Movies Under the Stars puts a screen in a neighborhood park and lets the block turn up, and this one is the Michael Jackson biopic — a film people will argue about all autumn, playing free on grass in Rosedale. The PG-13 rating makes it a teen-and-up night rather than the usual animated feature, and late August dusk means a properly dark sky. If you live in southeast Queens, this is the closest your park gets to a premiere.
What to expect
Head for the Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road corner of the park and you will find blankets and low chairs already going down on the grass. Nothing starts until dusk, so the first stretch is picnic time and people-watching. Glass bottles and alcohol are not allowed, and heavy weather can cancel the screening outright.
Good to know
- Brookville Park sits in far southeastern Queens; the LIRR Far Rockaway branch stops at Rosedale and local Q buses run along Brookville Boulevard
- Bring a blanket or a low-backed chair — there is no seating and tall chairs block the people behind you
- The film is rated PG-13 and Parks flags that some material may not suit under-13s, so read up before committing the family
- Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Parks screenings
- Heavy rain or extreme weather can cancel it; the decision is posted on the NYC Parks site before showtime
- Accessibility questions go to the Parks accessibility line listed on the event page
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Common questions
Is it free?
Yes. Movies Under the Stars is free and open to the public with no ticket needed, though NYC Parks does offer an optional online registration on the event page.
Can I bring young kids?
The film is rated PG-13 and Parks notes some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, so use your judgment for younger family members.
What happens if it rains?
Heavy rain or extreme weather can cancel the screening. Parks says the call is made in advance and posted promptly on its website.
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