Free Outdoor Movies in New York (2026): The Ultimate Summer Guide

Bryant Park Paramount+ Movie Nights

Bryant Park Paramount+ Movie Nights is one of the most central free outdoor movies in New York and takes place right behind the New York Public Library in Midtown. It usually runs from late May through August and attracts a mix of locals and visitors who come early to claim a spot on the lawn. The lawn opens from 5pm, weather permitting, so people usually arrive early with blankets and picnic food to claim a good spot before the film starts at 8pm. One thing to know is that chairs, tables and plastic ground coverings including yoga mats, tarps and sheets are not allowed on the lawn, so keeping it simple with a picnic blanket is definitely the best option.

Hester Street Fair brings different food vendors to the Fountain Terrace from 4pm until 8:30pm each week, so there are loads of food options if you don’t want to bring your own picnic. There’s also a bar tent next to the screen from 5pm serving summer drinks in partnership with Stout NYC which makes it feel a bit more social and lively compared to some of the other outdoor movie spots in the city.

The 2026 lineup is yet to be revealed but last year it included populars films line Interstellar, Stand By Me and The Godfather to name a few. I love this one because it feels really easy to fit into a day of sightseeing in Midtown, as you can combine it with Fifth Avenue, Grand Central or Summit One Vanderbilt without needing to travel far.

Dates – to be confirmed for 2026
Location – Bryant Park
Time – lawn opens at 5pm, film starts at 8pm
Films – to be confirmed for 2026

Central Park Movie Nights at Wollman Rink

Central Park also hosts free outdoor movies in New York at Wollman Rink during the summer as part of their Movie Nights on the Overlook series. These are community style screenings with a large inflatable screen and a really relaxed feel compared to some of the bigger park events.

The 2026 schedule includes films like Zootopia 2 on 21st May, Hamilton on 4th June, Wicked: For Good on 18th June and Captain America: Brave New World on 2nd July. There’s also other family friendly screenings like classic animated films and musicals depending on the date, and I would recommend checking timings properly because some of these are evening specific events with exact start times around sunset. This is a really easy option if you are already planning a Central Park day in your itinerary.

Dates – 21st May –
Location – Wollman Rink, Central Park
Time – lawn opens at 5pm, film starts at 8pm
Films:
Zootopia 2 – 21st May
Hamilton – 4th June
Wicked: For Good – 18th June
Captain America: Brave New World – 2nd July

Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With A View

Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With A View is probably the most iconic free outdoor movies in New York because of the setting alone. You’re right on the waterfront in Brooklyn with full views of the Manhattan skyline while watching a film at sunset. The screenings take place at Pier 1 Harbour View Lawn from July through August on Thursday evenings, with the lawn opening around 6pm and films start at sunset, and it is always first come first served so arriving early is essential.

You can bring your own food which makes it feel like a picnic night and just remember no chairs are allowed so a blanket is essential. I’d also recommend grabbing dinner in DUMBO beforehand and walking over early to get a good spot facing the skyline. This is easily one of the most scenic free outdoor movies in New York and feels very “summer in NYC” in the best way possible.

Dates – Thursdays from 2nd July – 18th September
Location – Pier 1 Harbour View Lawn, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Time – lawn opens at 6:00 PM, movies begin at sundown
Films – to be announced early June 2026

Roosevelt Island Summer Movie Series

The Roosevelt Island Summer Movie Series is one of the more underrated free outdoor movies in New York and takes place at Southpoint Park. It runs from mid July through early August and shows a mix of family films and big releases. The 2026 lineup includes Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, Superman and How to Train Your Dragon.

With this outdoor movie, you’re right on the East River with direct views back towards Manhattan. It feels quieter than Brooklyn Bridge Park and Bryant Park which makes it a good option if you prefer something less crowded, and you can get there by taking the Roosevelt Island Tram which is an experience in itself. Once you arrive it is very simple, just bring a blanket and find a spot on the grass near the water. This is a really good option for free outdoor movies in New York if you want skyline views without the bigger crowds.

Dates – 17th July – 7th August
Location – Southpoint Park
Time – times to be confirmed for 2026
Films – dates to be confirmed, but films include:
Zootopia 2
Wicked: For Good
Superman
How to Train Your Dragon

Intrepid Museum Movie Nights

The Intrepid Museum also runs a free outdoor movie series along the Hudson River which is another great option for summer evenings in New York. These screenings take place right next to the historic aircraft carrier which gives it a very unique backdrop compared to other outdoor cinemas in the city. It happens once a month on a Friday from May to August, and the films for 2026 include Top Gun, Independence Day, National Treasure and An American Tale.

It is also easy to combine with a visit to the Intrepid Museum during the day if you want to make a full itinerary out of it. The films start at 7pm so I’d recommend arriving early as seating is first come first served and it can get busy quickly in peak summer. This is one of the more unique free outdoor movies in New York because of the location alone, and a really good option if you are staying on the west side of Manhattan.

Dates – 22nd May – 28th August
Location – Intrepid Museum, Flight Deck, Pier 86, Hudson River
Time – doors open at 6pm, film starts at 7pm, doors will close at 8.30pm
Films:
Top Gun – 22nd May
Independence Day – 26th June
National Treasure – 31st July
An American Tale – 28th August

Other Free Outdoor Movies in New York

Here’s a roundup of some more free outdoor movies in New York which are yet to release their 2026 dates/schedule:

• Movies in the Square at Domino Park
• Oculus Outdoors
• Union Square Movie Nights

Free outdoor movies in New York are one of the best ways to spend a summer evening in the city without overthinking your plans. If you are planning a New York itinerary for 2026, I would definitely add at least one of these movie nights. p. If you’re planning your trip right now and want everything saved in one place, I’ve also put together a free New York travel guide with neighbourhood recommendations, planning tips and the best places to eat.