Highbridge Park sits on the rock ledge above the Harlem River, home to the restored High Bridge and one of the city's best mountain bike trails, and its Raoul Wallenberg Playground hosts one of the uptown stops on the free Movies Under the Stars circuit. The playground is named for the Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews in 1944. Bring a blanket, walk up from Amsterdam Avenue, and watch a movie in a park most of the city never sees.
What to expect
A neighborhood screening in a playground setting, with families arriving after dinner and settling on blankets and benches around the screen. Expect the film to begin only when it is fully dark, a local crowd, cooler air than street level, and a short walk to the High Bridge if you arrive early.
Good to know
- Highbridge Park runs along Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights; 1 to 181st Street or A to 175th Street
- Free, unticketed and run by NYC Parks
- Bring a blanket or low chair, plus a light layer for the elevation and evening air
- The High Bridge walkway over the Harlem River is worth seeing before dusk
- Heavy rain cancels the screening; check NYC Parks for the park's status
- Paths in the park are hilly, so allow extra time from the subway
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Common questions
Who was Raoul Wallenberg?
A Swedish diplomat who rescued tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust; the Washington Heights playground carries his name.
Do I need to book?
No. Movies Under the Stars screenings are free and first come, first served.
Is it walkable from the subway?
Yes, though Highbridge Park is hilly; allow a few extra minutes from 181st Street.
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