Calendar of Outdoor Movies, Concerts, and Summer Events
Each year I put together a Calendar of Outdoor Movies, Concerts, and Summer Events in NYC. There are so many fantastic free summer events in the city to choose from, so I tend to mostly focus on events happening in Brooklyn. Rarely do I trek into the city to check out Central Park Summerstage concerts or go to events in other boroughs, but there are some really famous artists who perform in each of the boroughs, so make sure you do a Google search. Also, I narrowed this list down to the things I enjoy doing because if I tried to include everything the city has to offer, this post would become a book. This list doesn’t include Classical or country music concerts, movies I’m not interested in seeing, and many other things that you might enjoy, but I hope it gives some good ideas for free outdoor movies, concerts, and summer events that you and a partner can do together that won’t blow your budget.
(Be sure to bookmark this page because I will update it frequently when I hear about other cool things happening!)
MAY
Sat. 5/26 2 pm
This annual festival and street bazaar has been called the largest one in the country for African dance and music and has been happening for over 40 years. It always takes place Memorial Day weekend, but if you do decide to go, remember three things; the event is free, (although tickets for performances inside BAM do cost money) but bring cash because not all vendors accept credit or debit cards, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated because it’s almost always really hot and often humid, and leave your Tupperware meals at home. Sure, I believe in saving money and often suggest you make your own picnic meals, but not only should you be supporting these black-owned businesses, the food is off the hook (off the chain?). Sorry, I’m not hip enough to know the latest phrases to say how damn good the food is. But with your choice of Jamaican, Mexican, Soul Food, and other incredible dishes, this is one time you should go hungry, even though the lines can be long. Oh, and one more important thing; you need to dress to impress here. I don’t mean heels and cocktail attire, I mean Erykah Badu, I’m-a-badass, and I-know-I’m-slaying-on-and-off-the-catwalk kind of dress. Many people wear Moshood, dashikis or other types of African styles and fabrics, but you can wear a simple sundress or shorts but be decked out in amazing jewelry and still get props (there I go again with old school, outdated slang. I know. I’m bad. As in bad to the bone).
JUNE
Fri. 6/1
House of Yes EXTRA: A Burlesque Revue
I have never been to House of Yes. I know, friends who still believe I’m a freaky-deak will be amazed to hear that I haven’t been to this supposedly spectacular venue where performers and party goers dress in scandalous costumes at these weekly parties and shows. But, I truly dislike bars or clubs. However, I am curious because I already know these are my people. This is something I’ll have to do on a date sometime.
Fri. 6/1
This free outdoor film will be at Marcus Garvey Park, so it’s sure to attract a huge crowd. Go really early to claim a spot, and bring a picnic, drinks, and a deck of cards or some games because it will be packed. Maybe not the most romantic, free date, because I’m guessing there will be plenty of families there, but it should be pretty fun.
Sat. 6/2
I rarely go to Sunset Park in Brooklyn, but this film festival will be so good that I’m definitely going to take my lazy butt there. I know, it’s crazy…how can I be a travel addict who loves taking a journey anywhere in the world, yet be so lazy about leaving my neighborhood in Brooklyn? I think it’s because there are so many cool things happening in and around Crown Heights that I’m spoiled. But this festival is going to be amazing, so no matter which borough you’re in, be sure to hop on a train or bus and check it out.
Sun. 6/3
Manhattan Beach Drive-In Fiddler on the Roof
Many New Yorkers don’t have cars, but for those who do, this sounds really fun. At many free outdoor movies, there are lots of families with their kids running around screaming and this is sure to be no different. But at least with your car, you can have a bit of privacy and roll up the windows. (Especially if you’ve seen the movie a million times and can think of other ways to amuse yourselves.)
Tue. 6/5
Can you believe Common is performing a free outdoor concert at Prospect Park? Well, believe it, and make sure you get there a few hours early because it is going to be packed. And make sure you give at the gate; there’s a suggested donation of $5.00, and not only is it nice to support this and the other free events in Prospect Park, come on; it’s Common!
6/8
The Scent of Green Papaya sounds good enough to inspire me to leave my badass borough and go into the city. Since I do love Washington Square Park, not only should the free movie be nice, I enjoy watching the buskers, musicians and acrobats performing all kinds of crazy acts near the fountain.
