Entertainment on a Budget: NYC Summer Movies for Free

Very few things, in my opinion, match the smells of creamy hot butter as it melts popcorn, the fizz of fountain soda bubbles as they wash the kernels down, and a great flick at your local movie theater.

Ever since I was a small child, I loved going to the movies. Now, however, with a date for two costing well over $30 or $40 dollars with snacks, where does the budget-savvy spender turn?

Fortunately, there is no better time to frugally enjoy film than in the summertime in New York City. Flicks of old and new are showcased at some of the most beautiful spots in and around the city, such as under the trees of Bryant Park and below the stars in Hoboken, New Jersey. The best part? They are all either cheap or free!

Listed below are Finance Chick 911's top ten picks of locations for your viewing pleasure this season.

#7: Rooftop Films Underground Movies Outdoors

http://www.rooftopfilms.com/

These films are showcased at various locations throughout Brooklyn and New York and are blended with live music demonstrations prior to screenings. The surrounding views at the multiple venues are stunning, and the subject matter ranges from the patriotic to wildly rebellious, the innovative to classical, and the promiscuous to reserved. Tickets range in price, but are typically inexpensive depending on the night.

#6: Shakespeare in Central Park

http://publictheater.org/

Tickets are rather difficult to acquire for these performances, and they are often done by celebrities such as Meryl Streep. Although they are not films, so to speak, the entertainment is well worth the hassle! You can try to dig up your own tickets the day of the showing around the park theater, or you can try your luck with the few available online. Check out the website for more information.

#5: Summer on the Hudson

http://nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/events/output_pages/summer_on_the_hudson.php

The best part about this website is that there are so many activities to do beyond movies - all for free. There are evening yoga classes, picnicing in the park before dusk, and movies shown every Wednesday evening from July 9^th to August 20^th at 8:30pm at Pier I at 70^th street. The movie showings can be a little cramped, so be sure to get there early.

#4: Brooklyn Bridge Park's Movies with a View

http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/index.cfm?objectid=EF670B44-3048-2C77-F20C2202337458ED

The eclectic grouping of movies for the 2008 season (ranging from The Shining to Stand By Me and Cabaret to Pleasantville), is sure to draw a crowd. Staring on July 10^th, stop by the park early for free food and music. Movies begin at 8:30pm.

#3: River Flicks - Free Movie Screenings on the Hudson

http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/index.asp

This organization divides up their screenings based on "movies for kids" and "movies for adults. The kids' screenings encompass a wide range of movies from the classics such as E.T. and Goonies to newer fliks such as Shrek. Grownups are entertained with Purple Rain and Saturday Night Fever. Popcorn, as well as the movies, are free!

#2: Bryant Park Summer 2008 Free Film Series

http://gonyc.about.com/cs/summer/a/hbobryantpark.htm

Movies are shown here every Monday night in the summer, and you will definitely want to get here early (around 5pm), to secure a spot for your blanket. All of the movies are old classics, and are of course: free!

#1: Hoboken's Movies Under the Stars

http://www.hobokeni.com/film.asp#mus

Selections are slightly more modern here (such as Michael Clayton and Hairspray), and take place with one of the most breath-taking backdrops of Manhattan behind the screen. Viewers gather every Wednesday night in Pier A Park at 9pm with fully-loaded picnic baskets and comfy blankets. There are plenty of ice cream trucks and vendors around to appease that sweet tooth craving. I must add that this Hubber is quite a fan!