Why shell out $11 a ticket and another $8 for stale popcorn to see a lackluster summer flick when you can view a tried and true film for nada? With so many free summer outdoor film series in New York, you’d be a fool not to take advantage. Don’t forget the blanket, a corkscrew and this guide to nearby picnic-perfect markets, take out spots and wine shops. If you aren’t a hopeless procrastinator, stop by Trader Joe’s wine shop (138 East 14th St., 212-529-6326) in advance and stock up for the season. You can never, in my gauche opinion, have too much “three buck chuck.”
The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival (Mondays through Aug. 20) is the holy grail of free outdoor summer movie series. Come when the lawn opens at 5 p.m. if you want a prime spot. Arriving early means you will need a serious spread to keep you occupied until dusk. For the lazy and last minute picnickers, ’wichcraft (in Bryant Park, 212-780-0577), concept of Top Chef judge and the man behind Craft, Craftsteak and Craftbar Tom Colicchio, will deliver delicious sandwiches right to your cramped grassy (or concrete) spot. Look for the ’wichcraft waiters with laptops strapped to their chests. Try the roasted turkey with bacon, avocado and onion relish on a ciabatta roll ($9.50), an ice cream’wich ($3.50) and an iced cappuccino ($3.50).
Head to the Hudson River Park (Piers 54 and 46) on Wednesday and Friday nights for River Flicks (through Aug. 24). Fridays are kid-friendly and the season culminates with the fourth annual showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The Chelsea Market (45 Ninth Ave.) is a one-stop-shop for all your picnic needs. Try a loaf of tangy sourdough ($3) or foccacia raisin twist ($1.50) from Amy’s Bread (212-462-4338), pick up some cheese and prosciutto (prices vary) from Buon Italia (212-633-9090) and a bottle of rosé ($7.99 and up) from the Chelsea Wine Vault (212-462-4244). Top it all off with a few of the rich, dense brownies ($2.50 each) from Fat Witch (888-41-WITCH) and you’ll be Wonka-ready.
For the uptown crowd, Riverside Park’s Movies Under The Stars (Pier 1 nr. W. 70th St.) is every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. (through Aug. 22). Start your picnic adventure at Pour Wines (321 Amsterdam Ave., 212-501-POUR), with one of their summer three-bottle specials ($34-54). Then walk down to Fairway (2127 B’way, 212-595-1888) and grab all the bread, cheese, olives and prepared foods you can carry. Channel your Jewish grandmother—or favorite Seinfeld episode—and buy a chocolate babka ($6.99) and some rugelach ($8.99 per pound) for dessert.
Rooftop Shorts (350 Grand St.) screens films on, you guessed it, a rooftop on the Lower East Side. You can expect that, much like the hipsters who frequent the neighborhood, it will be artsy and chock-full of odd documentaries and short films. Fortunately, the location is close to the gritty but gourmet Essex Street Market (120 Essex St.). Make your way to the back and visit the tiny Formaggio Essex (212-982-8200), and sample their selection of cheese (prices vary) until you find a variety you love (or stock up on free samples before the show). Pick up a bottle of wine at Schapiro’s Wines (212-832-3176) or some fresh juice ($2.75-$5) at Tra La La Juice Bar (212-982-8585) and practice your best hipster pout.
From Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, Central Park boasts five nights film fun in Rumsey Playfield (enter at East 72nd St.), featuring movies shot in the festival’s namesake. Check out Fatal Attraction (Aug. 30), but first head to the old-school French pastry emporium Payard Patisserie (1032 Lexington Ave., 212-717-5252) for elaborate croissants, éclairs and tarts ($4.25-5.75). Choose from their selection of baguette sandwiches ($9.75) or order a croque monsieur ($13) to go from their traditional French bistro menu.
The Elevated Acre (55 Water St.) is a bit remote, but you’ll be glad you made the trek for the River to River movie series (Tuesday nights in August) when you feel the cool breeze off of the East River (and maybe spot David Bowie). Walk north on Water Street and browse the gourmet takeout (sandwiches $7.50-$7.95, entrees start at $12.50) options at Table Tales Café (243 Water St., 212-766-2370). We recommend the buttermilk chicken sandwich ($7.95) and the macaroni with Sunday gravy ($12.50). Then stop at Famous Wines & Spirits (40 Exchange Pl., 212-422-4743) for a few bottles of Prosecco ($12.99-15.99).
Brooklyn Bridge Park Movies with a View (Thurs. through Aug. 23) has a stellar backdrop. Starting at 6 p.m., DJs spin tunes inspired by the movies that follow at sundown. If there’s a more perfect spot to watch Muppets Take Manhattan (Aug. 19) or West Side Story (Aug. 23), I don’t know of it. Go simple and grab a large pepperoni pie ($16) from Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (19 Old Fulton St., 718-858-4300). Nominate a friend to run to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (1 Water St., 718-246-3963) before it closes at 11 p.m. and pick up a few scoops ($3.50 each) to share. If you don’t have time for any of these pan-Asian Rice is also hocking high-end meals for the masses.
