Music is the theme at the ninth annual Central Park Film Festival, which brings free movies to the heart of Manhattan for five nights, Aug. 23-27. From rock to country, the films will celebrate great musicians and the best in popular music, with each night showcasing a different musical icon.

Saturday night’s movie is Viewer’s Choice, and thanks to your participation, A Star is Born has won the vote.

The festival will be held in the landscape just north of Sheep Meadow and south of the 72nd St. Cross Drive.

All screenings begin at 8:00 pm, rain or shine. Gates open to the public at 6:30 pm. Guest DJs play at 6:30 pm. All movies will be closed captioned. Bring a picnic! Please note that alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, video cameras, tape recorders or flash cameras are not allowed. All bags are subject to search.

Tuesday, Aug. 23: El Cantante (2006) The life story of Hector Lavoe, who started the salsa movement in 1975 and brought it to the United States. Starring Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. 106 min.

Wednesday, Aug. 24: Bird (1988) The troubled life and career of legendary jazz musician, Charlie “Bird” Parker. Starring Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, and Michael Zelniker. 161 min.

Thursday, Aug. 25: Dreamgirls (2006) Based on the Broadway musical, a trio of black female soul singers crosses over to the pop charts in the early 1960’s. Starring Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. 130 min.

Friday, Aug. 26: Shine a Light (2008) A career-spanning documentary on the legendary rock group, the Rolling Stones. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film includes concert footage from the band’s “A Bigger Bang” tour. 122 min.

Saturday, Aug. 27: Viewers’ Choice

A Star is Born (1976) A has-been rock star falls in love with a young, up-and-coming songstress. Starring Barbra Streisand, Kris Kristofferson and Gary Busey. 139 min.

Things To Do

From The Philharmonic on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park to SummerStage, Central Park offers an endless array of things to do, see, hear – and, with two full service restaurants and several cafes, taste.  You can visit The Shakespeare Garden, take in a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, take a ride on the Carousel – or just sit and people watch at Bethesda Terrace!

Contact Us

Contact Info

5th Ave. 
New York, NY, 10028

Follow On