6 Best Outdoor Summer Movie Festivals In New York City
One of the best things about summer in New York is all the great outdoor movie festivals happening throughout the city. Here are six that you should definitely check out. By Carly Petrone.
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Who can say no to watching films that have been curated by New York-based celebrities? Head over to Tompkins Square Park every Thursday in July and watch a movie under the stars. Founder Darin Rubell has enlisted help from Matthew Broderick, Christie Brinkley, Billy Joel, and James Franco to choose a few of their favorite films. There's still time to catch Big Night with Minnie Driver, Tony Shalhoub, and Stanley Tucci on July 23 and Chinatown with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway on July 30. Bring a blanket and curl up for a night of fun and classic film watching. Gates open at 6 p.m. and movies begin at sundown.
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This August, having a romantic evening in Central Park is easy thanks to the five-day film festival taking place between Sheep Meadow and 72nd St. Starting Aug. 25, the Central Park Conservancy will be showing class movies like Fame, The Blues Brothers, Airplane!, Raging Bull, and Superman II. A DJ will get the party started from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and the film be screened at around 8 p.m. Bring a picnic and be a part of the annual tradition that's taken place since 1980.
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If you're in the mood to watch a French film then make sure to attend Films on the Green, the annual event that brings French cinema to various parks across the city. From musicals to literary adaptations, this outdoor festival brings plenty of art and culture to the Big Apple. Upcoming movies include La Derive at Transmitter Park (7/24), La Collectionneuse also at Transmitter Park (7/31), and Le Chat du Rabbin at Columbia University (9/10). Check website for show times.
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It doesn't get better than grabbing some friends and hitting up the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. Just make sure someone can get there early (like 5 p.m.) to reserve a spot on the lawn. Every Monday through Aug. 24, the big screen will show movies like Footloose, Back to the Future, and Badlands. Bring something to eat and wash away your Monday blues with a film screening right in the middle of the city. Movies begin at sunset and gates open at 5 p.m.
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Hit the beach during the day and stick around for a movie at night. Coney Island Flicks on the Beach Film Series is in full swing thanks to the giant 40-foot inflatable screen that's perched along the boardwalk. There's still time to check out classics like The Goonies, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Big Hero 6, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Guardians of the Galaxy. The final film has yet to be decided but it will be screened on Aug. 24. Monday nights just got more exciting thanks to this fun festival.
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Brooklyn Bridge Park is giving movie goers quite a backdrop thanks to their Syfy Movies with a View series. Every Thursday evening you can watch a film along the East River while taking in the view of the magnificent Manhattan skyline. The fun begins on July 23 with the film Attack The Block, starring Jodie Whittacker, John Boyega, and Alex Esmail. Upcoming movies include Clue, Friday, Dr. Strangelove, Dazed and Confused, and Die Hard. We won't blame you if you claim the same spot for the next eight weeks. There will also be shorts curated by BAMcinematek and DJs from Brooklyn Radio to kick off the evening. Screenings begin at sunset but get there by 6 p.m. to take party in the pre-screening festivities.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
