open-Air Movie Nights

Free open-air movie screenings are a beloved summer tradition in New York City. On the rooftops or in parks, they offer some iconic views of the city skyline and both retrospective classic cinema or today's blockbusters. Some of the best summer film festivals include the Bryant Park Summer Film Series by HBO with classic movies and picnicking and Hudson RiverFlicks with its free popcorn.

Bryant Park has been hosting the HBO-sponsored series for a few decades. It’s one of the most popular summer movie events in New York City, so arrive early to get a spot on the lawn. The Lawn opens at 5 pm on Mondays.

Summer on the Hudson where movies are screened on Pier 1 in Riverside Park South, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Film Series with music before the screenings and a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge. There is als​o the Outdoor Cinema in Socrates Sculpture Park with live performances and an excellent background of the Manhattan skyline, the Red Hook Flicks with screenings on the picturesque Valentino Pier in Brooklyn, and the SummerScreen in McCarren Park.​

Even when summer is over, it doesn't mean there are no more outdoor screenings! Get a warm blanket and head to Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City. Free fall Fridays movie screenings take place in September and October. The park features spacious lawns, gardens, and public artwork. But note that Note the lawns of Rockefeller Park are dog-free.

Practical info

What are the dates and genres of the Bryant Park Summer Film Series?

The Bryant Park Summer Film Series by HBO takes place from May to September and showcases various classic and popular films to audiences in New York City. Films shown in past screenings include the likes of Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Godfather, and Jurassic Park. To secure a spot on the lawn, it is advised to arrive early for these events, as the lawn opens at 5 pm on Mondays. Show more

Where can you find the Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Film Series?

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Film Series is hosted at Harbor View Lawn, situated in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Its unique location provides a picturesque setting, with the Brooklyn Bridge making the perfect backdrop for each movie screening. Pre-show, there is also a range of musical performances that often take place for all attendees to enjoy. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Film Series showcases fan favorites such as Do the Right Thing, The Princess Bride, and Mean Girls. Show more

How does the Hudson RiverFlicks differ from other free movie screenings in the area?

Hudson RiverFlicks stands out from other free movie events in the area due to it being hosted on both sides of the Hudson River. With locations in Hoboken and Manhattan, this free movie screening offers pre-show picnic games like cornhole and volleyball as well as free popcorn for movie-goers. Attendees can relax and enjoy films like Hidden Figures, Dirty Dancing, and Coco. Show more

When and where can the Outdoor Cinema at the Socrates Sculpture Park be viewed?

The Outdoor Cinema can be found at the Socrates Sculpture Park, with movie screenings held every week throughout August. The outdoor location offers visitors live performances to enjoy before the film starts, as well as the chance to take in the stunning view of the Manhattan skyline from across the East River. Past screenings have included the likes of Frida, Rolling Thunder Revue, and When We Were Kings. Show more

Can visitors bring dogs to free fall Friday movie screenings at Rockefeller Park?

Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to bring their dogs to the free fall Friday movie screenings at Rockefeller Park. Situated in Battery Park City, Rockefeller Park is a popular location for visitors who can enjoy movies under the stars in September and October once the summer has ended. Visitors should refrain from bringing their beloved pets to these events and instead, appreciate the spacious lawns and gardens, along with the public artworks on offer. Show more

Ask a question
Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin