Central Park Conservancy Film Festival 2026
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Festival
The Central Park Conservancy hosts a free outdoor film festival in Central Park, and the 2026 edition is the 23rd annual. Presented by National Geographic, it runs October 6 to 9 with one film each evening.
The screen goes up on the landscape between Cherry Hill and Sheep Meadow. Gates open at 5:30 PM for pre-show programming and music, and each film starts at dusk, around 7:00 PM
All screenings are weather permitting. The Conservancy announces any cancellation by 11:00 AM on the day of the event.
2026 Central Park Conservancy Film Festival Lineup
All four screenings are free and open captioned, with each film starting at dusk (around 7:00 PM).
- Tuesday, October 6: Carl Sagan: We are Made of Star Stuff, 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, October 7: Time and Water, 7:00 PM
- Thursday, October 8: Blink, 7:00 PM
- Friday, October 9: LION, 7:00 PM
How to Attend the Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
Dates: October 6–9, 2026
Time: Gates open: 5:30 PM, film screenings begin at dusk (around 7:00 PM), preceded by pre-show programming
Location: Landscape between Cherry Hill and Sheep Meadow (closest entrance is West 69th Street, then walk directly east and the lawn will be on your left)
Admission: Free – no tickets required
Weather: Event may be canceled for rain, lightning, severe heat, or high winds. Cancellations are announced by 11:00 AM on the day of the event.
Restrooms: Mineral Springs/Great Hill (#17 on our restroom locations list). There are also portable toilets along the perimeter.
Accessibility: There are no stairs to access the landscape. There is a reserved section at the top of the landscape for individuals in wheelchairs.
All ages are welcome.
Food: Bring your own or book one of our grab & go picnics!
Chairs are not allowed on the lawn. Bring a blanket.
Pets are not encouraged at this event. Any pet that does attend must stay on a leash for the full screening.
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival FAQs
Is the film festival free, and do I need a ticket?
Yes, admission is free, and no tickets or pre-registration is required.
When do the gates open and what time does the movie start?
Gates open at 5:30 PM for pre-show programming and music. Each film starts at dusk, around 7:00 PM.
Where is the closest entrance to the film festival lawn?
The closest entrance is at West 69th Street. Walk directly east and the lawn will be on your left.
Is there parking at the film festival?
Parking is not available at the festival, because driving and parking personal vehicles in Central Park is prohibited. Discounted garages around the park, including One Lincoln Plaza Garage at 20 West 64th Street, offer lower rates when you reserve ahead.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes. Bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, since no concessions are provided at the event.
Can I bring a chair?
No. Chairs are not allowed on the lawn, so bring a blanket and skip tarps, plastic sheeting, and inflatable couches.
What happens if it rains?
The festival can be canceled for rain, lightning, severe heat, or high winds. The Conservancy announces cancellations by 11:00 AM on the day of the event.
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