When the sun goes down, the city parks become urban drive-in (or rather stroll-in) theaters. Below is a roundup of this summer’s outdoor films. So forget cozying up in the back seat of a car — those days are behind you anyway — just bring a blanket, a killer picnic and (maybe) the kids.
Movies Under the Stars
Pack a picnic, bring a friend and settle in for a night of premier movies, on the banks of the Hudson River. This year’s NYC theme features historically-themed Hollywood hits spanning three centuries of local history, from Age of Innocence to The Out-of-Towners.
When: Wednesdays, July 8 through August 12, 8:30pm or dusk.
Where: Pier I, West 70th St., 212-408-0219, riversideparkfund.org.
Riverflicks for Kids
In addition to gentle river winds and a view of the New Jersey skyline, Pier 46 is also the spot for Friday night family films, like The Wizard of Oz and Kung Fu Panda.
When: Through 8/21, movies begin at dusk around 8:30pm; Free.
Where: Hudson River Park at Pier 46, Charles & West Streets, hudsonriverpark.org.
Movies with a View
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s series offers a collection of films for adults and kids, from Paper Moon to The Return Of The Pink Panther — plus spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the downtown skyline.
When: Thursdays through 8/27; movies begin around 8:30pm; Free.
Where: The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, enter off of Water St., or at Main St. in Dumbo, brooklynbridgepark.org.
Central Park Film Festival
Get a sitter for Sex & the City, but bring your tween to Twilight.
When: August 18 t0 22, 8pm (Gates open at 6pm); Free.
Where: Rumsey Playfield (enter at Fifth Ave. & 69th St.), centralparknyc.org.
HBO Summer Film Festival
Classic (and mostly grown-ups-only) flicks at Bryant Park are a Monday-night tradition. Highlights from this year’s lineup include Kramer vs. Kramer and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The park opens at 5pm so you can stake out a spot for your blanket. Throw in a picnic and a bottle of wine, and you and hubby can enjoy a (cheap) date night. Or, have him watch the kids and meet up with friends like you used to.
When: Mondays through 8/17; movies begin at dusk (8-9pm); Free.
Where: Bryant Park, bet. 40th & 42nd St. and 5th & 6th Ave., bryantpark.org.
Sounds Fun!
July 17th, 2009 at 11:59 am