Open Air Cinema: Where To Find Outdoor Movies In NYC
New York City is a wonderful place to spend a summer evening. Stroll through Riverside Park and enjoy an impromptu concert, visit one of the popular street festivals or let your feet take you to a new adventure.
The outdoor movie scene is one of the more fun and popular activities on New York’s Upper West Side. Enjoy a movie beneath the stars in one of the many open-air cinemas in the greatest city in the world. You’ll find several parks and community centers offering open-air cinemas where you can settle in and watch your favorite flick. Here are a few of the venues near The Wallace where you and yours can spend an evening enjoying a special movie night.
Open Air Cinema in Central Park
Every year the Central Park Conservancy hosts evening film screenings in the area between the Sheep Meadow and 72nd Street Cross Drive. The event is part of the Central Park Film Festival. The annual film screening lasts for one week and includes a variety of movies.
The movies begin at 6:30, but come early to choose your perfect spot. Doors open at 5:30, and you’ll be treated to pre-show activities and music. Bring a blanket and your favorite picnic treats, but please, no glass bottles, alcohol, video cameras, tape recorders, or chairs. Relax and enjoy a movie with the cityscape all around you. This event is free to the public.
The Central Park Conservancy outdoor film festival is a 20-minute walk from The Wallace or under 10-minutes by car. Be sure to check the Central Park Conservancy website to confirm the event.
(Please note: the 2024 Central Park Conservancy outdoor movie nights have ended for the season, but do subscribe to the Park’s newsletter to find out more about the 2025 season.)
Movies Under the Stars on The Hudson
What could be more relaxing than spending an evening enjoying a movie along the Hudson River? Pier 1 Picture Show offers a series of premium movies every Wednesday evening throughout the summer months. This series is always among NYC outdoor movie theaters' more popular events.
Seating begins at 6:30, and the movies start at dusk (typically around 8:30 p.m.). Pack a picnic and kick back. This free event is brought to you by the Riverside Park Conservancy. The venue is located a mere 10-minute walk from The Wallace at Riverside Park South/70th Street. Find out more at the NYC Parks website.
French Film Series at Riverside Park
If you’re a French film buff the French Film Festival, sponsored by Villa Albertine is something you’re sure to enjoy. Villa Albertine is an organization that sponsors a creative network for arts and ideas. Each year their film series celebrates a theme and 2024’s series focuses on the power and passion of sports. Join other fans of the French film genre on Friday July 19th, Friday July 26th and Wednesday September 4th to enjoy a selection of sports-centered French films.
The event is free to the public and registration is suggested but not required. All films have English subtitles. The movies begin at sunset. The July outdoor movie theater venue is Pier 1 and the September movie venue is located at the 116th Street Overlook. Both venues are an easy walk or short car ride from The Wallace. For more information or to register to attend an outdoor movie night please visit the Villa Albertine website.
Lincoln Center’s Outdoor Film Series
There’s always something exciting happening at New York’s Lincoln Center and their open air cinema underscores that very well. Those on New York’s Upper West Side know that Lincoln Center hosts some of the most enjoyable and enticing film festivals in the city. The free selection of outdoor movie theater screenings offer 5 opportunities to enjoy a great open air theater experience on select nights in June and July.
Select movies are shown on a giant screen at the open air cinema in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. The movie screenings are free and the Center has ample seating. Concessions are available on site. Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center is a short 15-minute walk or under-10 minute car ride from your stay at The Wallace. Check out Lincoln Center’s Summer for The City movie selection on their website.
Midtown Open Air Cinema Venues
There are other locations away from New York’s Upper West Side where you can enjoy open air cinema NYC-style. Venture down to midtown for Bryant Park’s free movie night on Mondays through August. Visit Rooftop Movie Night at the Rooftop Cinema Club located at 60 West 37th Street (at 6th Ave). There is a fee and personal headphones are provided but this makes for a very special evening. Watch premier movies outdoors with a backdrop of stunning city views.
Close to Everything
Enjoy outdoor movie nights in NYC when you stay at The Wallace. We’re conveniently located on New York’s fabulous Upper West Side where there’s always something exciting to do. Book your stay at The Wallace today and get ready for a true NYC summer experience.