There is no better free way to close out a summer Monday than a blanket on the Bryant Park lawn with skyscrapers standing over the screen. The Labor Day pick is Galaxy Quest, the rare comedy that plays even better with a few thousand people laughing at the same moment. Lawn opens at 5pm, film at 8pm, no ticket and no reservation - just get there early enough to claim a patch of grass.
What to expect
A large, quickly filling lawn where people stake out blanket space hours before the film. Food is available on the Fountain Terrace and beer and wine on the lawn's west side, or bring your own picnic. The screen is big, the film is captioned, and it is genuinely free with no reservation.
Good to know
- Lawn opens 5pm weather permitting, film at 8pm; the gravel area opens earlier at 4pm.
- No chairs, tables or plastic ground coverings on the lawn. Blankets only, and no pets.
- Bring a picnic or buy from Hester Street Fair vendors on the Fountain Terrace, 4pm to 8:30pm.
- Beer and wine are sold at the western end of the lawn from 5pm; bags are subject to inspection.
Planning Sep 4–7, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
What is playing?
Galaxy Quest (1999), starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver, directed by Dean Parisot.
Do I need a ticket?
No. Bryant Park Movie Nights are free with no reservation; the lawn is first come, first served.
Can I bring a chair?
No. Chairs, tables and plastic ground coverings are not allowed on the lawn. Bring a blanket.
