Bryant Park Movies: Free Summer Events in NYC

Starting at 5pm, people can gain access to the lawn at Bryant Park for free summer movie nights. It fills up fast!

Last night I went to the movies and what a backdrop it was! I watched “Ghost” with Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in the middle of a park in the middle of Manhattan. Skyscrapers lit up the walls of our outdoor theatre, where thousands of New Yorkers packed together like sardines, munching on free popcorn and sometimes elaborate picnics. The comraderie was remarkable as we all laughed as Oda Mae Brown, pretends to be a psychic, and cried as Demi Moore says good-bye to Patrick. I couldn’t help but think about what a loss it is that Patrick Swayze passed away at such a young age.

My view wasn’t the best. These free movie nights attract a lot of people, locals and travelers alike. I don’t like the term tourist. My friend and I arrived at 7pm to Bryant Park for the 8pm movie and there was barely a tiny square of grass left! Our neighbors on the lawn said they arrived at 5:30pm. You need to definitely arrive early to get a good seat.

My view! I couldn't help but watch the skyscrapers as well as the movie in Bryant Park.

These movie nights are on for many weeks on Mondays during the summer. This fun, free NYC event is in its 32nd season. I’ve attended over the years and really enjoyed it. Even though I now have a short attention span, I relished in seeing the end of “Ghost,” a movie I watched when I was a child. I had forgotten how good it is.

For those who want to check out a night at the movies where skyscrapers alight the surrounding sky, go to the Bryant Park website. “Pretty in Pink” already was shown, but “The Godfather,” sure to be a crowd pleaser, ends this year’s summer movie nights in New York City.

You can bring a picnic to enjoy the movies! I brought a Greek salad, fresh mango, Cotswold cheese, hummus, cucumbers and crackers for dipping, sparkling water... a mini feast!

I also recently attended a free Broadway Lunch in Bryant Park, where top stars sing and dance for free during lunchtime on certain Thursdays. It was also very full, but a blast. There’s nothing like enjoying something with a community, even if you don’t know them!

Events like these are just one of the reasons that I love New York City!