Riverside Park's Summer on the Hudson series is the Upper West Side's homegrown answer to the big Bryant Park screenings — smaller crowds, a lawn that slopes toward the river, and a sunset over the Hudson before the projector rolls. It is free, unticketed and blissfully low-effort: show up with a blanket and snacks, and the park handles the rest. As one of the season's last outdoor screenings, it is the kind of summer ritual worth catching before the weather turns.
What to expect
Expect picnicking families and neighbors staking out blanket spots through the golden hour, with the film starting once it's dark enough to see the screen. The crowd is mellow and local; arriving a bit early gets you a center sightline.
Good to know
- Free and open to all — no tickets needed
- Take the 1/2/3 to 96th St and walk into Riverside Park at 99th
- Bring a blanket or low chairs and a picnic; it's BYO everything
- Evenings by the river cool off fast — pack a layer
- Restrooms are available in the park but lines form at intermission moments
- Check the Summer on the Hudson calendar for the film title before you go
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
How much does the outdoor movie cost?
Nothing — Summer on the Hudson screenings are free public events run by Riverside Park.
When should I arrive?
Blanket spots fill through the hour before sunset; arriving 45-60 minutes early gets a good sightline without a long wait.
What if it rains?
Outdoor screenings are weather-dependent and may be canceled in rain — check Riverside Park's Summer on the Hudson page before heading out.
