Free outdoor film series

HBO Bryant Park Film Festival

Central Park Film Festival
Concerts aren’t the only attraction at SummerStage. For a few days in August, movies take over: Sex and the City, Shaft, Ocean’s 11, Twilight—and a viewer’s choice for the final night. Go to 7online.com to vote for Men in Black, Goldfinger or Desperately Seeking Susan. Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, enter at Fifth Ave and 69th St (212-310-6600, centralparknyc.org). Aug 18–22; 8pm, gates open 6pm.

Films on the Green Festival
French films (in English) are the focus at this series, where the GREEN in the title refers to the screenings’ park location and their subject matter. The edutainment begins with Home (Friday 5), a call to environmental arms showing aerial views of landscapes worldwide. Locations vary (frenchculture.org). Friday 5–July 24, except July 3. Fri 8:30pm.

HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Hard to believe New Yorkers have been cramming onto the lawn at Bryant Park for 17 years, but it’s true. And the reason is the strong lineup of classic films that this series always delivers. This season’s leadoff is The Sting (June 15), and other highlights include Harold and Maude (July 20), The Magnificent Seven (August 10) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (August 17). Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Sts and Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-512-5700CK, bryantpark.org). June 15–Aug 17. Mondays; lawn opens 5pm, movies at sunset.

Movies with a View
Raising Arizona (July 9), The Maltese Falcon (July 16) and Edward Scissorhands (August 27) are all on the docket. The crowds get thick, so arrive early. You won’t be bored if you do: Every evening begins with music from Brooklyn Radio DJs and a short film. Oh, and there’s also that view. Empire–Fulton Ferry State Park, entrance at Dock and Water Sts, Dumbo, Brooklyn (brooklynbridgepark.org). July 9–Aug 27. Thu 6–11pm, movies at sunset.

River Flicks
Wednesdays are for grown-ups, and Fridays for families in Hudson River Park’s annual series—but the “kid” films always look good to us too. Mark your calendars for Iron Man (July 8) and Tropic Thunder (Aug 5), plus family-friendly fare including Ghostbusters (July 24) and The Muppet Movie (Aug 7). Popcorn is free! Wed: Pier 54, 14th St at the Hudson River. Fri: Pier 46, Charles St at the Hudson River (hudsonriverpark.org). July 8–Aug 21. Wed, Fri sunset.

River to River: Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre
This is the place to catch up on classic NYC-themed films. R2R will school audiences about earlier versions of Denzel and Travolta’s The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (July 13) and the Broadway musical West Side Story (July 20). You’ll also get to see Marilyn walk over that windy grate in The Seven Year Itch (July 6) and peer into the evil heart of a gossip columnist in The Sweet Smell of Success (July 27). All films kick off with a New Yorky short introduced by its director. Elevated Acre, 55 Water St between Broad St and Old Slip (rivertorivernyc.com). July 6–27. Mon 8pm.

Socrates Sculpture Park Outdoor Cinema
Every week, a different country or culture gets the spotlight, with a film and regional food. Stay tuned for more info on the lineup. 32-01 Vernon Blvd at Broadway, Long Island City, Queens (718-956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org). July 15–Aug 19. Wed 7pm.

Summer on the Hudson: Movies Under the Stars
The Age of Innocence (July 8) gets going Riverside Park’s series, which celebrates the Hudson’s 400th anniversary this year with films whose subject matter spans the centuries. Wall Street (July 15) and The Out of Towners (July 29) are also on the list. Pier 1, W 70th St at the Hudson River (212-408-0219, riversideparkfund.org). July 8–Aug 12. Wed 8:30pm.

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