From Wayne’s World to Shakespeare in Love, Bryant Park Movie Nights returns with 10 free outdoor screenings, plus food vendors, drinks, and picnic-perfect summer evenings.
Bryant Park Movie Nights 2026 Full Schedule
Get your picnic blankets ready! Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park are back this month. Starting July 13th, New Yorkers from every borough can once again gather under the stars for one of the city’s best traditions: outdoor movies in the middle of Midtown. And it’s completely free!
You can bring the kids or meet up with friends at Bryant Park Movie Nights, a much-needed, simple, and budget-friendly way to enjoy a film outdoors. Since no tickets or reservations are required, you can just show up, find a spot, and settle in for a classic NYC summer experience. The opening movie is a favorite:
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Plan Your Evening
On Monday nights, from July 13 through September 14, Bryant Park turns into an open-air movie theater right in the middle of Midtown. The lawn opens at 5 pm, so you’ll have a few hours to claim the perfect spot. Then you can sit down with a blanket and relax before the movie starts at 8 pm.
You can also grab something to eat. Food from Hester Street Fair vendors will be available on the Fountain Terrace from 4 to 8:30 pm. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase starting at 5 pm on the western end of the lawn.
This Summer’s Lineup
This summer’s film schedule has a variety of options. While a few picks, like Galaxy Quest and The Truman Show, are great for families, most of the lineup is geared toward teens and adults. Several films feature mature themes, so be sure to check the ratings before you go.
- July 13 — Wayne’s World
- July 20 — Good Morning, Vietnam
- July 27 — The Truman Show
- August 3 — Bridget Jones’s Diary
- August 10 — Catch Me If You Can
- August 17 — City of God
- August 24 — King Creole
- August 31 — No Country for Old Men
- September 7 — Galaxy Quest
- September 14 — Shakespeare in Love
Tips to Make the Night Fun and Comfortable
There are a few things to know that’ll make the night even better. First off, get there early. The lawn officially opens at 5 pm, but people start lining up well before that to claim a good spot. It fills up fast, especially on beautiful nights, so arriving on the earlier side will give you more space to stretch out and relax.
Bring a picnic blanket or a low-to-the-ground lawn chair for comfort. (Just a heads-up—tall chairs aren’t allowed since they block the view for everyone behind you.) You can bring your own snacks, but if you’d rather travel light, there’s plenty of amazing food right in the park from the vendors at Hester Street Fair. You can grab everything from a quick bite to a sweet treat, but some home snacks might be better for picky eaters, and you know your child best.
It’s also a good idea to label your stuff, including jackets, bags, and water bottles, especially if you’re going with kids or a group. With so many people on the lawn, things can get mixed up or left behind pretty easily. And finally, consider tossing a little bug spray in your bag. Most nights are fine, but if it’s humid (which it has been lately) and especially during the late summer nights, you’ll be glad you have it.
Visit bryantpark.org for full details.
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