Socrates Sculpture Park's outdoor cinema is back for a two-night pilot with Rooftop Films, and the closing night is Jean-Michel Basquiat, a new documentary built from family memories, archival imagery and unseen works. New York musician L'Rain plays an ambient set first, and Eatnaos serves Haitian food on the lawn. If you missed the series during its hiatus, this free, RSVP-only night on the East River is the one to catch.
What to expect
The park opens the evening with L'Rain's ambient set and Haitian food from Eatnaos while people claim lawn space facing the river and the Manhattan skyline. The documentary starts at sunset on an outdoor screen among the park's sculptures, and the evening wraps up by 10pm.
Good to know
- Admission is free, but registration is required — RSVP through Socrates Sculpture Park's website before you go.
- Seating isn't advertised, so bring a blanket or low chair and a layer for the breeze off the East River.
- The park is at 32-01 Vernon Boulevard; the N/W to Broadway is about a 15-minute walk, and the Q103 bus runs along Vernon.
- Arrive early for a good spot and to catch L'Rain's set before the film starts at sunset.
- Haitian food from Eatnaos is sold on site, so you can skip dinner plans beforehand.
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Common questions
Is the Socrates Sculpture Park Basquiat screening free?
Yes, it's free, but you need to register in advance through Socrates Sculpture Park.
What else happens besides the film?
L'Rain plays an ambient music set before the screening, and Eatnaos sells Haitian food.
Who is presenting the Outdoor Cinema series?
Socrates Sculpture Park runs it with Rooftop Films as a two-night pilot bringing back the park's longtime outdoor film tradition.
