Pier I juts straight out into the Hudson, so the screen sits with New Jersey's lights on one side and the sun going down behind it — easily the best free movie backdrop on the West Side. This is the final night of a heist-and-museum-themed season that ran Indiana Jones, Bogart and the Muppets, and it closes with Nicolas Cage lifting the Declaration of Independence. If you want a picnic, a river breeze and open captions on a big screen without paying a cent, take the last one of the summer.
What to expect
People stake out the pier with picnic blankets and takeout well before the projector warms up, and the deck fills from the water end back. The film is open-captioned, which makes the dialogue legible even when a barge horn cuts across the river. Bring a layer — wind comes straight off the Hudson once the sun drops.
Good to know
- Enter Riverside Park South at West 70th Street and walk out onto Pier I
- The 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center is the closest subway, then walk west
- Screenings are open-captioned, so the dialogue is on screen throughout
- Bring a blanket and a jacket — the pier is exposed and the river wind picks up
- The pier cafe sells snacks, but packing a picnic is the local move
- The deck is flat and step-free, so wheelchairs and strollers roll straight on
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Is the screening free?
Yes. Pier I Picture Show is free and open to the public, presented by Summer on the Hudson and Riverside Park Conservancy.
Are the films captioned?
Yes, Pier I Picture Show screenings are open-captioned.
Where is Pier I?
Pier I sits at West 70th Street in Riverside Park South, reached from the Hudson River Greenway or the park entrance at 70th.
More this weekend
