Outdoor Movies NYC are a highlight every summer. Watching a movie under the stars is a great thing to do just about anywhere, but in NYC, we throw in a view of the Brooklyn Bridge or NYC Skyline, the sound of the water lapping, the scenery of Central Park or just the fact that you’re on the Flight Deck of a war ship!
Each free summer outdoor movie festival has it’s own theme, allowing you watch classics, kid-friendly films or the latest blockbusters.
Add your Outdoor Movie to the New York City Events calendar.
Annual Intrepid Museum Summer Movie Series
May 27 – August 26, 2022 (select Friday Nights)
The Intrepid Museum’s summer movie series returns this summer! Watch a movie on Intrepid’s flight deck, featuring classic films and celebrating their 40th anniversary! Enjoy FREE sea, air & space themed movies under the stars all summer long on the Flight Deck!
- Friday, May 27: An Officer and a Gentleman
- Friday, June 24: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
- Friday, July 29: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- Friday, August 26: Blade Runner
The flight decks opens at 7pm, film begins at sunset. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, however no outside alcohol is permitted.
More Info:
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Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
In 2021, will be Monday/Tuesday nights. Every Monday night throughout the summer, Bryant Park shows free classic movies. You can bring your own picnic or order food from any of the dozens of local vendors, even sometimes in advance.
More Info: Bryant Park Film Festival
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Riverflicks FREE Movies in Hudson River Park
Weds (Adults) and Fridays (Kids)
Adults: Pier 63 at W. 23rd Street
Kids: Pier 46 at Charles Street
Free outdoor movies under the stars on Manhattan’s west side waterfront!
Movies start at Dusk, around 8:30pm. Free Popcorn! Beverages and snacks available for purchase.
Wednesdays, July 10 – Aug 21, 2019
Adult Movie Line Up:
- July 10 – The Warriors
- July 17 – When Harry Met Sally
- July 24 – Moonstruck
- July 31 – Do The Right Thing
- August 7 – Tootsie
- August 14 – The Last Dragon
- August 21 – Big
Family Fridays, July 12 – Aug 23
Kids Movie Line Up:
- July 12 – Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse
- July 19 – Ralph Breaks the Internet
- July 26 – Lego Movie 2
- August 2 – Paddington 2
- August 9 – Incredibles 2
- August 16 – How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World
- August 23 – Trolls
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Annual Central Park Film Festival FREE
August 13-15, 2019
© Photo Central Park Conservancy
In 2021, the Central Park Film Festival will feature cult classic films and Central Park will announce as soon as this years movies are chosen. Every year in August, Central Park hosts a week of evening film screenings in the landscape just north of Sheep Meadow and south of the 72nd St. Cross Drive. Attending the Central Park Film Festival is free, the gates open at 6:30pm and movies start at 8pm. Make sure to bring your picnic, blanket and some type of plastic tarp is the ground is wet!
2019 Central Park Movie Lineup:
- August 13 – Back to the Future (PG)
- August 14 – Moonstruck (PG)
- August 15 – Black Panther (PG-13)
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More Outdoor Movies NYC
- More Free Summer Movies in NYC
- South Street Seaport FRONT / ROW Cinema – theme varies by year
- Brooklyn Bridge Park – Movies With A View – varies
- Rooftop Cinema Club NYC – Outdoor Cinema Screening Cult Classics, New Releases & Cinematic Icons On Rooftops In Manhattan & Brooklyn.
- More free movies at NYC Parks
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More Summer NYC Events
100 Free Things to Do in New York in Summer
Free things to do in New York in Summer are everywhere, every day and every night! Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy...you name it! Free summer activities in NYC include concerts, movies, sports and fitness, arts and culture, museums, tours. So whether you want free tennis, an outdoor concert, a movie under the stars or free opera outdoors in the park, we have you covered with over 100 FREE things to do in NYC this summer.
New York City Events June
New York City June Events are packed with amazing outdoor culture and adventures, along with tons of free things to do in June.
Our must-do events include Shakespeare in the Park, New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, Midsummer Night Swing, Free Outdoor Concerts and Movies, AVP Volleyball, Museum Mile Festival, Pride Week, Belmont Stakes, Puerto Rican Day Parade, Taste of Times Square. More Info:
New York City Events July
New York City Events July include July 4th Fireworks, Met Museum Roof Martini Bar, Restaurant Week, Central Park SummerStage, Midsummer Night Swing, NYC Summer Restaurant Week, Bryant Park Film Festival, Yankees, Mets.
More Info:
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- Sky Room @ Fairfield Inn Times Square - 'the city's highest rooftop lounge' on 34th floor (photo)
- The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
More Things to do in New York City
100 Safe Things to do in NYC
Hot Sellers Right Now
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- Sky Room @ Fairfield Inn Times Square - 'the city's highest rooftop lounge' on 34th floor (photo)
- The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Most every museum and attraction is open with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
Most every NYC attraction is open with reduced capacity, safety protocols and reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT which opens Oct 2021? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Fun Things to Do in NYC
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Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles - in any weather!
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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass - Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass - 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
- Explorer or Go Select - Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
- New York CityPASS - 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use
See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart
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Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Things to do in New York with Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid's favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
- Things to Do in New York With Kids - best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
- Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids - choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
- Best Family and Kids hotels in NYC - special perks, freebies, larger rooms, kid-focused concierges
See All: Visiting New York with Kids.
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FREE Things to do in New York City
There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy...you name it!
- NYC Museums Free Days and Times - weekly guide to free museum admissions
- Free New York City Walking Tours - guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
- More Things to Do in New York City - kids, by month, by season, free, budget
See All: Free Things to Do in NYC - weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more
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New York City Shopping Guides
- New York City Shopping Guide
- Shopping in NYC Department Stores
- Discount Budget Shopping in NYC
- Resale and Consignment Shops
- Shopping Guides by Neighborhood
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- New York Outlet Malls
- New York City Gift Shopping
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- New York City Shopping Tours
- Add YOUR NYC Shop,Tour, Sample Sale
New York City Nightlife
How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best 'only in NYC' nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs - VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
- New York Dinner Cruise - family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
- Broadway Comedy Club - laugh out loud all night long
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine's Day in NYC
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
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Spot Celebrities in NYC
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Get Out of Town for a Day
NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more.
Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town:
See All: Day Trips Out of New York City
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