4 Harlem Playgrounds Hosting Free Movie Screenings This Summer

HARLEM, NY — Instead of buying tickets, Harlemites have the option this summer of simply walking to a nearby playground to catch a movie at one of four upcoming screenings.

They're part of "Movies Under the Stars," a Parks Department series that has returned this year after a pandemic hiatus.

Each event is free, with some chairs reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. There are no tickets but space may be limited, so you should arrive early to snag a spot.

Here are the four upcoming Harlem screenings:

• July 9, 8:30–10:30 p.m. at Annunciation Playground (West 135th Street and Convent Avenue): "The Princess and the Frog"
  • More information
• July 15, 8:30–11:30 p.m. at Jacob H. Schiff Playground (West 136th Street and Amsterdam Avenue): "Frozen II"
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• July 17, 8:30–11 p.m. at Playground One Twenty Five (Morningside Avenue and West 124th Street): "Adventures in Babysitting"
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• August 7, 8–11 p.m. at Moore Playground (Madison Avenue and East 130th Street): "Deep Blue Sea"
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Guests are asked to wear masks if they're unvaccinated, or fi they feel more comfortable doing so.

"Movies Under the Stars" began in 2014, aiming to provide free, neighborhood-based entertainment.

"Summer in NYC is not complete without our annual ‘Movie Under the Stars’ screenings," said Anne del Castillo, commisioner of the city's Office of Media and Entertainment, in a statement. "These free screenings provide a terrific opportunity for families and friends to come together for filmed entertainment on warm summer nights — something we can all appreciate now more than ever."

Read the citywide movie lineup here.