Movies Under the Stars is NYC Parks' roving free cinema, and the Stanley Isaacs edition is Yorkville's neighborhood movie night — a screen on the courts, folding chairs and blankets, and the East River breeze doing the air conditioning. It's unfussy in the best way: no tickets, no lawn-claiming wars, just show up after dinner. If you're on the Upper East Side and haven't done an outdoor movie this summer, this is your closest shot.
What to expect
The screen goes up on the basketball court and the film rolls once it's dark enough, usually with a pre-show gathering hour. Bring your own seating; the crowd is heavily local families.
Good to know
- The playground is at 1st Ave and E 96th St, beside the FDR
- Q train at 96th St-2nd Ave is two blocks away
- Free — no tickets or reservations
- Bring a folding chair or blanket; court seating is BYO
- Screenings depend on weather; check NYC Parks' events page for the film title
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Common questions
What movie is playing?
NYC Parks announces each Movies Under the Stars title on its events calendar — check the listing for this date before you go.
When does the film start?
At dusk — typically around 8pm in late summer, with people settling in from about an hour before.
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