HomeFeaturesEntertainmentThe Best NJ Spots for "Star-Gazing" (aka Movies Under the Stars)

The Best NJ Spots for "Star-Gazing" (aka Movies Under the Stars)

What could beat catching a summer blockbuster with the family? How about watching movies under the stars, in a community park or on the beach? Check out Best of NJ’s outdoor movies roundup to get your outdoor cinema fix. While most screenings are both family-friendly and free, be sure to check each website for all the details.

Table of Contents

  1. North Jersey
  2. Central Jersey
  3. South Jersey
  4. Jersey Shore

More from Best of NJ

The New Jersey Food Truck Cookbook On Sale Now

NORTH JERSEY


Bergen County

Bergen County boasts several options for outdoor moviegoers; Fort Lee hosts Music and Movies Under the Stars every Saturday through Sept. 2. Plus, on July 26 and Aug. 30, Franklin Lakes will screen a Movie Under the Stars at Parsons Pond Park.

Atlantic Street Park in Hackensack and Memorial Park at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood also have outdoor movie series ongoing throughout the summer.

Essex County

Essex County has no shortage of outdoor movie options. Applegate Farm in Upper Montclair has Family Fun Nights on July 26 and Aug. 2, with a DJ and magic show prior to the movie. Montclair Film hosts outdoor films at various locations throughout Montclair and, on Sept. 22, Free Friday Flicks at Kip’s Castle in Verona will present a screening of Sing!

Beginning Aug. 9, South Orange Summer Nights will present Moonlit Movies every Wednesday throughout August, and Oskar Schindler PAC in West Orange will host Movie Night on the lawn throughout August. Also in West Orange, Turtle Back Zoo is screening “Zoo-vies” on Wednesdays from now through Aug. 30.

If you’d like your pup to join in on the fun, check out Outdoor Movies for Dogs and Their Humans at the Newark Museum on Thursdays in August.

Hudson County

Pier A Park in Hoboken hosts Movies Under the Stars on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Films in Van Vorst celebrates its 13th season in Jersey City, while Movies in the Park @ Sundown takes place at various parks throughout Jersey City.

Morris County

On July 28 and Aug. 26, Movies in the Park will be shown in Dover at JFK Common Park. Morris Township presents films on the big screen at Ginty Field, next to the Morris Township Municipal complex.

Sussex County

Dykstra Park in Sparta Township hosts Family Movie Nights in the Park on Aug. 19 and Sept. 9. Prior to the screening, there will be a DJ, face painting and special prizes.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Mercer County

Palmer Square in Princeton presents Summer Movies on the Green during select Fridays. Get there early to enjoy food and ice cream from the square before the show time.

Somerset County

Dunham Park in Bernard’s Township is screening films on July 26 and Aug. 2, while Duke Island Park in Bridgewater hosts a Friday Night Drive-In Movie on July 28.

Union County

The Screen on the Green movie series in Summit hosts family-friendly films on Thursdays until Aug. 10, complete with character meet-and-greets before the show. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders also offers Family Fun & Flix at various parks throughout the county, and Friday Family Movie Night in Scotch Plains takes place throughout August on the Alan Augustine Green.


SOUTH JERSEY


Burlington County

Catch a movie on the beach at Mirror Lake Beach in Pemberton, every Friday through Aug. 25; admission is free, and so is the popcorn!

Camden County

In Camden, Clementon Park & Splash World gold or season pass holders can check out Dive-in Movies every Friday through Aug. 18, while Collingswood offers Movies in Knight Park every Thursday through Aug. 24.

Gloucester County

Gloucester County hosts Movies in the Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in different boroughs and townships throughout the county. Check out the county calendar for times and locations.


JERSEY SHORE


Atlantic County

Start your weekend off right with Thrilling Thursdays in Margate City. Every Thursday through Aug. 31, a Family Movie Under the Stars will be shown on South Decatur Avenue in front of Lucy The Elephant. Head over early, though, because there’s a whole day of fun to be had before show time, including a local farmer’s market, sidewalk sales and free beach access.

Cape May County

On Thursday nights in Cape May, Stockton Beach hosts Free Movies on the Beach starting at 8:30 pm. Friday nights offer a choice: Check out a Movie Under the Stars in Sea Isle City (through Sept. 1) or a Movie on the Beach in Wildwood until Aug. 18.

Monmouth County

Belmar’s Movies on the Beach are shown most Saturdays between now and Sept. 9, while Howell hosts Movies in the Park on select Fridays between July 28 and Sept. 8. Free Film Thursdays take place on Second Avenue Beach in Asbury Park every Thursday in August.

Ocean County

In Brick, as part of the town’s annual Summerfest, you can catch a drive-in movie on Aug. 11, 18 and 25. On Sundays and Tuesdays through Aug. 30, Seaside Heights will screen Movies on the Beach at the Carteret Avenue Stage.


If you’re looking for more outdoor activities in the Garden State, be sure to prepare for the total solar eclipse this summer or stop by one of New Jersey’s Best Spraygrounds!


Hero (Top) Feature Image: © alexandre zveiger / Adobe Stock

Newsletter Signup Prompt