The largest free cinema program in the city is built around your own neighborhood rather than one marquee lawn: over 300 screenings in parks, playgrounds and open spaces in every borough, from Encanto and Lilo & Stitch to Dirty Dancing, documentaries and student showcases. The 2026 season added new sites in all five boroughs, so the nearest screen is likely a walk away. If you want an evening that costs nothing, this is the answer.
What to expect
An inflatable screen on a lawn or hardtop, with a Parks crew setting up as the light goes. People stake out spots on blankets and low ground cover well before the film starts at dusk, and the audience skews family-heavy at the animated titles. There is no seating, no ticketing and no gate - you walk up, sit down and watch.
Good to know
- Check the NYC Parks listing for your borough first - the lineup and location change nightly
- Screenings begin at dusk, so the start drifts earlier as the season goes on
- Bring a blanket or low chair; parks provide no seating
- Pack bug spray and a warm layer for the later-season dates
- Most sites are step-free lawns or hardtop play areas, and many are flagged as accessible on the Parks calendar
- Rain usually cancels rather than postpones, so confirm the morning of before you travel
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Common questions
Do I need to reserve a spot?
No. Movies Under the Stars screenings are free, walk-up and unticketed. You just show up at the park listed for that night.
How do I find out what is playing near me?
The NYC Parks events calendar lists every screening by date, park and borough, including the film title and start time. It is the only complete schedule, since the lineup varies night to night.
Is it really in every borough?
Yes. The 2026 season expanded into additional parks and playgrounds in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.
