Outdoor movies

Out and About Family-friendly films for free

The Bites Camera Action free outdoor summer movie series takes place monthly through October in conjunction with Albany’s 1st Friday events on the lawn at SUNY Plaza, located at State Street and Broadway in downtown Albany. Movies will begin at dusk, or approximately 8:30 p.m.; the lawn opens for seating at 7:30 p.m.

Ice cream will be available onsite in both cocktail and kid-friendly flavors from downtown proprieter The Boozy Moo. A flyer with takeout and delivery information for open restaurants during the hours of the event will be provided to attendees each week so hungry visitors can support downtown eateries.

With film screening equipment donated for the series by Christ’s Church Albany and the Albany Police Department, Bites Camera Action will transform the SUNY Plaza lawn into an open-air movie theater. A collection of popular films, including both classics and Oscar-winning new releases, will be screened as part of the series. This year’s selections were chosen by public vote.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan praised the organizations for making it possible to safely enjoy this summer tradition.

Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens echoed her sentiments.

“This collaboration with our partners at SUNY, Christ’s Church, and the City of Albany allows us to offer a wonderfully unique movie-going atmosphere that highlights downtown’s incredible history and architecture,” Steffens said.

Christ’s Church Albany Lead Pastor Jonathan Hentrich added, “It is such a good thing when neighbors can come together for fun activities. We love Albany, and are so excited to be a part of this neighborhood event.”

The upcoming schedule is as follows:

June 3: Spider-Man: No Way Home

July 1: Back to the Future

Aug. 5: Space Jam (1996)

Sept. 2: West Side Story (2021)

Oct. 7: Encanto

All screenings are weather-dependent; updates for inclement weather will be made via the Downtown Albany BID social media channels, as well at downtownalbany.org/bca. The series is sponsored by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) and the State University of New York (SUNY)

Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in on-street spaces. Find more details at www.parkalbany.com.

Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to view the movie, as these items will not be provided by the event organizers.

Find more information on Bites Camera Action at www.downtownalbany.org/bca.

Free screenings of popular films will take place on the first Friday of the month through October at SUNY Plaza in downtown Albany.

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