Photo courtesy Marissa Mitchell | VW Picture Bus
Enjoy the fresh air and the big screen this summer at these affordable, popular outdoor movie nights with family and friends.
By Dave Zucker & Carey Gallagher
Outdoor movie nights have been one of Westchester’s favorite summer community events for years. While catching a flick indoors at a local theater is always a good time, there’s something seriously special about watching a screening while seated al fresco with family, friends, and a giant tub of popcorn. Here’s where to go to enjoy the silver screen outdoors in the 914.
Looking for even more fun?
Click here for our guide to drive-in theater destinations near Westchester!
The Town of Cortlandt’s Summer Concert & Movie Series
Cortlandt Waterfront Park
77 Riverview Ave, Verplanck
The Town of Cortlandt is back to hosting its Summer Concert and Movie Series at Cortlandt Waterfront Park, now until August 5. With only two nights left to enjoy live music followed by movies the whole family can enjoy (Disney and Pixar’s Onward and Cinderella), you won’t want to miss out on a fun-filled outing overlooking the beautiful Hudson River. Local food vendors will also be in attendance offering delicious snack and dinner options for sale. Opening acts begin at 6 p.m., followed by live music at 7 p.m. and the movie screening at 8:30 p.m. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed.
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Peekskill’s Riverfront Summer Family Movie Night
Riverfront Green Park
36 Hudson Ave, Peekskill
The City of Peekskill’s Riverfront Programs are back in 2021 with a summer series of outdoor movie screenings, live concerts, and special performances for children of all ages. Set up a blanket or lawn chair in Riverfront Green Park along the tranquil Hudson River on July 16, August 13, and September 10 to enjoy family-friendly films such as Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom & Jerry: The Movie, and Playing with Fire. All outdoor movie nights and other Riverfront Summer events are free and open to the public. Social distancing protocols will be enforced, and masks must be worn at all times.
Ridge Hill Movie Mondays
1 Ridge Hill Blvd, Yonkers
914.207.2900
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets because Ridge Hill’s popular Movie Monday series will return this year, starting July 5 and running through September 6. Films will be screened every Monday night on the South Lawn located at the corner of Market Street and Lembo Street near Whole Foods Market. Films will run the gamut from old classics to modern favorites, and feel free to come early to enjoy food trucks and some family-friendly fun and games starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and seating will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.
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SummerFest Movies on the Green
Cross County Center
8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
914.968.5970
Starting on August 11, every Wednesday of the month locals will be able to stop by the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers for the center’s annual outdoor movie series. Weather permitting, film lovers will get to check out 45-foot screenings of classics at dusk (the titles of which will be announced soon). So grab your friends, family, and chairs and head down to SummerFest’s Movies on the Green in the center of the mall–completely free of charge–and, while you’re there, you can chow down on any of the delicious food options the Cross County Shopping Center has to offer.
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White Plains Hospital’s Screenings Under the Stars
Kensico Dam Plaza
1 Bronx River Parkway Rd, Valhalla
Croton Point Park
1 Croton Point Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
Tibbetts Brook Park
355 Midland Ave, Yonkers
914.328.1542
Normally one of the most popular (and crowded) outdoor movie nights in the county, the screening series makes an adjustment to keep film lovers safe and entertained this year. The 16-year-old program makes summer fun with a drive-in format that invites Westchesterites to get out and about in a safe and spaced-out way. Starting on July 23, the screenings will be held across three locations with three movies played at Kensico Dam Plaza, two at Croton Point Park, and the final showing at Tibbetts Brook Park on September 24. A total of 125 cars will be able to park and enjoy classic movies, such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Disney’s Mulan. Tickets are $25 per car and only available through online pre-sale. Guests may sit in the back of pickups, in chairs against their vehicles, or in their cars, but must wear masks when social distancing cannot be maintained.
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Bonus: The VW Picture Bus
Looking for something a little bit more intimate? Back in 2018, Northern Westchester resident Marissa Mitchell and her husband restored a vintage 1973 VW Microbus and turned the interior into one of the most sought-after photo booths on the local wedding/party circuit. When business took a turn during the pandemic shutdown, the Mitchells took “Skye,” as the bus is named, and put her to use as a mobile movie night vehicle. Get all the fun of a drive-in with blankets and pillows and snacks, but without the health hazards of 200 other guests crowding you out for the best seat in the house. Contact for availability and private event pricing.
