Hump Day Just Got Better: SummerScreen in McCarren Park

What: SummerScreen

When: Wednesdays, July 8th-Aug 12th. Doors open at 6. Screenings at dusk.

Where: McCarren Park Ball Fields

Why: The dog days of summer aren’t complete without a blanket, crudités, and an outdoor film screening. While city parks and under city bridges make for great locations, many will make a mass exodus tonight to the McCarren Park ballfields for SummerScreen, a project brought to you by L Magazine. After last year’s screening location at the McCarren Park Pool was reclaimed for its original purpose, the magazine went to work finding an alternate neighboring venue ideal for outdoor screenings.

“We’re expecting an active crowd of both locals and visitors—the sort who love exploring the city and taking advantage of great programming,” said Andrea Rosen, L Magazine’s digital marketing manager. 

This year’s six-roster movie schedule kicks off with Ben Stiller’s Reality Bites, later followed by New York City-based film Fame, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It was also just announced that Brooklyn-based band and Northside Festival‘s Wild Yaks will jump-start the event with a live set at 6:30 p.m.

Instead of the standard fare like popcorn and soda, L Magazine has managed to acquire a temporary liquor license so that film buff’s can enjoy Brooklyn’s own Sixpoint Craft Ales and wine from Wine Australia on the premises from 6-8 p.m. Outside beverages and food are prohibited, but feel free to experience light though filling summer eats from DUB Pies, a specialty Australian bakery specializing in crusty, miniature meat and veggie pies. Other area favorites include fresh and local artisans Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, whose 10 signature flavors will be on hand, as well as Mexican comfort food from San Loco.

Cost: Free

How to get there: Take the F train to 14th street. Exit at 14th and 6th avenue. Take the L train to Bedford. Exit near N. 7th and Bedford. Head east to N. 12th to the ballfields. For a full schedule and lineup visit summerscreen.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Fingertoes