[Originally written in 2012 on my Italian blog – updated in 2025]
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Summer in New York City hits differently – especially when you grab a picnic towel, insect repellent, snacks, and your date (or friends!) for open-air movie nights with a NYC view. If you’re craving that real New Yorker vibe, this guide is for you!
I’ve lived in NYC for 18 years, and let me tell you: these outdoor movie nights are the best way to soak up the city’s energy for free. From classic films at Bryant Park to hidden gems in neighborhood parks, I’m giving you the inside scoop on the best free outdoor movie nights in NYC for Summer 2025
For your convenience, I’ve listed them by days of the week, starting with Monday nights (because we Italians always start our week on Monday – LOL).
Let the summer magic begin!
Monday
🎬 Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park
📍Bryant Park Lawn – between 40th & 42nd St., 5th & 6th Ave.
🕒 Lawn opens at 5 PM; films begin at 8 PM
Check updates on the Bryant Park website.
- June 9: Pretty in Pink
- June 16: The Wood
- June 23: Kinky Boots
- June 30: Stand by Me
- July 7: Good Will Hunting
- July 14: Interstellar
- July 21: Ghost
- July 28: Pulp Fiction
- August 4: Blades of Glory
- August 11: The Godfather
🎬 Central Astoria Waterfront Movie Series
📍North Lawn near Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria Park, Queens
🕒 7 PM
🗓️ Schedule coming soon! Check updates on the Central Astoria website.
- July 28
- August 4
- August 11
- August 18
Wednesday
🎬 PARAMOUNT+ MOVIE NIGHTS IN BROOKLYN – PROSPECT Park
📍Prospect Park, Long Meadow, Brooklyn
🕒 Films start shortly after sunset. Complimentary popcorn and candy for RSVP holders (first come, first served while supplies last)
- July 30: Mean Girls
- August 6: The Smurfs
- August 13: Sonic The Hedgehog 3
- August 20: Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
- August 27: Miss Congeniality
Thursday
🎬 Movies With A View – Brooklyn Bridge Park
📍 Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn, Brooklyn
🕒 Lawn opens at 6 PM; films begin at sunset
🗓️ Celebrating its 25th season with the theme “Women in Hollywood.” Titles to be announced in early June. Schedule coming soon! Check updates on the Brooklyn Bridge Park website.
- July 10
- July 17
- July 24
- July 31
- August 7
- August 14
- August 21
- August 28
🎬 PARAMOUNT+ MOVIE NIGHTS IN BROOKLYN – Coney Island
📍Coney Island Beach at W. 12th Street, Brooklyn
🕒 Films start shortly after sunset. Complimentary popcorn and candy for RSVP holders (first come, first served while supplies last)
July 17: Better Man
July 24: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
July 31: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
August 7: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
🎬 PARAMOUNT+ MOVIE NIGHTS IN BROOKLYN – Fort Greene Park
📍Fort Greene Park, Central Lawn at Dekalb Avenue &, S Portland Ave, Brooklyn.
🕒 Films start shortly after sunset. Complimentary popcorn and candy for RSVP holders (first come, first served while supplies last)
- July 3: Call Me By Your Name
- July 10: Gladiator II
- August 14: Clueless
- August 21: Dog Day Afternoon
Friday
🎬 Intrepid Movie NIGHTS
📍Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86
🕒 Doors open at 7 PM; films begin at sunset
Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while screening classic films on the flight deck.
Check updates on the Intrepid Museum website.
- May 23: Top Gun
- June 27: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
- July 25: The Abyss
- August 22: Atlantis: The Lost Empire
🎬 Oculus Outdoors
📍Under the wings of the Oculus, World Trade Center
🕒 Films start at 7pm, seating starts at 6pm. Limited seating available (first come, first served). RSVP on Eventbrite recommended.
Check updates on the Explore WTC website.
