Sitting in a freezing movie theater is a perfectly fine way to whittle away a rainy summer day, but when the skies are clear and the temperature is south of 90 you want to be outdoors. Whether you’re out on the East End, in the city or anywhere in between, there are dozens of places to catch a flick outside this summer. We narrowed the options down to the places that offer some of the coolest viewing, so grab your besties, your significant other or even the whole family and make it a movie night.
SummerScreen, Brooklyn
McCarren Park is once again hosting a free live music/film series. On Wednesday nights, bring a date or a group of friends and dive into such American classics as Jurassic Park, Wet Hot American Summer or Dazed and Confused. There are plenty of food vendors and heaps of hipsters.
Bracco’s Nautical Mile, Freeport
Thursdays are movie nights this summer at Bracco’s Nautical Mile. Head to the seafood eatery for cold drinks, great seafood and movies that include classics such as Caddyshack, The Breakfast Club and National Lampoon’s Vacation. $10 gets you beachside seats and wireless headphones.
Prime, Huntington
image: jim lennon photographer
The outdoor theater behind Prime’s legendary Cabana Bar comes alive every Monday night this July and August with popcorn, cocktails and BBQ served while hit movies play. Grab your girlfriends for Sex and the City (July 20), bring the whole family for Little Rascals (Aug. 3) or make it a date night for Top Gun (Aug. 31).
Movies on the Beach, Long Beach
Spend a Saturday afternoon enjoying the beach and stay for a flick. Movies on the Beach take place on Saturdays in Long Beach throughout July, August and September. Simply head to Neptune Boulevard Beach with your blankets, beach chairs and some food and keep an eye on which direction the screen is being set up (It changes each time based on wind, lights on the boardwalk and other environmental factors). Most shows begin at sunset but check the full schedule and times.
Rooftop Film Club, Midtown
Located on the biggest rooftop terrace in New York, the Yotel outdoor theater will showcase some of Hollywood’s more memorable cult classic films. Anticipate a plethora of iconic 80s and 90s movies: Dirty Dancing, The Goonies and The Big Lebowski. And of course, they provide the high-end earphones, summery drinks and a starlit sky.
Mad46 Rooftop Lounge, Midtown
image: mad46
The Roosevelt Hotel’s rooftop lounge serves as a secluded hideaway offering stunning views of Midtown, delectable signature cocktails, such as the Mad Mojito which comes complete with a white-chocolate stick and shaved coconut and a menu that includes Peppermint Chimichurri Lobster. Every other Tuesday, the lounge transforms into a rooftop outdoor movie theater where you can catch flicks such as Ghostbusters, Sex and the City and Anchorman.
Movies on the Harbor, Port Jefferson
Grab the blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner and head to Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson to catch a movie. Summer flicks begin at dusk on Tuesdays through July and August. The showings, which include Hook (July 21), Hunger Games/Mockingjay Part 1 (July 28) Finding Nemo (Aug. 18), are geared for the whole family.
Drive-In Movies, Southampton
Not outside per-say, but when was the last time you went to a drive-in movie? The Southampton Chamber of Commerce hosts three movies at Coopers Beach this summer. Drive-in to Big Hero 6 (July 27), A Dolphin Tale 2 (Aug. 3) and Insurgent (Aug. 10) and don’t forget you need an FM radio for the throwback viewing. Movies start at dark, but gates open at 6:30pm if you want to be first to find that perfect parking spot.
Reporting contributed by Brian Kelly.