6/8
You can bring food to the park, but no alcohol or smoking (nope, not even weed) is allowed. As is the rule with all free outdoor movies, get your butt there early to claim your spot. It gets crowded, so show up, mark your territory and leave a blanket or dollar store tablecloth if you want to walk around or get drinks at a bar nearby.
Saturday Church is an award-winning, coming-of-age musical about a shy boy who struggles with being in a conservative family and community while trying to embrace his gender identity after his father dies. He slowly learns to do this by escaping into a fantasy world of music and dance surrounded by a loving transgender community.
Sat. 6/9 2 pm
Bloggers Behaving Badly Meetup & NY TravFest is hosting a free potluck picnic in Prospect Park!
Sat, June 9, 2018
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Sat. 6/16 2 pm
It’s tough for me to describe the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in a short paragraph. I absolutely LOVE this event! Millions of people attend, many IN COSTUME, and dance, drink, and party all day. This is not your usual “Ariel” crowd, and to be honest, I’m surprised people bring their kids here. It can get quite scandalous and rowdy, but this is definitely a grown-ups type of parade.
If you want to join a group of bloggers and travel lovers, you can IF you’re willing to dress in costume! Meet us at the Dunkin Donuts. Baskin Robbins inside the Stillwell subway station at 2:00 pm sharp. You can dress in any nautical theme; be a mermaid, a lobster, a boat, or a drunken sailor, but come in costume if you want to hang with us.
Wed. 6/20 7 pm
Ford Amphitheater Free Concert
Coney Island is having a huge party at the new amphitheater, starring Big Daddy Kane! Normally I stay away from huge crowds, but this event is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Big Daddy Kane’s music, so be there or be square. (Yeah, more cool slang points for me.)
Be sure to check the link above for other free and ticketed concerts. I only included this one), but the venue has a long list of cool concerts you might love.
Fri. 6/22
Outdoor Film Fort Greene Park
The Art of the Score Hip Hop Festival
This is more than the usual free outdoor movie. This is a festival where a film produced by Spike Lee, written and directed by Stefon Bristol will be screened after you watch DJs compete in this live scoring event. Participants will score a scene from a classic film using only turntables and/ or a mic.
I know I sound like a broken record, but get there early, it will be crowded! Bring blankets or chairs and food, but no alcohol or smoking.
6/23
Prospect Park has great concerts all summer long, and although some require you to buy tickets, this R&R night is free. The Bud Light Music Series brings you:
R+R=NOW ft. Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Derrick Hodge, Justin Tyson, and Taylor McFerrin / Paul Beaubrun.
I’m not even going to tell you to get there early; you already know.
Wed. 6/27
House of Yes Amateur Burlesque Night
This seems a bit different from their other Burlesque night, so it could be pretty fun or a complete disaster. But where else can you see a bunch of amateurs get (almost) naked on a Wednesday night? Maybe not the perfect first date option, but hey, the more adventurous might find this way better than a meet and greet ad Starbucks.
6/29
Ingmar Bergman Smiles of a Summer Night at McCarren Park sounds like a cool night out. See details above for McCarren Park, or click the link.
Sat. 6/30 2 pm
The International. African Arts Festival
I’ve been attending this huge event for many years. The International African Arts Festival began in 1971 as a block party and fundraiser in Bedford Stuyvesant. About 2,000 people attended then, and there were about 20 vendors. Today, almost 100,000 people attend The International African Arts Festival (IAAF) to watch performances, listen to music (many times famous artists perform), and to support artists and local businesses.
The festival is held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Commodore Barry Park and is always held the weekend and days leading up to the fourth of July, rain or shine.
JULY
7/6
Thompkins Sq. Park Free Outdoor Film
Le Boucher is another film that sounds so good I’m willing to go to Manhattan to see it. Thompkins Square Park hosts a French film festival each summer (as well as the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival) and other cool events, so check their calendar for other cool events.
7/11
Socrates Sculpture Park Outdoor Film
Monsoon Wedding (Indian) sounds like a really interesting film that I’ve been wanting to see for awhile, so I’ll head over to Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens and check it out. Usually, the free films here are fantastic, and they almost always have bands perform with music from wherever the film takes place, and they sell food from the country as well. I actually scored a free pass at one of the outdoor film events here for DocClub, something similar to Netflix but all documentaries and indy films.
