Photo Courtesy of Google
The free movies will be projected onto a 60-foot screen constructed in the New York Hall of Science parking lot.
By Forum Staff
Acting Borough President Sharon Lee’s “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In”—a series of seven free, drive-in film screenings on the grounds of the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park—kicked off this past Wednesday Aug. 19, with a screening of “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” a documentary chronicling the life of the recently deceased civil rights icon.
According to Lee, the slate of “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” includes an eclectic mix of smash hits, new releases, popular children’s movies and fantastical favorites for all Queens families to enjoy. A series of short films, some produced by local filmmakers, will also be shown prior to each main feature.
The full schedule of “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” is as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 19: “John Lewis: Good Trouble” (2020)
Wednesday, Aug. 26: “Up” (2009)
Wednesday, Sept. 2: “The Lunchbox” (2013)
Wednesday, Sept. 9: “WALL-E” (2008)
Wednesday, Sept. 16: “The Farewell” (2019)
Wednesday, Sept. 23: “Iron Man” (2008)
Wednesday, Sept. 30: “Men in Black” (1997)
Social distancing will be strictly enforced, and neither guests arriving on foot nor those who have not registered in advance will be permitted.
Space is limited with a capacity of approximately 200 vehicles. Pre-registration is required for each screening of the “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In,” and opens two weeks prior to each showing via queensdrivein.com. Upon registration, guests will receive a confirmation, which must either be presented via printed copy or mobile device upon arrival.
According to Lee, food and beverages will be available for contactless purchase through featured vendors that participate in the seasonal Queens Night Market, held annually at the NYSCI parking lot in Flushing Meadows Corona Park but currently postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Food and beverages can be purchased via contactless ordering during pre-show programming or via stadium-style vendors walking the premises before the main feature.
“It certainly has been an unusual New York summer without concerts and other large-scale events at our beloved city parks, like the ‘Only in Queens Summer Festival’ in prior years,” Lee said. “Together with key partners, we’re delighted to bring this series of free movie nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In as a fun throwback for the Borough of Families, while prioritizing safety in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.”
The free movie nights in Queens are presented in partnership with NYC Parks, the New York City Comptroller, Rooftop Films, the New York Hall of Science, Museum of the Moving Image, and the Queens Night Market. Providing $70,000 in financial support for the “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” is the non-profit Flushing Meadows Corona Park Improvement Fund, which is jointly overseen by Lee, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, and City Comptroller Scott Stringer.
“New Yorkers have worked hard to flatten the curve, and now it’s important to create opportunities for families and friends to enjoy these summer months together from a safe distance,” Stringer added.
