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.

Dates – 13th July – 14th September
Location – Bryant Park
Time – lawn opens at 5pm, film starts at 8pm
Films – showings below:

• Wayne’s World – 13th July
• Good Morning, Vietnam – 20th July
• The Truman Show – 27th July
• Bridget Jones’s Diary – 3rd August
• Catch Me If You Can – 10th August
• City of God – 17th August
• King Creole – 24th August
• No Country for Old Men – 31st August
• Galaxy Quest – 7th September
• Shakespeare in Love – 14th September

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 – 2nd July
Location – Wollman Rink, Central Park
Time – lawn opens at 5pm, film starts at 8pm
Films: showings below:

• 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 – showings below:

• Hamilton – 2nd July
• When Harry Met Sally – 9th July
• Bend It Like Beckham – 16th July
• The Talented Mr Ripley – 23rd July
• Clueless – 30th July
• Jurrasic Park – 6th August
• Do The Right Thing – 13th August
• Bridesmaids – 20th August
• PUBLIC CHOICE of Challengers, The Great Gatsby or Ocean’s Eleven – 27th August
• How To Train Your Dragon – 18th September

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: showings below:

• Top Gun – 22nd May
• Independence Day – 26th June
• National Treasure – 31st July
• An American Tale – 28th August

Oculus Outdoors

The Oculus Outdoors movie series is another great free outdoor cinema event taking place in New York throughout the summer. The screenings take place underneath the iconic Oculus at the World Trade Center, which makes it one of the most unique outdoor movie locations in the city. It also includes a themed activation, photo opportunity or giveaway alongside the film, making it feel like much more of an experience than simply watching a movie outdoors.

The series runs on select Thursday and Friday evenings between June and September, with films including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Bridget Jones’s Diary, She’s the Man and Zoolander. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets or portable chairs, although limited seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The screenings start at 7pm, with seating opening from 6pm.

Dates: Select Thursdays and Fridays from 11th June – 18th September 2026
Location: The Oculus, World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan
Time: Seating opens at 6pm, films begin at 7pm
Films: showings below:

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – 11th June
• Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark – 12th June
• Bridget Jones’s Diary – 23rd July
• She’s the Man – 24th July
• Pretty in Pink – 13th August
• Spy Kids – 14th August
• Zoolander – 17th September
• The Addams Family – 18th September

Movies in the Square at Domino Park

Movies in the Square is one of the best free outdoor movie events in Brooklyn and takes place in Domino Square, right on the Williamsburg waterfront. What makes this one stand out is the incredible backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, which makes it feel like a such New York summer experience. The event runs on select Tuesdays between July and September and features two screenings each evening, with a family-friendly film at 4pm followed by a main feature at 7pm.

The earlier screenings also include arts and crafts activities led by A Rosie Day, making it a great option for families visiting New York during the summer. For the evening screenings, there are drinks available from Other Half Brewing alongside food from local favourites including Frita Batidos and Stretch Pizza, so it’s easy to make a full evening out of it.

If you’re already planning to spend time exploring Williamsburg, visiting Domino Park or walking along the Brooklyn waterfront, this is a really easy addition to your New York itinerary. The skyline views alone make it one of the most scenic outdoor movie screenings in NYC.

Dates: Select Tuesdays from 7th July -1st September 2026
Location: Domino Square, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Time: 4pm family screening, 7pm evening screening
Films: showings below:

7th July

• 4pm – The Sandlot
• 7pm – Bend It Like Beckham

21st July

• 4pm – Luca
• 7pm – The Warriors

4th August

• 4pm – Enchanted
• 7pm – Mamma Mia!

18th August

• 4pm – Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
• 7pm – Before Sunrise

1st September

• 4pm – A Bug’s Life
• 7pm – To Catch a Thief

Union Square Movie Nights

Union Square Movie Nights is one of the most central outdoor movie series in New York and a great option if you’re staying in Manhattan. The screenings take place in Union Square Park’s North Plaza on select Thursday evenings throughout July and are completely free to attend.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and picnic-style dinners, although there are plenty of takeout options nearby if you’re visiting the area beforehand. The screenings begin at dusk, which is usually around 8:15pm to 8:30pm, but seating opens from 6:30pm and I’d definitely recommend arriving early if there’s a particular film you want to see.

The 2026 lineup includes a mix of family favourites and cult classics including Shrek, Black Panther and Addams Family Values. Thanks to its location right in the heart of Manhattan, this is one of the easiest outdoor movie events to add to your New York itinerary.

Dates: Select Thursdays in July 2026
Location: North Plaza, Union Square Park, Manhattan
Time: Seating opens at 6:30pm, films begin at dusk (approximately 8:15pm–8:30pm)
Films: showings below:

• Black Panther – 9th July
• Shrek – 16th July
• Addams Family Values – 23rd July

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.

Check out my other New York guides here:

• New York City Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
• 31 Best Things To Do in New York City
• 4 Days in New York City Itinerary
• 4 Days in New York Christmas Itinerary
• The BEST Hotels in New York City With a View
• How to Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan by Subway (Under $20)
• New York Monthly Guides