Open Air Cinema: Movies by Moonlight
As they say, it’s all about location, location, location. To catch the latest blockbuster movie releases, duck into the darkness of your local multiplex. But if you like your movies in a scenic venue with a side of sociability, it’s time to spend your spring and summer nights under the stars catching some classic cinema.
New York leads the list of offerings, but San Diego, Los Angeles and Miami boast the sweetest weather, a relaxed, beachy vibe and some of the most interesting public spaces in the country. In general, July and August are prime movie viewing times.
Here are the highlights:
NEW YORK CITY
NYC Parks Presents: Free Summer Movies
Website
Highlight: Locations close to where you’re staying
May 4 – August 31, 2016
At parks throughout New York City
HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Website
Highlight: Central + great food
June 20 – August 22, 2016
Films to be announced in mid-May.
Screenings begin with a classic Warner Brothers cartoon. Folks from the Hester Street Festival are bringing an impressive roster of NYC eateries to the events.
Movies With a View, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Website
Highlight: Best view in NYC
Thursday evenings throughout July & August
In order of appearance: Singin’ in the Rain; Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle; Purple Rain; It Happened One Night; American Graffiti; Selma; A League of Their Own; and Public Vote. Expect Purple Rain to be purplelicious to honor the passing of Prince.
SAN DIEGO
Film in the Garden
Website
Highlight: Movies + art + bar service
Based on the popular and long running summer program “Screen on the Green,” the San Diego Museum of Art offers film screenings at sunset in the heart of Balboa Park, in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden. Expect more than 800 attendees.
Friday Flix by the Bay
Website
Highlight: Waterfront view + pre-show entertainment
The Port of San Diego will host Friday Flix by the Bay this summer, a free film series held every other Friday evening at different waterfront parks. Includes pre-show entertainment, activities and concessions beginning at 6:30 PM.
Stone Brewing Movie Nights
Website
Highlight: Beer + munchies
Every Tuesday throughout the summer, the brewery shows movies on a twelve-foot screen in their garden. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Flicks on Bricks
Website
Highlight: Wine pairings that complement the movie
Hosted on the outdoor patio at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, this four-film series features screenings of classic cinema al fresco along with summer wine pairings selected by Barbara Baxter.
Little Italy Summer Film Festival
Website
Highlight: Italian movies! What more could you want?
Mamma mia, do the films look delicious! Held Saturdays throughout the summer in Amici Park, begin your evening with a romantic dinner at one of the great Italian restaurants in the neighborhood and end it on a blanket under the stars.
LOS ANGELES
Rooftop Cinema Club
Website
Highlight: Unusual venue + headphones + comfortable chairs
Rooftop Cinema Club screenings are held on the roof of the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre (just across from the Hollywood / Vine Metro Station), offering one of the most unique movie going-experiences in the city. Guests relax in lawn chairs while enjoying the movie’s audio via headphones, which are provided for each attendee.
Note: There are limited tickets available and they sell out quickly, so book ASAP.
Street Food Cinema
Website
Highlight: Variety of great food
At venues across the city, through October 31st, 2016
Screenings are held every Saturday night at various locations across L.A. Each evening features live music and food from the city’s top trucks. Highlights include Mean Girls on July 25, Heathers on Aug. 8, The Big Lebowski on Aug. 15 and Shaun of the Dead on Oct. 31.
Eat, See, Hear
Website
Highlight: Venues spread across city + GIGANTIC screen
At venues across the city, through September 12th, 2016
Enjoy food, fun and cult-favorite movies on a 52-foot-wide inflatable movie screen, including the ¡Three Amigos! on July 18 and The Princess Bride on Sept. 12.
MIAMI
Soundscape Cinema Series
Website
Highlights: Central location + close to restaurants
The FREE SoundScape Cinema Series is presented by Citi® and held at the Miami Beach SoundScape ExoStage, corner of 17 Street and Washington Avenue. Movies begin at 8:00 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE unless otherwise noted.
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See all of our Luxury Hotels
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