Outdoor Movies, Shows Return To The Astoria Waterfront

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Outdoor movies are returning to the Astoria waterfront this month.

The screenings, which will be held at Astoria Park’s Great Lawn and the Radial Park drive-in movie theater on the Hallets Point peninsula, will kick off as soon as Friday May 14 and run through June.

Free movies will be shown at Astoria Park at 8:15 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays, from May 14 through June 4, according to The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition calendar. The Radial Park production, which is a ticketed screening of “The Blues Brothers” film with a live theatrical performance, will kick off at 7:00 p.m. on May 27, and then show at 8:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday evening through June 26, according to the venue’s website.

The waterfront series at Astoria Park is made possible by support from The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and City Councilmembers Costa Constantinides and Jimmy Van Bramer, both of whom have represented Astoria and Long Island City. Here's a list of all of the movies that will be playing at the park:

Friday, May 14: “A Star Is Born” (Rated R)
Friday, May 21: “Back To The Future”
Friday, May 28: “Toy Story 4”
Friday, June 4: “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood”

The development coalition did not immediately respond to comment about whether the showings will have limited capacity, but the calendar on their website currently doesn’t include an option to reserve tickets.

The Radial Park hybrid performance, held at The Durst Organization Hallets Point Play at 27-50 1st Street, couples a movie showing with live performances from Broadway stars, including Charity Angel Dawson, Nick Rashad Burroughs, F. Michael Haynie, Brian Charles Johnson and Antoine L. Smith.

The movie-slash-performance is a ticketed event, with tickets ranging from $125 to $150 for a group of up to five people. There’s also a $35 per-person ticket option on the show’s opening night.

Each ticket reserves a 16-foot-by-16-foot space, where people can park a car or opt instead to reserve a picnic table or bring their own seats.

“Your space for the evening is your piece of real estate. Re-imagine your spot for the evening for maximum comfort and enjoyment. Just respect your property lines!” reads the Radial Park website, which encourages viewers to bring everything from blankets to inflatable sofas.

In addition to spread out spaces, the drive-in is adhering to COVID safety regulations by offering contact-free check-in, and encouraging movie goers to wear masks when outside of their car or designated spot.

There will also be concession stands and themed food trucks on site for moviegoers to buy food and drinks during the performance.

“The Blues Brothers” tickets are currently on sale here.