- June 13th at 7pm: The Birdcage
- July 11 at 7pm: A League of Their Own
- August 15 at 7pm: Dirty Dancing
- Friday, September 26 at 7pm: Twilight
🎬 Movie Nights at Hudson Yards
📍 Location: Public Square & Gardens, Hudson Yards (near The Vessel)
🕒 Movies begin at 6 PM; doors open at 5pm.
Seating: First-come, first-served; Wells Fargo customers receive priority seating by showing their card or app. Check updates on the Hudson Yards website.
- May 9: Freaky Friday
- May 16: Wicked
- May 30: Tom & Jerry
- September 12: Grease
- September 19: Clueless
- September 26: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- October 3: Grown Ups
- October 10: Rent
- October 17: Legally Blonde
- October 24: Top Gun: Maverick
🎬 Films on the Green
🕒 Screenings begin at sunset
This year’s theme is “Fashion in Film,” showcasing French films with English subtitles.
- May 30: Coco Before Chanel –📍 Central Park, Cedar Hill – Entrance at 79th Street and 5th Avenue → RSVP here
- June 27: Falbalas – 📍 Pier 1, Riverside Park South, 70th Street Pier Plaza (Rain Date June 28).
🎬 PARAMOUNT+ MOVIE NIGHTS IN BROOKLYN – Mc Carren Park
📍Mc Carren Park, 776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn
🕒 Films start shortly after sunset. Complimentary popcorn and candy for RSVP holders (first come, first served while supplies last)
June 13: Shutter Island
June 20: American Hustle
June 27: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Saturday
🎬 Oculus Outdoors
📍Under the wings of the Oculus, World Trade Center
🕒 Films start 2pm, seating starts at 1pm. Limited seating available (first come, first served). RSVP on Eventbrite recommended. Check updates on the Explore WTC website.
- June 14th at 2pm: The Parent Trap (1998)
- July 12 at 2pm: Space Jam (1996)
- July 12 at 7pm: Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music
- August 16 at 2pm: Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- Saturday, September 27 at 2pm: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
More Free Summer Movies across NYC
🎬 Movies Under the Stars – NYC Parks
Experience the magic of cinema under the stars in NYC’s beautiful parks.
📍Various parks across NYC
🕒 Start times vary; typically around 8:30 PM
Family-friendly films in neighborhood parks. Bring a blanket and snacks. Check all updates on the NYC Gov Park website.
Must-Haves for the Perfect Outdoor Movie Night
The secret to a perfect NYC movie night under the stars is all about the little things that make it extraordinary and stress-free. These are my absolute favorites; I never go without them. I love them, and I’m sure you’ll love them too!
Also: if you purchase through my Amazon affiliate links, you’ll support my work at no extra cost. Thank you!! 💛
1. WEKAPO Beach Blanket Sandproof
Stay dry and comfortable with this waterproof and sandproof blanket (yup, I’ll always bring it to the beach too!) . It’s lightweight, compact, and has stakes and corner pockets to keep it in place. I got mine in 2021, and it’s still strong!
2. OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz
Mosquitoes love me 😢 and this is the only long-lasting protection that keeps themSummer nights in New York City are pure magic—especially when you’re watching a movie under the stars. From Bryant Park to Brooklyn Bridge Park, this guide covers the best free outdoor movie nights in NYC for Summer 2025. Grab a blanket, pack a snack, and get ready for an unforgettable experience! away. I’ve tried natural/organic alternatives and nothing worked… my blood is probably way too sweet! If you’re like me, OFF! is a must-have for any outdoor evening. I even transfer it into a travel-size spray bottle so I always have it with me!
3. Rothy’s Lightweight Tote
I’m obsessed with this tote! Made from recycled plastic, it’s spacious, super light, and washable. I bring it everywhere!
Ready to grab your popcorn and blanket? Let me know which movie night you’ll be at… maybe I’ll see you there! Don’t forget to share this guide with a friend who loves a good summer night out.✨
