Upper Manhattan has a ton of outdoor movie screenings coming up this summer, and many are in some pretty spectacular locations: there are those with river views, while others feature sloping lawns practically made for al fresco movies or have historic homes as their backdrop. From south to north, here are 5 to visit starting this month (more can be found on the NYC Parks page–be sure to search your specific neighborhood for a full list):
Randall's Island Park
This increasingly destination-worthy island's next summer movie–the '80s comedy classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"–will be held in Field 81 on the waterfront (June 9). Walk across the 103rd Street Footbridge in East Harlem and you're there. The fun moves to Field 42 for "Wonder Woman" on June 22. Also coming up: "Jumanji," "Coco" and "Guardians of the Galaxy." (Above image: @randallsisland via Instagram)
Marcus Garvey Park
Tonight's free "Black Panther" screening is at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, which has the benefit of proper seating yet is still under the stars. It's being billed as a "Must See Event" by NYC Parks, so go early–organizers suggest getting there before 6pm. There's also a Wakanda fashion show right before. "The Shape of Water," which won Best Picture at the Oscars this year, is next, on June 14.
St. Nicholas Park
This park's summer screenings kick off with "Lady Bird" on the sloping lawn opposite 135th Street (June 5). There will be free ice cream and popcorn before the flick starts, so, as always, get there early. "Marshall" with Chadwick Boseman (aka T'Challa) follows on June 23.
Morris-Jumel Mansion
The organizers behind Inwood's free outdoor cinema series (see below) are partnering with this beautiful historic home to present four classic movies this summer. "Stormy Weather" with Lena Horne is up first (July 6), then "Lullaby of Broadway" (July 20), "The Producers" (August 17), and "Godspell" (Sept 14).
Inwood Hill Park
Film Works Alfresco is presenting free films under the stars in Gaelic Field every Monday evening through August. The first, the 1936 classic musical comedy "Swing Time" starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, starts with a free swing dance class beforehand (June 4).
