Summer Fun at SummerScreen
It is like New York City takes a deep breath at the start of summer. And with its exhale, the city releases a swarm of fun activities and recreations. NYC simply comes alive; there is just so much to do. New Yorker’s shed their hibernating winter habits and roam the streets exploring rooftop venues, outdoor restaurants and pools galore.
One of my favorites NYC summer activities is Williamsburg’s very own SummerScreen. The event first launched in the summer of 2005. Over 3,000 people swept McCarren Park Pool to watch its first film, Do the Right Thing. Since then, it has been a highly popularized and expected gathering.
There are many other outdoor/rooftop film scenes such as Bryant Park’s Summer Film Festival. However, what separates SummerScreen from the rest is not only the great variety of movies, but also its engaging line-up. SummerScreen first entertains its guest with live bands. Many people come to the park as early as 5pm, claiming their spots with blankets and beach chairs. Thus, audiences are geared up with amazing music of diverse styles, starting at 6pm. As the sun begins to set, viewers are then primed with episodes of short TV shows such as Black Dynamite. SummerScreen also surrounds you with amazing food and drink vendors, present before and throughout the show, selling yummy treats.
SummerScreen runs every Wednesday night until the end of August. Don’t miss any of the shows! Here is the line up.
7/25 – Dirty Dancing
The Bands: 6pm – Vaz; 6:45pm – Prince Rama; 7:30pm – A secret surprise band
8/1 – The Princess Bride
The Bands: 6pm – PC Worship; 6:45pm – Soft Circle; 7:30pm – Extreme Animals
8/8 – Top Gun
The Bands: 6pm – An open submission band via ReverbNation; 645pm – Knyfe Hyts; 7:30pm – Skeletons
8/15 – Viewer’s choice! Vote for movie on Facebook!
The Bands: 6pm – Special guests (TBA); 7pm – Ducktails
8/22 – Raising Arizona (RAIN DATE)
The Bands: 6pm – Dustin Wong (of Ponytail); 6:45pm – Tim Harrington (from Les Savy Fav); 7:30pm – Talk Normal
McCarren Park hosts SummerScreen at the corner of Bedford Ave and North 12th street.
This year, SummerScreen is getting interactive. Now you can vote for the film playing on August 15th. Vote for your favorite movie through Facebook.
SummerScreen is 100% free; but this year they are selling VIP tickets, which will guarantee buyers great seats, up close and centered, along with coupons to use at any of the vendors, two drink tickets and dessert from the Coolhaus truck.
VIP will also grant you access to the after party on the King and Grove roof deck just across the street from McCarren Park.
SummerScreen offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a romantic date or for a chill outing with friends.