Outdoor Movies in Westchester Reach All Corners of the County

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities and make lasting memories with friends and family. For many, attending free outdoor movie screenings is an ideal way to spend quality time with those loved ones. Among the many free and affordable outdoor arts events occurring in Westchester, films abound in parks throughout the county. In Westchester, these events are sprinkled throughout all corners of the county, from Mount Vernon to Yorktown.

For a unique twist on the traditional movie experience, these outdoor movie nights provide those who are looking for a fun and affordable way to spend a summer evening with the opportunity to enjoy cinema while also enjoying a nice summer breeze.

Film enthusiasts may enjoy the screening of the 2020 Crip Camp documentary screening at The Capa Space while a family outing can include any numbers of films throughout the summer. Marvel fans can get their fill in Yonkers with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Fleming Field (8/25) or Thor: Love and Thunder at Ridge Hill (8/31). Speaking of Ridge Hill, this can also be the spot for a nostalgic date night with a screening of Ghostbusters: Afterlife (9/28).

The majority of these events take place in parks, offering a diverse range of films for every age group and plenty of room to spread out a blanket and participate in the festivities. Many events include live music, food trucks, kids’ activities or the option to bring a picnic. In fact, Wartburg senior living facility’s Movies on the Meadow even combines book club and movie club in Mount Vernon with screenings of literary movies like The Great Gatsby (8/3).

Often organized by different towns in Westchester, outdoor movie nights are taking place in Mamaroneck, Mount Vernon, Yonkers and more. The White Plains Hospital Screenings Under the Stars series, presented by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative, takes place in three locations: Valhalla (DC League of Super-Pets, 7/28), Croton-On-Hudson (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, 8/10 and New Rochelle (The Bad Guys, 8/25).

For a double dose of entertainment, the Town of Cortlandt hosts a Concert and Movies series, during which guests can enjoy live music performances followed by a free outdoor movie screening with a backdrop of the Hudson River at Waterfront Park in Verplanck. Included are First Class Dance Band followed by D.C. League of Super Pets (7/20) and McLean Avenue Band followed by Strange World (8/3). Guests can soak up the upbeat tunes of local bands and then settle in for a cinematic treat as the sun sets.

Outdoor screenings offer Westchester residents with an uncharted opportunity to relax, unwind and become immersed in the magic of cinema while enjoying the pleasant summer weather. However, on par with the recent unpleasant weather, readers are advised to check with local venues in the case of rain to determine whether the event has been postponed or cancelled.

For a full list of free and affordable outdoor arts events through September, including outdoor movies, visit ArtsWestchester’s Music in the Air directory.

Photos: Black Panther Wakanda Forever (courtesy of Disney);  Puss in Boots The Last Wish (courtesy of Dreamworks).

Alexa Tuchman is a Communications intern at ArtsWestchester. She is a recent graduate of John Jay High School in Cross River and will attend The University of Vermont in the fall, majoring in music business. She has also enjoyed helping with local music and film festivals.