Thur. 7/12
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With a View
I love sitting here near the Brooklyn Promenade. The movies are usually pretty awesome, but the view of Manhattan (and of course, the Brooklyn Bridge) are spectacular. This is such an amazing spot for a date. You can bring a picnic, or buy something from one of the spots nearby, or dine in then come back to the hill later for the film. But be prepared for huge crowds. Here’s a tip for you…buy a cheap plastic tablecloth from a dollar store. One side is usually cheap fabric. Mark your spot, then come back later after taking a stroll on the promenade or getting dinner or an ice cream cone. If someone does steal your “blanket” you’ll only bne out a buck. But no one has ever stolen mine, and I usually use real sheets/ blankets and just ask someone sitting close by to watch it.
Desperately Seeking Susan by Susan Seidelman is the film on this date. There will also be a Short film: Judith Loves Martha by Anna Gaskell and beats by DJ Isis Swaby.
Fri. 7/13
Thompkins Sq. Park Free Outdoor Film
Romantics Anonymous is a film about a chocolate factory owner, Jean-René, who hires Angélique, a gifted chocolate maker, and apparently, their love for chocolate ignites their passion for each other.
7/18
Socrates Sculpture Park Outdoor Film
Black Mother tells of Jamaica’s turbulent history and the present. That’s all I know, but since Jamaica is one of my favorite places in the world, I think I’ll check this one out.
7/20
Electronic Indian Music by Shankar and other artists at Prospect Park should make for a fun night. I’m not sure if there will be Indian food, but you can always get takeout and have a picnic. Just remember that you’re not allowed to bring in glass bottles, and I think if you want alcohol you have to buy it from the park vendors. However, you can always choose to listen to any of the concerts at the Bandshell by sitting directly outside of the fence. You can easily hear the music, although the concerts are so crowded you won’t be able to see much. If you’re more interested in your date, this is a much better option because not only will it be less crowded, you’ll be able to have a conversation without screaming or having people step all over you.
Thur. 7/26
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With a View
See my description above for these free outdoor films.
Paris Is Burning by Jennie Livingston
Short: Wild Wild West by Dime Davis
DJ Delish
AUGUST
Thur. 8/2
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With a View
See my description above for these free outdoor films.
Bend It Like Beckham by Gurinder Chadha
Short: War Paint by Katrelle N. Kindred
DJ Niara Sterling
8/3
Funk & Rap night at Prospect Park sounds amazing!
The poet NONAME has been rapping and performing slam poetry for almost 10 years but got noticed after being on the track “Lost” on Chance the Rapper’s 2013 mixtape Acid Rap. She’s performed at Coachella, Sasquatch!, Boston Calling, Electric Forest, and the Pitchfork Music Festival, among others. Old school funk and soul-loving Brooklyn rapper and singer TOPAZ JONES who will open for Noname, along with JAZZ BELLE, a Harlem group.
8/16
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With a View
See my description above for these free outdoor films. Love & Basketball by Gina Prince-Bythewood
Short: To Be Free by Adepero Oduye
DJ Reborn
Thur. 8/23
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With a View
See my description above for these free outdoor films.
Wonder Woman by Patty Jenkins
Short: Not To Be A Lady by Elle Ginter
DJ Miss Hap
8/29
Socrates Sculpture Park Outdoor Film
The Passion Thief is an Italian film, so if you’re up for subtitles, come hang out at Socrates Sculpture Park with friends or on a date.
Thur. 8/30
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies With a View
See my description above for these free outdoor films.
Film for this date TBD by online vote. Click the link above to put in your vote.
This is just a sample calendar of free NYC outdoor movies, concerts and summer events in the city this year, but be sure to do some digging and search on these links, and via Google, for many other cool things to do that won’t break your budget.
Check out this recent post for even cooler ideas for events, festivals and things happening around the city this summer. It’s not a calendar with specific dates, but it might give you some good ideas for alternatives to boring coffee dates. Most are free, or low-cost.
What are some of the cool, free events that you enjoy doing in the summer? I know I’ve skipped or missed plenty, so please add your comments, advice, and suggestions below.
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