Free Films Outdoors
Perfect for cash-strapped students
If you’re in the mood for a movie but don’t want to break the bank at the multiplex, you’re in luck. During the summer, Boston offers numerous weekly free screenings suitable for viewers of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or want to see something that’s just out, you’ve got options.
Sunday Night Movies in the Park
Christopher Columbus Park
Boston
Beginning at dusk, or around 8 p.m., Columbus Park’s weekly Sunday screenings present former blockbuster films. Boasting titles such as E.T., The Princess Bride, and Up, the series is a great option for families with young children and viewers of any age.
To get to Columbus Park, take the MBTA Green Line to Government Center and transfer to the Blue Line heading inbound. Take the Blue Line to the Aquarium stop. Walk north, around the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. The park is a short walk from there.
Outdoor Movie Mondays
Liberty Hotel
215 Charles St.
Boston
Offering comfortable sofas, a quiet courtyard, and most importantly, free popcorn, The Yard at the Liberty Hotel is the ideal place to watch a film “en plein air.” This Monday night series features independent films such as the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival entry Bomber and The Trotsky, which was recently featured at the Tribeca Film Festival.
To get to the Liberty Hotel, take the MBTA Green Line to Park Street and transfer to a Red Line outbound train heading toward Alewife. Get off at the Charles/MGH stop. The hotel will be directly across from the station.
Movies by Moonlight
Boston Harbor Hotel and Rowes Wharf Sea Grille
70 Rowes Wharf,
Boston
Each Friday during the summer, the Boston Harbor Hotel presents classic films such as Annie, Watch on the Rhine, and Back to the Future. Films are shown on a screen on the large gazebo. Hotel guests as well as pedestrians along the waterfront can enjoy the films in a beautiful setting overlooking the harbor.
To get to the Boston Harbor Hotel, take an MBTA Green Line trolley to the Government Center stop and walk west toward the harbor for about 15 minutes.
Free Friday Flicks
Hatch Shell
The Esplanade
Boston
Free Friday Flicks is a series designed to appeal to families with kids, but obviously everyone is welcome. Located at Boston’s iconic Hatch Shell and hosted by WBZ NewsRadio, the series provides moviegoers with free giveaways, food samples, and games in addition to the free movies. This year’s films include How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story 3, and Iron Man 2. The screenings begin around sundown/8:30 p.m.—although other activities begin around 6 p.m.— but get there early to get a good spot.
To get to the Hatch Shell, take the MBTA’s Green Line trolley to the Arlington stop or take an outbound Red Line train to the Charles/MGH stop. Walk down Arlington Street toward Beacon Street and cross towards the Arthur Fiedler Walkway, which will be right in front of you. After crossing the walkway, the Hatch Shell will be on the right.
John Fichera can be reached at jfichera@gmail.com.
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