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Free Summer Movies are returning to Brooklyn parks this season as NYC Parks and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment expand the city’s “Movies Under the Stars” program across all five boroughs for 2026.
The annual outdoor movie series will bring more than 300 free screenings to parks and public spaces throughout New York City from spring through fall, featuring family favorites, blockbuster films, animated movies, documentaries, and community-centered programming.
For Brooklyn residents, the program adds several local screening locations where families, friends, and neighbors can enjoy outdoor movie nights without leaving their neighborhoods.
The initiative was detailed in a press release published via NYC Newswire, city officials say the expanded series is designed to provide affordable entertainment while helping communities reconnect through shared outdoor experiences.
Several Brooklyn parks and playgrounds are included in this year’s expanded lineup of free movie locations.
Featured Brooklyn screening sites include:
Located near Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, Commodore Barry Park will once again become an outdoor movie destination for nearby families and residents looking for free summer entertainment close to home.
This East New York-area location joins the expanded 2026 schedule as NYC Parks pushes the movie series deeper into neighborhood communities across Brooklyn.
Situated near Coney Island, Kaiser Park offers a waterfront-adjacent setting for outdoor movie nights during the summer season.
Rappaport Playground is also part of the expanded Brooklyn lineup, bringing additional free entertainment options to local residents this year.
Sunset Park will host student film screenings connected to the 8th Annual NYC Public School Film Festival on June 13, adding a local arts and youth-centered component to the citywide program.
City officials say the Movies Under the Stars series has become one of New York City’s most popular seasonal community programs because it combines entertainment, neighborhood gathering spaces, and affordability during the summer months.
“This summer, parks in every borough will transform into open-air movie theaters where New Yorkers can rediscover classics, experience new favorites, and spend time together—all for free,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in the announcement.
The 2026 schedule includes a mix of family-friendly films, classic movies, newer releases, documentaries, and independent productions.
Planned featured titles include:
Officials also announced a special soccer-themed film series tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup celebrations.
The expanded movie schedule arrives as many New Yorkers continue searching for affordable family-friendly activities during the summer.
Outdoor movie nights have increasingly become popular across Brooklyn neighborhoods because they offer low-cost entertainment options while encouraging residents to spend time in parks and public spaces.
“This cherished summer tradition brings culture, connection, and unforgettable experiences to neighborhoods across all five boroughs,” NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said.
Organizers encourage residents to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for screenings, which typically begin at dusk.
Movies Under the Stars screenings will continue throughout the summer and fall across New York City parks.
Officials say additional schedules, movie dates, and screening details will be posted through the NYC Parks website as the season continues.
Additional details were first outlined in a press release published via NYC Newswire.
The expansion of Free Summer Movies across Brooklyn reflects the city’s broader push to increase accessible neighborhood entertainment and activate public spaces during the warmer months.
Are Movies Under the Stars screenings free?
Yes. All Movies Under the Stars screenings are free and open to the public.
What Brooklyn parks are participating?
Brooklyn locations include Commodore Barry Park, Seth Low Playground, Kaiser Park Baseball Field, Rappaport Playground, and Sunset Park.
What kinds of movies will be shown?
The series includes family films, animated movies, documentaries, independent films, and special themed screenings.
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