Rainey Park is a narrow strip of Astoria waterfront looking straight across the East River, and NYC Parks is putting a screen on its lawn for a free showing of Jurassic World Rebirth. The film starts at dusk, so the sky does half the work before the dinosaurs turn up. If you want a summer night that costs nothing and photographs well, bring a blanket and get there early enough to pick your grass.
What to expect
Bring a blanket or a low chair and stake out lawn space while it's still light; the screening starts once it's properly dark. The lawn runs down toward the East River, so the hour before the film is the good part, with the water and the shoreline opposite. It's a family crowd, free and open to anyone, and the film is rated PG-13.
Good to know
- Rainey Park is on Vernon Boulevard in Astoria; the N and W to Broadway, then a walk west toward the river, is the usual approach.
- The screening begins at dusk rather than on a fixed clock, so allow for the sky to do its thing.
- Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in the park.
- It's lawn seating with nothing provided — bring a blanket or a low folding chair.
- Rated PG-13, so some material may not suit younger children.
- For accessibility questions, NYC Parks lists (212) 360-1430 and accessibility@parks.nyc.gov.
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Common questions
Is it free?
Yes. Movies Under the Stars is free and open to the public, with no ticket and no registration.
What happens if it rains?
Heavy rain or extreme weather can cancel the screening. NYC Parks says the decision is made before the screening and posted promptly on nycgovparks.org, so check there or call 311.
Do I need to bring seating?
Yes — it's a lawn. A blanket or a low folding chair is the standard kit. Glass bottles and alcohol are not allowed.
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