August evenings in New York City offer the perfect atmosphere for entertainment under the stars. As the heat of the day dissipates, parks across the five boroughs transform into open-air cinemas and vibrant music venues. Best of all, many of these events are completely free.
From iconic movie nights against the backdrop of the skyline to world-class music festivals, here is your guide to the best outdoor movie nights and concert series in NYC for Summer 2025.
The Premier Outdoor Concert Series
NYC’s summer music scene is dominated by three major series, offering a mix of free and ticketed benefit concerts featuring diverse genres.
1. Central Park SummerStage
The Vibe: One of the city’s most beloved summer traditions. Hosted at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, SummerStage brings an eclectic mix of genres—from indie rock and hip-hop to global music and jazz. The atmosphere is electric, blending the energy of a music festival with the beauty of the park.
What to Expect: The lineup usually features dozens of free performances throughout the summer, alongside several high-profile ticketed benefit concerts that fund the free programming.
Tips: For free shows, arrive early as entry is first-come, first-served and popular acts will fill the venue quickly.
Location: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park (enter around E 72nd St).
2. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
The Vibe: Brooklyn’s answer to SummerStage. Held at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, this series is known for its diverse, culturally rich programming and laid-back, community-focused atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place to spread out a blanket on the lawn and enjoy incredible music.
What to Expect: A wide array of performances including music, dance, and multimedia presentations. Most events are free with a suggested donation.
Tips: The lawn area offers great views and sound, but if you prefer a seat, arrive very early for the chairs near the stage.
Location: Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park (enter at 9th St and Prospect Park West).
3. Summer for the City at Lincoln Center
The Vibe: Sophisticated yet accessible. Lincoln Center transforms its outdoor plazas into a massive festival space, featuring everything from classical music and opera to dance parties and spoken word events.
What to Expect: Hundreds of free events throughout the summer. The centerpiece is often the large outdoor dance floor at the Josie Robertson Plaza.
Tips: While many events are free, some popular ones may require advance registration (still free, but ticketed for capacity control).
Location: Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side.
The Best Outdoor Movie Nights
Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy a film under the Manhattan skyline. These series are incredibly popular, so planning ahead is essential.
1. Bryant Park Movie Nights
The Vibe: The quintessential NYC outdoor movie experience. The lawn at Bryant Park fills up with thousands of New Yorkers enjoying classic films, surrounded by the skyscrapers of Midtown. It’s iconic, crowded, and magical.
When: Typically Monday evenings throughout the summer.
Tips: The lawn usually opens at 5:00 PM, and people line up well before that to secure a prime spot. The films start around sunset (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Bring a blanket and picnic (food and drinks are also available for purchase).
Location: Bryant Park Lawn, Midtown Manhattan.
2. Movies With A View (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The Vibe: Arguably the most scenic outdoor cinema in the world. Located on the Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn, the films are projected with the stunning backdrop of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
When: Typically Thursday evenings in July and August.
Tips: The series often features themed selections. Arrive early (around 6:00 PM) to enjoy the pre-show atmosphere, music, and food vendors from Smorgasburg.
Location: Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn, Brooklyn Bridge Park.
3. Seaport Cinema (The Rooftop at Pier 17)
The Vibe: A more modern and elevated experience. Located on the rooftop of Pier 17 in the Seaport District, this series offers great views and a vibrant atmosphere.
When: Selected evenings throughout the summer.
Tips: This series often requires free RSVP/ticketing due to limited space. Check the Seaport’s website well in advance to secure your spot.
Location: The Rooftop at Pier 17, Seaport District.
4. Films on the Green
The Vibe: Cultured and relaxed. This free outdoor French film festival is organized by the Villa Albertine and NYC Parks. It takes place in various parks across the city, including Central Park, Washington Square Park, and others.
When: Typically Friday evenings.
Tips: A perfect opportunity to enjoy classic and contemporary French cinema (with English subtitles).
Tips for Attending Outdoor Events in NYC
- Arrive Early: Space is limited, and popular events fill up fast.
- Check the Rules: Some venues prohibit glass bottles, large coolers, or lawn chairs. Check the specific event website beforehand.
- Weather Contingency: Events are generally rain or shine, but severe weather can cause cancellations. Check social media channels on the day of the event.
- Pack Smart: Bring a blanket (tarps are sometimes prohibited), water, snacks, and bug spray (especially in Prospect Park and Central Park).
