Summer movie series lights up city parks with free, outdoor films

As summer approaches, New Yorkers can look forward to a season filled with free outdoor movie nights across the boroughs, offering an ideal way to unwind under the stars with family and friends.

This summer, city parks and open spaces will once again transform into open-air cinemas, showcasing beloved classics, recent hits, and critically acclaimed films.

Here are a list of movie nights happening in each borough:

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is set to host its popular “Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn,” a series of 16 free screenings taking place at four outdoor venues: Prospect Park, Fort Greene Park, Coney Island, and McCarren Park.

Kicking off on June 13 at McCarren Park, the series will run weekly through August, with showtimes at sunset. Attendees can enjoy a lineup curated from Paramount+ and Pluto TV’s extensive libraries, including recent blockbusters, cult classics, and timeless favorites. Featured films include “Shutter Island,” “American Hustle,” “Call Me By Your Name,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.”

Each screening will feature pre-movie activities such as DJs, interactive games, photo booths, and giveaways, with special surprise guest appearances throughout the summer. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, bring blankets, and enjoy complimentary snacks while supplies last. All screenings are free but require RSVP via bk-movie nights website.

“There’s no better way to spend a summer night than a movie in the park. These screenings continue to bring our community together in some of Brooklyn’s most iconic spaces,”Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President, said in a statement.

Fort Greene Park will be showcasing recent hits and old school goodies starting on July 3. The full list of showings include:

July 3 – “Call Me By Your Name”

July 10 – “Gladiator II”

Aug. 14 – “Clueless”

Aug. 21 – “Dog Day Afternoon”

Manhattan

Bryant Park has teamed up with Paramount+ for the return of their widely loved movie nights. Free movie nights in the Midtown park will run from June 9 through August 11. This season’s line-ups include cult classics like Pretty in Pink, Good Will Hunting, Pulp Fiction and Interstellar.

Lawns will open at 5 p.m. and movies will begin each day at 8 p.m. Movie-goers are encouraged to arrive early to claim their spots and enjoy eats from local vendors. Blankets and snacks are permitted.

“Each summer, we see strangers become neighbors on the lawn,” Dan Biederman, president of Bryant Park Corporation, said in a statement. “Movie Nights remind us how powerful simple moments, like watching a great film outdoors, can be in bringing people together.”

Queens

NYC Parks and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment are teaming up to bring back “Movies Under the Stars”, family-friendly movie screenings in local parks and playgrounds at no cost.

One upcoming screening in Queens will feature “Kung Fu Panda 4,” on May 30 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the basketball courts in Frank D. O’Connor Playground in Queens. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and settle in for a fun evening under the stars. The event is free and open to the public, though glass bottles and alcohol are strictly prohibited. In case of heavy rain or extreme weather, the screening may be canceled, with updates posted on the NYC Parks website.

NYC Parks will continue the fun on May 31 with a screening of Dreamworks’ top hit, Shrek. The film will broadcast at the Multipurpose Hard Top Area in Paul Raimonda Playground 47th Street Entrance at 20th Avenue.

Other Queens movie nights include:

June 4 – “Wicked” at Travers Park

June 5 – “Moana” at Beach 94th St. Amphitheater in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Aug. 14 – Bug’s Life at Open Area in Athens Square

Aug. 21 – Despicable Me 4 at the Multipurpose Hardtop Play Area

Bronx

Here are some of the exciting films and Bronx locations to look forward to:

Join NYC Parks on June 14 for a family-friendly adventure as a young girl discovers she can see everyone’s imaginary friends—and embarks on a magical journey to reconnect them with their kids. Movies begin at dusk at the Basketball Courts in Saw Mill Playground. This event is FREE and open to the public. Please note, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. In case of heavy rain or extreme weather, the screening may be canceled, with updates posted on nyc.gov/parks. For more info, call 311 or contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov.

On May 31, go to Yolanda García Park to enjoy the classic tale, “The Lion King”, which tells the story of Mufasa and the journey of a young lion cub destined for greatness. Pack a blanket and settle in for a magical movie night. The event is FREE, and all are welcome. Remember, no glass bottles or alcohol allowed. Weather updates will be posted if the event is canceled. For details, visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

Head to the Basketball Court in I-Am-Park on June 7 to dive into the underwater world with “The Little Mermaid,” where Ariel’s curiosity and heart lead her to make a life-changing deal. Bring a blanket and enjoy this enchanting story under the stars. Be sure to follow weather updates in case of cancellation/

On June 18 at the Basketball Courts in Melrose Playground, celebrate the life and career of Pharrell Williams in this musical documentary. Experience an evening of inspiration and rhythm in a family-friendly outdoor setting. This event is FREE, with weather-related updates posted if necessary. No glass bottles or alcohol allowed. For additional information, visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

Whether in Manhattan’s bustling Bryant Park, Brooklyn’s scenic Prospect Park, or the seaside charm of Coney Island, NYC’s outdoor movie nights promise memorable summer evenings filled with entertainment, community, and good old-fashioned fun.